Apeks EVX series dive regulators are the new flagship models of this world-renowned regulator manufacturer to hit the market in Spring 2025.
The EVX200 and the EVX Tungsten are designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, replacing the now-discontinued XTX 200 series with many innovative features and improvements, further enhancing the ease of breathing and cold water performance.
Apeks cites the EVX Tungsten, with its PVD-coated brass body and similar specifications, as combining state-of-the-art regulator technology based on 50 years of technical expertise in a rugged and durable form.
In simple terms, it's a more robust version of the EVX200, similar to the previous generation XTX Tungsten, which was touted as the company's toughest, highest-performing, and most visually stunning regulator to date.
Each of these regulators, offering streamlined hose routing, can be used stand-alone with any Apeks octopus but is naturally better complemented by the enhanced EVX Octo for recreational single-tank use.
Besides the EVX Tungsten offering more durability in the first stage and colour difference in the second stage (the Tungsten in all-black and EVX200 in black and silver), they share the same enhanced features.
Apeks refers to these regulators' cold-water rating as "Extreme" in its spec sheet, and there certainly is a reason for that compared to previous freeze-resistant cold-water-rated regulators. They take protection to a new level.
Durability: Chrome or PVD?
The new design of the EVX's first stage is not merely about aesthetic appeal, even though both models have a distinctly Sci-Fi vibe; it primarily focuses on delivering reliable performance in a strong body.
The EVX's solid brass body is chrome-plated in the EVX200 version, as are many leading regulators, whereas, as mentioned, it is PVD-coated for the Tungsten.
Subject to Physical Vapour Deposition, Tungsten enjoys a high-tech process in which a super-thin, tough layer is applied to the brass, making it even more resistant to scratches, protected against corrosion, and therefore stronger (with a cool look to it).
That said, we want to emphasise that this doesn't imply the EVX200 is inferior in any way. Both PVD and chrome plating enhance the surface hardness of the brass, making it more resistant to scratches and wear, and both offer protection against corrosion.
PVD coating generally produces a harder, more durable surface and is typically thinner than chrome plating.
Enhanced Thermal and Breathing Performance
While the first stage is the most critical component of a dive regulator's cold water performance, the second stage's role in receiving and delivering gas is equally essential. Even the material of the hose can be significant in extreme cold conditions.
Apeks is famous for producing regulators that perform in cold waters, from quarries to mines, caves, and temperate seas, even though how a regulator handles the cold and how much cold it varies.
The company has enhanced cold water performance in several ways with the EVX. In addition to Apek's reliable heat exchanger ribs, a ribbed diaphragm clamp on the first stage improves the heat exchange even more and the thermal transfer window allows for water flow through the body of the stage, increasing thermal transfer.
Within the second stage, a heat exchanger dissipates the cold caused by gas expansion while drawing in the warmth of the ambient water for a more comfortable breath. It's also said that the flexible nylon hoses that come with Apeks regulators offer even better cold water performance than the traditional rubber hoses.
As every diver knows, breathing from a regulator underwater is a two-stage event, hence the more contemporary reference to stages than a Demand Valve.
In addition to its maximum thermal performance, the EVX offers superior deep-water breathing performance thanks to its over-balanced diaphragm design. This means that the medium-pressure gas delivery to the 2nd stage is at a rate exceeding that of ambient pressure.
Even more magic happens once the gas arrives at the second stage. A laminar flow valve minimises turbulence, an ergonomic and simple Venturi Lever controls the gas flow to assist in breathing or prevent free flow, and a large breathing effort adjuster that can be handled even with thick gloves adjusts the crack resistance and amount of flow.
A combination that makes breathing underwater easier than ever.
The EVX second stage also features a 2-stage progressive purge button, and for those who prefer an alternative, it is reversible for left or right-hand gas supply configuration.
It goes without saying that both the EVX200 and Tungsten regulators feature the most popular and comfortable comfo-bite mouthpiece, which boasts a unique bridge design for a secure fit and eliminates the need for bite pressure (which may cause mouth fatigue) to keep it in place.
The EVX second stages are also equipped with 5 medium-pressure ports for flexible hose orientation and 2 angled high-pressure ports for optimal hose routing and transmitter compatibility.
Oh, before we forget, you also get two pairs of diver-changeable exhaust tees of different sizes (small and large).
Which One to Get?
Most of you would agree that when it comes to two different regulator models that perform equally well, the deciding factors are personal preference, needs, and budget. So, let's sum up everything first:
Key Considerations:
Durability:
- EVX200: Chrome-plated brass body.
- EVX Tungsten: PVD-coated brass body. PVD coating offers superior scratch resistance, corrosion protection, and overall durability.
Aesthetics:
- EVX200: Black and silver colour scheme.
- EVX Tungsten: All-black colour scheme.
Price: Approximately £200 difference at launch point
Performance:
- Both regulators share the same enhanced thermal and breathing performance features (heat exchangers, laminar flow valve, adjustable breathing effort, etc.).
- Both are rated for "Extreme" cold water performance.
The Choice is Yours
The Apeks EVX200 is an excellent choice for divers who prioritise performance and potentially a slightly lower price point and are not overly concerned about extreme external wear and tear.
The Apeks EVX Tungsten an ideal choice for divers who demand maximum durability and are willing to pay a premium for the added protection. This is especially true for divers who frequently dive in harsh environments or want a regulator that will withstand heavy use.
So, you ask again, "Which One to Get?"
If durability and longevity are your primary concerns, and you're willing to invest a little more, the Apeks EVX Tungsten is the clear winner.
If you want the same enhanced breathing performance and cold water rating but are looking to save some money or don't feel you require the added durability meant for the harshest of conditions and frequent diving, then the Apeks EVX200 is a fantastic choice.
Essentially, the Tungsten is the more robust version of an already excellent regulator.
