Apeks XL4 Regulator and Aqualung Pro HD review

The Apeks XL 4+ regulator is a great investment. It’s light, compact, and aesthetically very pleasing.

Second stage:

Is compact which avoids any drag or downward pulling. This means that you do not need to bite down hard to keep the mouthpiece and regulator in your mouth, thus reducing a sore jaw. The purge button is big, which makes it easy to use with gloves on. Breathing at depth is the same as breathing shallow. Pressure does not affect how the regulator delivers air thanks to the over-balanced first stage. The Octo and the Primary are exactly the same units. Some octo’s are a slightly lower grade unit because it will only be used in emergencies. I feel like an emergency situation should be treated with the highest of priorities therefore having a slower grade Octo is not always a good option. The exhaust in both the primary and Octo is flexible. What an awesome upgrade. Previously the hard plastics would crack due to over use and sun exposure or even when the gear is mishandled. With a flexible exhaust, you eliminate this issue. The mouthpiece is fantastic. Apeks has a “comfort-bite” mouthpiece. This is very comfortable and little to no effort is used to keep the regulator in your mouth. The comfort-bite has a comfortable bridge that sits just behind your front teeth and fits perfectly.

First stage:

Again very compact with 2 low-pressure ports and 4 high-pressure ports. The first stage is environmentally sealed which makes it suitable for cold water diving, but there is no reason why you would not take this regulator to tropical, warm destinations. The regulator comes in a DIN and INT variant.

Verdict:

Apeks is a well-known brand amongst recreational and technical divers. The hoses are braided and flexible. This regulator is perfect for the traveling diver because of its compactability and weight. It suits all diving environments. Breathing is easy and always the same. The compact second stages are a huge win

A great BCD for travel. It's light, compact, and is easy to fit in any travel bag. The Aqualung Pro Compact HD has an adjustable chest strap. This makes it ideal for both male and female divers. The BCD has everything, from D-rings, to dump valves and even a pocket to keep some accessories in while diving or picking up trash from the reef. It has weight pockets, most travel BCDs are light because there are no weight pockets, which means that you need a weight belt. The Aqualung Pro HD BCD has that covered and uses the Surelock system. This is a jacket or wing style BCD and uses back inflation. The design of the bladder is smart. The area closest to your legs has a bigger volume which helps with trim and buoyancy seeing that your legs are heavier than your shoulders and head.

Verdict:
A great travel BCD, light, compact, and comfortable that covers everything you need in a BCD. I would highly recommend this item.