Apeks — Cold-Water Specialists Since 1974
Apeks Marine Equipment was founded in 1974 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, by Ken Ainscough and Eric Partington — the company name itself is an anagram of their initials. From the beginning, Apeks built its reputation on regulators designed specifically for cold-water performance, and on drysuit valves supplied to dry suit manufacturers who needed a component they could actually rely on in challenging conditions. That reputation earned the trust of organizations that cannot afford equipment failure: the Royal Navy, military diving units, and emergency services worldwide have relied on Apeks gear in the field.
In 1997, Apeks was acquired by Aqua Lung, which gave the brand access to significantly expanded resources for R&D and distribution while letting it continue operating with its own engineering identity. The Blackburn, Lancashire heritage remains at the core of what Apeks is — a specialist manufacturer rather than a generalist, with particular depth in regulators, drysuit valves, reels, and fins built for serious cold-water and technical diving.
At DiveCatalog.com, we carry the current Apeks lineup as an authorized dealer.
The Apeks Product Range
Regulators
The XTX50 is Apeks' mid-tier cold-water certified regulator, built around a rotating turret with four medium-pressure ports that allows clean hose routing without sharp bends. The Diver Changeable Exhaust (DCE) system lets the diver switch between a small exhaust tee (minimal bubble interference — ideal for photography) and a large exhaust tee (maximum comfort) in the field, with both sets included. Convertible from right-hand to left-hand hose configuration by an authorized service technician, cold-water rated below 10°C/50°F, EAN40 compatible out of the box, and available in Yoke and DIN. Braided flexi-hoses are lighter, more flexible, and more durable than standard rubber hoses.
The XTX50 Octopus raises the stakes further: molded components treated with an antimicrobial additive that actively kills MRSA, E-coli, bacteria, fungi, viruses, mold, yeast, and algae. Pneumatically balanced for smooth, consistent breathing, EAN40 compatible, cold-water rated, with a Comfo-bite™ mouthpiece specifically designed to minimize jaw fatigue on long dives.
BCDs
The EXOTEC BCD features Apeks' BioReact articulation system, engineered to move naturally with the diver's body rather than constraining it — the defining design principle behind what Apeks describes as seamless integration between diver and equipment.
Fins
The RK3 is Apeks' open-heel fin for cold-water and drysuit diving — rugged thermoplastic rubber construction, an oversized foot pocket designed specifically to accommodate drysuit boots comfortably, and a spring strap for fast donning and doffing even with thick gloves. The RK3 HD is the high-density version: stiffer blade, negatively buoyant (which many technical and drysuit divers prefer for trim), available in Small, Medium, Large, and Super sizes.
Reels
The Ascend Reel / Lifeline Ascend is designed and manufactured in the UK — a 30-metre reel built for both left- and right-handed operation, smooth enough to use with thick gloves, with a rubber grip handle and stainless steel attachment points. A piece of gear whose detail reflects Apeks' overall approach: one continuous function executed without compromise.
Why Buy Apeks from DiveCatalog.com?
-
Authorized Apeks dealer — genuine products, full manufacturer warranty
-
Complete Apeks range — regulators, octopuses, BCDs, fins, and reels
-
Expert advice — our team can help you choose and configure the right Apeks system
-
Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
-
Rewards program — earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions — Apeks
What does the name Apeks mean?
It's an anagram of the initials of the two founders, Ken Ainscough and Eric Partington, who established the company in Blackburn, Lancashire, England in 1974.
What is Diver Changeable Exhaust (DCE)?
A system on the XTX50 that allows the diver to swap between two exhaust tee configurations without tools: a small tee that directs bubbles away from a camera or housing during underwater photography, and a large tee that maximizes comfort during standard recreational diving. Both sets are included with the regulator.
What is the antimicrobial treatment on the XTX50 Octopus?
The molded components of the XTX50 Octopus incorporate an additive that actively kills MRSA, E-coli, bacteria, fungi, viruses, mold, yeast, and algae. In rental, shared, or repeated-use contexts, this is a meaningful hygiene feature that reduces biological contamination on the mouthpiece and breathing components.
What is the RK3 HD and why would I choose it over the standard RK3?
The RK3 HD uses a stiffer, higher-density blade material and is negatively buoyant — properties many technical and drysuit divers prefer for maintaining trim in the water. The standard RK3 is more suited to warm-water recreational diving where neutral or slight positive buoyancy is less important. Both share the same oversized foot pocket designed for drysuit boots and the same spring strap system.
Is Apeks gear suitable for recreational divers or mainly technical/military?
Both. While Apeks built its reputation in cold-water technical and military applications, the XTX50 regulator and EXOTEC BCD are equally suited to recreational cold-water divers who want equipment at military reliability levels — you don't have to be a Navy diver to benefit from gear built for them.
Browse the full Apeks collection above and reach out if you'd like help choosing the right regulator, fin, or BCD for your diving.
