Apeks BCDs — Build the Dive Rig That Fits Your Diving
Apeks approaches buoyancy control the way they approach everything: with an engineering-first philosophy and a strong bias toward modularity. The Apeks WTX and WTX-D series isn't a traditional BCD — it's a complete, configurable dive system built around a harness-and-wing platform that scales from a travel-friendly single-cylinder setup to a fully rigged technical configuration with twin steel cylinders. Every component is designed to work together, and every component can be swapped, upgraded, or reconfigured as your diving evolves.
At DiveCatalog.com, we stock the full Apeks BCD ecosystem: harnesses, wings in multiple lift capacities, aluminium and stainless steel backplates, the WSX-45 sidemount system, complete ready-to-dive BCD configurations, and the full range of accessories including the SureLock weight system. Whether you're building your first backplate-and-wing rig or speccing out a technical twinset configuration, you'll find the components you need here.
The collection also includes the Exotec SD — Apeks' answer to divers who want structured wing performance in a more traditional BCD format — alongside wings designed specifically for public safety divers, built from Armoguard slick-skin material for superior abrasion resistance and faster drying.
Who Are Apeks BCDs For?
| Diver Type |
Recommended Configuration |
Why It Fits |
| Advanced recreational divers moving to BP&W |
WTX Harness + WTX-D18 or D30 Wing + Aluminium Plate |
Lightweight, streamlined, modular — grows with your training |
| Cold-water & drysuit divers |
WTX Harness + WTX-D30 or D40 Wing + Stainless Plate |
Added ballast from SS plate offsets drysuit buoyancy; high lift capacity |
| Technical back-gas divers |
WTX-D30 or D40 Complete BCD + WTX-D40T Twin Wing |
Twin cylinder wing handles twinset loads; 14 stainless D-rings for staging |
| Sidemount divers |
WSX-45 Complete Sidemount System |
Purpose-built sidemount harness with 27lb lift capacity; pairs with Apeks sidemount regs |
| Public safety & military divers |
WTX-D30 PSD or WTX-D40 PSD Wing |
Armoguard slick-skin construction — abrasion resistant, fast drying, reduced bacterial growth |
| Travel divers |
WTX Harness + Ultralight Travel Backplate + D18 Wing |
Ultralight plate reduces carry weight; modular system packs efficiently |
Understanding the WTX System
The WTX Harness — Your Foundation
The WTX Harness is the backbone of the system, constructed from rugged 1050D Ballistic Nylon with stainless steel tri-loaders that distribute load across the back, waist, and shoulders. It features six 2-inch stainless steel D-rings on the shoulders, hips, and crotch strap for primary gear, plus six 1-inch D-rings along the sides for canister lights, argon bottles, and accessories. The open shoulder design allows complete customization of hardware. It mounts directly to a single cylinder using dual GripLock tank bands, or accepts a WTX Backplate for heavier twin cylinder loads. Multiple grommet settings on the waistband accommodate the SureLock weight system.
Backplates — Aluminium, Stainless Steel, or Ultralight
Three backplate options let you tune buoyancy and weight to your diving. The stainless steel plate weighs 4.7 lbs (2.15 kg) — useful ballast for drysuit and twinset divers. The anodised aluminium plate weighs just 1.7 lbs (780g) — the better choice for warm-water and travel divers. The Ultralight Travel Plate is even lighter, designed for divers who want to pack lean. All are offered in 304 stainless or 6061 anodised aluminium alloy with a laser-etched Apeks logo.
Single Cylinder Wings — WTX-D Series
Apeks' single cylinder wings are oval donut-style air cells — the design allows the cylinder to nest deep inside for a streamlined, stable profile. The oval shape means air doesn't shift dramatically left to right, keeping your trim consistent underwater. Available in three lift capacities: 18 lbs (D18), 30 lbs (D30), and 40 lbs (D40). The PSD versions of the D30 and D40 use Armoguard slick-skin construction for public safety and harsh-environment applications. For technical twinset diving, the D40T twin cylinder wing and the D60T redundant twin wing are also available.
Complete BCD Configurations
For divers who want a ready-to-dive system without building from components, Apeks offers complete BCD configurations pairing harness, backplate, and wing. The WTX-D30 Complete and the WTX-D40 Complete are available in both aluminium and stainless variants — practical starting points for divers new to backplate-and-wing diving.
WSX-45 Sidemount System
The WSX-45 is Apeks' dedicated sidemount BCD, purpose-built for sidemount cylinder configurations. The bladder provides 27 lbs of lift capacity and is fitted with mounting points optimised for sidemount hose routing. It pairs naturally with the Apeks Sidemount Regulator Sets.
SureLock Weight System
The SureLock weight integration system bolts directly to the WTX harness waistband and accommodates up to 10 lbs of weight. A quick-release mechanism allows for emergency weight drop. Available as a weight pocket or as the mounting attachment only.
How to Choose the Right Apeks BCD Configuration
Single Cylinder vs. Twin Cylinder Wings
For single cylinder recreational and advanced recreational diving, the WTX-D18 or WTX-D30 wings are the right starting point — 18–30 lbs of lift handles most single cylinder configurations comfortably. For twinset technical diving, the WTX-D40T or D60T twin cylinder wings are specifically designed to handle the buoyancy demands and load of double cylinders, with the D60T offering redundant dual bladders for added safety.
Aluminium vs. Stainless Steel Backplate
Drysuit divers and twinset divers almost always prefer the stainless steel plate — the extra 3 lbs of ballast helps offset the additional buoyancy of drysuits and large steel cylinders. Warm-water and travel divers typically prefer aluminium for its dramatically lower weight. The ultralight plate suits divers who are already carrying sufficient weight from steel cylinders and need to reduce kit weight at the airport.
Standard Wings vs. PSD Wings
The PSD (Public Safety Diver) wings use Armoguard slick-skin exterior material — more abrasion resistant than standard Cordura, faster drying, and with a slick surface that inhibits bacterial growth. These are the right choice for divers in challenging entry environments (rocky shores, shipwrecks, confined spaces) or for professional applications where gear takes regular punishment.
Why Buy Apeks BCDs from DiveCatalog.com?
DiveCatalog.com is an authorized Apeks dealer, so every component you buy is covered by the full manufacturer warranty. Our team dives backplate-and-wing systems and can help you configure the right setup for your goals — whether that's your first BP&W rig or a complete technical system.
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Authorized dealer — genuine Apeks gear, full warranty
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Expert configuration advice — our staff can help you spec the right combination
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Full component range available — harnesses, plates, wings, and accessories
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Fast shipping — in-stock items ship within one business day
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Financing available — useful for building a complete technical system
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Rewards program — earn points on every purchase
Frequently Asked Questions — Apeks BCDs
What makes a backplate-and-wing BCD different from a jacket-style BCD?
A backplate-and-wing system positions all lift behind the diver, keeping the front profile clear and streamlined. This makes horizontal trim easier to achieve and maintain — particularly important for technical diving and overhead environments. Jacket-style BCDs distribute buoyancy around the sides and back, which suits many recreational divers but can affect trim at depth.
Can I configure the WTX system for single cylinder recreational diving?
Yes. The WTX Harness mounts directly to a single cylinder using the included tank bands. Paired with a WTX-D18 or D30 wing and an aluminium backplate, it makes a practical, streamlined single-cylinder rig suitable for recreational and advanced recreational diving.
What lift capacity wing should I choose?
For single cylinder recreational diving, the D18 (18 lbs) is sufficient for most setups. The D30 (30 lbs) provides more margin for drysuit diving or heavier single cylinders. The D40 (40 lbs) is suited for technical single cylinder setups or divers who want more reserve lift. For twinsets, the D40T or D60T are the appropriate choices.
Which backplate is right for drysuit diving?
Most drysuit divers choose the stainless steel backplate — it weighs 4.7 lbs and provides useful ballast to offset the positive buoyancy of a drysuit. Aluminium is better suited to wetsuit diving where less ballast is needed.
What is the WSX-45 and who is it for?
The WSX-45 is Apeks' dedicated sidemount BCD, designed for divers trained in sidemount cylinder configuration. It provides 27 lbs of lift and is optimised for sidemount hose routing. It pairs with Apeks' sidemount regulator sets for a complete, matched sidemount system.
What is the SureLock weight system?
The SureLock is Apeks' integrated weight solution for the WTX harness. It bolts to the waistband grommet settings and holds up to 10 lbs of weight with a quick-release mechanism for emergency ditching. It's an alternative to using a separate weight belt with a backplate-and-wing system.
Are Apeks BCDs suitable for cave or wreck diving?
Yes. The WTX system was designed with overhead environment diving in mind. The streamlined wing profile, abundant D-ring placement, and compatibility with stage bottles and reels make it a well-suited platform for cave and wreck diving.
Can I buy components separately to build up over time?
Absolutely — that's one of the key advantages of the WTX modular system. Many divers start with a harness, one wing, and a backplate, then add components like the SureLock weight system, additional D-rings, or upgrade wings as their diving develops. All components are designed to work together across the range.
The WTX system is one of the most versatile and well-engineered modular BCD platforms available anywhere. Browse the full Apeks BCD collection above, and reach out to our team if you'd like help configuring the right setup for your diving.
