Apeks Flight Regulator Pink

The Lightest Regulator in the World

When we first decided to make the lightest of regulators we started with a blank canvas and looked at every aspect, from materials to shape, form and functionality. Our expertise and the vast archive of knowledge we have built up over the years, making the finest regulators, has produced Flight.

Apeks is known throughout the world for dive equipment of quality, craftsmanship and durability. Due to innovative design and the use of advanced materials, Flight regulators meet our high standards. They are tough, reliable and strong enough to cope with the demands and rigours of travelling. They are the most compact Apeks regulators ever made – small yet fully loaded with high performance and comfort.

Flight has been designed primarily for the travel diver. If you plan to dive mainly in colder waters below 10°C then we would recommend the Apeks XTX range which has been specifi cally designed for more extreme cold water diving. Flight comes into its own and excels as the perfect travel companion. As the lightest regulator in the world and the most compact regulator Apeks has ever made it is perfect for those exotic dive destinations. But using insulation techniques and advanced materials, Flight is also suitable for diving in waters as cold as 10°C. The area where a normal regulator 1st stage freezes is protected and insulated which reduces the freezing effect and this helps prevent freefl ows. The insulation effect is also evident in Flight’s 2nd stage.

Apeks Flight is lighter than any other comparable regulator made by any other manufacturer in the world. Our Design and Engineering Team have produced this revolutionary regulator using advanced composite materials selected for their optimum strength to weight ratio.

Components in both the 1st and 2nd stages are made from reinforced material specifically developed for the manufacture of technical components. It is strong, not affected by water or extreme ranges of temperature, has good dimensional stability, an excellent resistance to chemicals and does not deform. The perfect material for regulator parts. This Hi-Tech material is also used in “under-bonnet” components at the cutting edge of the motor industry due to its proven strength and resilience actually replacing many steel and brass parts.

The 1st stage has an ingenious design which comprises a strong forged solid brass skeletal body surrounded with the perfect jacket material. Due to exceptional engineering it is built to withstand the high pressures of compressed gas and to cope with the tough rigours of diving. Flight offers impact protection and good abrasion resistance meaning there is a reduced chance of accidental damage.

Flight also comes complete with a free matching lightweight sports bag, perfect for the transportation of your regulator.

Flight for Ladies

The compact size and lightweight properties of Flight are ideal for women. As such, we have made a Flight regulator especially for all female divers. Women’s faces and mouths are generally smaller than men’s. The Flight second stage has been engineered to feel secure in the mouth and be so comfortable that excessive grip is not necessary. The female version of Flight is made with a suitably designed mouthpiece. In tests, women have found this much more comfortable than standard mouthpieces. Flight co-ordinates well with many items of dive equipment currently available on the market. It is also very attractive in its own right. Why shouldn’t regulators look great as well as perform well.

A matching female octopus is also available (can be purchased separately or as part of an Apeks Stage3 set). Altogether a striking lightweight and compact set.

Ease of Use

Apeks has spent many years creating equipment divers will enjoy and also find easy to use. Flight uses much of this experience in its operation such as the balanced mechanisms of the 1st and 2nd stages, the venturi operation, the facility for technician fine tuning, and more. In addition Flight’s large purge is very easy to locate and made from a soft-touch but durable material. The purge is exceptionally stable as it is unaffected by temperature variation due to its innovative and unique design. As with other Apeks regulators Flight is very cost effective to maintain due to the efficiency of assembly and disassembly and the easily accessible components. This reduces the complication and time it actually takes to service and lessens the number of parts necessary for servicing which reduces maintenance costs. As a key bonus this efficiency of design is also very good for the environment.

Breathe Performance

Apeks Flight offers a silky smooth easy breathe, enhancing the pleasure of your dive. It was never intended that Flight replaces our world beating XTX regulators favoured by many professional and serious sport divers all over the world. Flight is a mid-range regulator ideal for transportation and travel to meet most divers’ needs. For the compact size of this regulator the breathe performance is exceptional in all positions and all dive conditions including cold water.

Flight - Tested Beyond Limits

Over one million breathing cycles prove its robustness and reliability. Rigorous and thorough impact tests have proven Flight beyond the limits any divers would ever experience. Fatigue testing has been carried out to prove Flight’s capabilities in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +80°C.

As they leave the factory, standard Apeks regulators are suitable for use with oxygen enriched gasses (i.e. Nitrox etc.) providing the oxygen content does not exceed 40%*. For mixtures containing more than 40% the regulators must be professionally converted to oxygen service by an Authorised Apeks Technician through an Authorised Apeks Dealer.

*For regulators purchased within European Community Countries, Apeks must adhere to the European Standards EN 144-3 and EN 13949 which state that any regulators purchased, which are for use with oxygen content of over 21%, must use the special M26 fi tting and the standard regulator fi ttings must not be used with mixes over 21%.

 

 

• 4 medium pressure ports 3/8” UNF
• 2 high pressure ports 7/16” UNF
• Strong skeletal body
• Impact protection
• Colour selection
• Male and female versions
• Nitrox available
• In-line hose position
• Balanced for superior performance
• Anti-snag Yoke handwheel
• 300 bar DIN handwheel or 232 bar yoke
  handwheel, both 2 shot moulded
• Weight DIN version – 340g (12.0oz)
• Weight Yoke version – 459g (16.2oz)

  Second Stage
  

  • Integrated Venturi System (IVS)
  • Pneumatically balanced valve design
  • Large tough purge
  • Purge operation unaffected by temperature change
  • Technician adjustable cracking resistance
  • Excellent bubble diversion
  • Neutrally buoyant
  • Lightweight hose
  • Colour selection
  • Male and female versions
  • Nitrox available
  • Matching male and female octopus

Weight – 127g (4.5oz) Total regulator weight including hose: DIN – 589g (20.8oz) YOKE – 708g (25.0oz)

TECHNICAL:

Suitable for Diving in Waters as Cold as 10°C

Flight has been designed primarily for the travel diver. If you plan to dive mainly in colder waters below 10°C then we would recommend the Apeks XTX range which has been specifically designed for more extreme cold water diving. Flight comes into its own and excels as the perfect travel companion. As the lightest regulator in the world and the most compact regulator Apeks has ever made it is perfect for those exotic dive destinations. But using insulation techniques and advanced materials, Flight is also suitable for diving in waters as cold as 10°C. The area where a normal regulator 1st stage freezes is protected and insulated which reduces the freezing effect and this helps prevent freefl ows. The insulation effect is also evident in Flight’s 2nd stage.

Balanced Diaphragm 1st Stage

The Apeks team has overcome complex engineering constraints and produced equipment that offers high performance, and yet remains uncomplicated, guaranteeing greater reliability and lower cost maintenance. The 1st stage – the powerhouse of your regulator – reduces the high pressure air stored in your cylinder to a controllable intermediate pressure of 9-10 bar. The air then fl ows along the medium pressure hose to the 2nd stage (demand stage). Flight 1st stages are of pressure adjustable balanced diaphragm design and supply air at exactly the right pressure. For example, as the diver descends the demand for air increases. To maintain the supply, the intermediate pressure increases in ratio to water depth and the resulting increased pressure acting on the primary diaphragm.

Bubble Diversion

The new exhaust T offers two big advantages.

Firstly it has been engineered to reduce bubble interference in the upright dive position. This has great benefi ts for observing marine life, for underwater photography/video and general diver comfort. The exhaust is manufactured in melt processable rubber and as such, there are no sharp edges and it fi ts snuggly and securely to the body of the 2nd stage. Aesthetically the exhaust fits beautifully with the rest of the regulator and yet performs wonderfully well.

Secondly the exhaust T has been shaped to actually assist the smooth breathe performance. When Apeks re-designs a regulator component, every aspect is considered to offer divers the best of all options. No detail is overlooked.

Integrated Venturi System (IVS)

Ambient pressure is greater than the pressure under the diaphragm, so the diaphragm is pushed down onto the lever to assist with the breathing effort. With the venturi in the minus position the air-fl ow from the 2nd stage is directed onto the diaphragm, closing the valve and preventing freefl ow. Gas fl ow to the diver can be directed towards the mouthpiece by indexing the venturi lever towards the plus (+) position. This allows the diver an assisted breathe resulting in a more comfortable dive with less breathing effort. Apeks IVS can therefore be used as a pre dive switch. With the lever set in the minus (–) position the 2nd stage will not freeflow during the entry phase or if the regulator is dropped in the water. When the diver begins to use the regulator the lever can be moved to the plus position and the 2nd stage will give increased venturi assistance

Balanced 2nd Stage

The diaphragm is drawn down as the diver inhales (see open position diagram) depressing the lever. The lever tilts and lifts the balanced valve and rubber seating off the seat (orifi ce) allowing air to fl ow through the valve mechanism to the diver’s mouth. When the diver exhales, the diaphragm recovers and the spring pushes the poppet valve and rubber seating back onto the seat, preventing further air flow.

Technician Adjustable 2nd Stage

Although not diver adjustable, the Flight 2nd stage is designed to allow an Apeks Trained Technician to fi nely adjust the cracking resistance. This allows the 2nd stage to be set to a minimum breathing effort with a wide range of 1st stage medium pressures.

 

Apeks Marine Equipment Ltd (Registered in England 1231692) began manufacturing 30 years ago with one goal - to make the best diving equipment in the world. Our strengths in design, development and engineering craftsmanship produce equipment of such a high standard that they are now the benchmark standards other manufacturers strive for. Through constant innovation and development Apeks has grown into a major player in the diving industry. We now make more regulators for UK divers than any other manufacturer and export more than 70% of our equipment to over 50 countries. Still the only UK manufacturer of regulators Apeks is a respected name throughout the world.

Scuba Diving Regulators

One of the main things to remember when looking to buy your own regulators is that these will keep you alive underwater and, therefore, it's better to buy the most suitable and reliable model you can.
That said, there are plenty of options for divers with a range of budgets and requirements. If you'd like a bit more information about regulators and their different features then keep reading.
If you already know what you want, click here to see our full range of Scuba Diving Regulators
All of the component parts of a regulator set-up can be bought individually or as part of a bundle package.

DIN or A-clamp

One of the first things you'll need to decide is whether to have an A-clamp (or yoke) first stage or a DIN first stage for your scuba diving regulators.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both, so here are a few things to be aware of if you're just starting out.
DIN fitting first stages for regulators are becoming more widespread. They offer a more secure connection to the cylinder valve because they screw into the pillar valve rather than being held in place against it, as with an A-clamp fitting. They are generally regarded to be more durable than A-clamps and are rated to a higher operating pressure (300 bar).
A-clamps are the most widely-used first stage regulator fitting and will be found around the world. This means they are universally accepted, which could be important if you plan to travel. They have a lower operating pressure than DIN (232 bar).
People who choose DIN fittings over A-clamps can purchase an A-clamp adaptor to make them compatible with cylinders which only accept this form of first stage connector.

First Stage Ports

First stages will come with at least one high pressure and two low pressure ports to allow a console or gauge as well as the regulator to be attached.
The number of ports will vary from model to model and it is important to make sure that you have enough on the first stage to cater for the equipment you will be using to undertake your diving safely.
For example, diving in the UK you will almost certainly be wearing a drysuit and will therefore need an additional port to allow air to be injected into the suit.
Low pressure ports are used to attach the second stage of the regulator, Octopus, suit and BCD feeds to the cylinder.
High pressure ports are needed for your gauge measuring the cylinder's contents and will be required if you intend to use a console-mounted computer.
Click here to see our range of scuba diving computers or here to browse our selection of diving gauges.
It's important to take all this into consideration when making your decision about your scuba diving regulator set-up.

Balanced, un-balanced or over-balanced?

In diving and regulator terms, this refers to the airflow from the first stage and into the second stage.
Balanced regulators provide a consistent airflow regardless of the depth or pressure you are diving at. The equipment adjusts to suit the conditions you are diving under. This means that as a diver, you will experience lower breathing resistance at depth.
An unbalanced regulator will not compensate for the decrease you experience in cylinder pressure as you descend deeper. This could mean that at depth, it can be more difficult to breathe from the second stage - although this effect may only be negligible depending on how deep you are going.
Finally, an over-balanced regulator increases the air supply as you descend. This means that it will always be easy to breathe through the second stage regulatorand will considerably reduce breathing resistance at extreme depth. It is certainly worth considering if you are planning to undertake extended range diving.

Temperature Rating

If you dive in the UK then you need to make sure that any equipment you buy will perform in the cold conditions experienced in our waters.
In terms of first stages, this means choosing an environmentally dry sealed unit, which prevents water and contaminants from entering the first stage of the regulator. This should prevent the first stage from freezing when diving in cold water.
Unsealed first stages are available and suitable for use in warm waters, which are usually considered to have a temperature of 10 degrees C or above.

First Stages for Twinsets

If you dive on twinsets, chances are that you will want to reduce the risk of any of your hoses becoming entangled or twisted.
There are several first stage regulators designed specifically for twinset use, in both left and right-handed versions, which usually refers to the location of the ports.
Another option with the first stages for a twinset is to manifold them.

Regulator Second Stages

There are a number of different design features to think about when selecting your second stage for your regulators.
First and foremost is the shape and size of the mouthpiece, which should fit comfortably in your mouth. If you find your jaw is aching after a dive, it probably means that you're having to use too much effort to hold your regulator in your mouth.
Many manufacturers now offer mouthpieces with an orthodontic design, which are intended to provide more comfort to the diver. These can be easily changed once you have purchased your regulator.
You may also want to think about the position of the vents on your regulators. While many models have the vents positioned directly below the mouthpiece, there are some which feature a side-mounted vent.
This has the advantage of discharging bubbles away from the face and mask, providing the diver with less disturbance to their vision.
Another thing to look out for is the diver adjustable inhalation control which is found on many models. This allows you to regulate your own breathing rate and breathing resistance.
For more advanced diving, which specifically requires the use of stage cylinders, you may need to consider left and right-handed second and first stages to ensure that the switch between your back gas and decompression gas is as easy and smooth as possible.

Octopus

An Octo (or Octopus) is your backup regulator. This can be used either by you if your second stage fails or freeflows or by your buddy in an out-of-air situation or in the event that their main regulator malfunctions.
The general rule is that your Octo should be as good as your primary regulator and should be easy to purge and comfortable to breathe off.
Normally, an Octo will come with a long hose to allow a buddy to breathe from it easily. Another feature of Octos are their colour. They will almost always be yellow to allow them to be easily distinguished from a primary regulator and easily seen and will usually be attached to the first stage by a yellow hose.

Weight and Size

Anyone who travels frequently will probably want to reduce the weight of their dive kit. There are a number of compact regulators designed with that in mind to make it easier for divers to take their own kit abroad.
These regulators are often compact and use lighter materials to keep the weight down. They also incorporate features such as BCD inflator hoses which include a second stage regulator that can be used as an Octo to reduce the number of component parts required.

Nitrox and Oxygen Clean Regulators

Anyone who plans to dive using oxygen-enriched air (or Nitrox) will need to make sure that both the first and second stages of their regulators are suitable for this purpose.
They will need to be certified as O2 clean and, as part of their regular maintenance, will need an O2 clean once every year.