All You Need to Know About the Apeks MTX-RC Regulator: Standout Features
The Apeks MTX-RC blends rugged cold-water engineering with fine-tuned breathing controls. Built off the MTX-R platform, it adds usability without sacrificing reliability. Here’s what makes it stand out.
Cold-Water Reliability
The MTX-RC is EN250A certified for extreme cold-water use. The first stage has an over-molded endcap, heat exchangers, and a large surface area design to prevent ice buildup. Divers using it under 40°F (4°C) report no free-flow issues even during heavy exertion.
Adjustable Breathing Controls
Unlike the original MTX-R, the RC version gives you full control. You can adjust inhalation resistance and toggle the Venturi switch to balance performance and gas efficiency. Many divers on Scubaboard note the ability to “dial in” the regulator to suit different conditions, from shallow reef cruising to deeper technical dives.
Rugged First Stage Design
The first stage is environmentally sealed and built from marine-grade chrome-plated brass. It’s designed to handle high-impact knocks and resist corrosion. Military divers originally tested this design under ice, at depth, and in silty environments.
Angled Port Configuration
You get five low-pressure ports on a swiveling turret and two high-pressure ports. This makes hose routing simple whether you’re diving backmount, sidemount, or doubles. Technical divers especially appreciate the clean hose management.
Compact Second Stage with Heat Exchanger
The second stage is compact yet includes a large heat exchanger around the hose connection. This helps with cold resistance while keeping the reg comfortable in your mouth. Divers often mention reduced jaw fatigue compared to bulkier cold-water regulators.
Apeks MTX-RC: Manufacturer's Specification
1st Stage Design: | Diaphragm |
1st Stage Type: | Over-balanced |
Environmentally Sealed | Yes |
Number of Ports: | 2 High-Pressure (HP), 5 Low-Pressure (LP) on rotating turret |
2nd Stage Type: | Pneumatically balanced |
Adjustable 2nd Stage: | Adjustable inhalation effort, Venturi switch |
Materials: | Marine-grade chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, polymer components |
Weight: | Approx. 1,200 g (DIN set, combined) |
Regulator Connection: | Yoke, DIN (300 bar) |
Water Temp Range: | Warm, Cold, Temperate |
Our Rating: Apeks MTX-RC Review
Overall Score
4.5/5
Check price and get the best deal at these recommended retailers' sites:
4.5/5
Comfort & Ergonomics
The second stage is compact with a heat exchanger that doesn’t add bulk. The mouthpiece is comfortable for long dives, and the hose routing with the turret keeps things tidy. Jaw fatigue is minimal compared to bulkier cold-water regulators.
5.0/5
Breathing Performance & Ease of Use
Air delivery is smooth and consistent at depth. The adjustable inhalation knob and Venturi switch give you control over breathing effort. Even under heavy workload, the reg keeps breathing natural.
5.0/5
Build Quality & Durability
The MTX-RC is rugged. The over-molded first stage and chrome-plated brass construction handle knocks, cold, and saltwater without issue. Long-term users report minimal wear after years of diving.
4.0/5
Maintenance & Serviceability
Service kits are widely available through Apeks dealers. The reg is designed for easy servicing, though it requires a trained technician. Annual or biannual service is the norm, depending on dive frequency.
4.0/5
Value for Money
This is a premium regulator with a price to match. The value comes from its reliability in conditions where failure isn’t an option. Best suited for advanced recreational and technical divers who need performance in cold or challenging waters.
What We Like:
✅ Outstanding Cold-Water Performance
The MTX-RC was designed to avoid free-flow in freezing conditions. Divers report stable performance even below 40°F (4°C), where many other regs struggle. If you dive quarries, ice, or cold seas, this is a reliable choice.
✅ Adjustable Breathing Control
The addition of an inhalation knob and Venturi switch lets you fine-tune airflow. On deep dives, you can open it up for effortless breathing. In shallows, you can dial it back to save gas. This flexibility makes it stand out from the original MTX-R.
✅ Rugged First Stage Build
The first stage is over-molded and environmentally sealed. It shrugs off knocks, salt, and grit. Military divers originally tested this design in extreme environments, and it’s proven to be both tough and reliable.
✅ Versatile Hose Routing
With five LP ports on a swiveling turret and two HP ports, hose routing is clean whether you’re diving backmount, sidemount, or doubles. Technical divers appreciate the flexibility this setup allows.
✅ Comfortable for Long Dives
Despite being built for cold water, the second stage feels compact. The mouthpiece reduces jaw fatigue, even on extended dives. Divers on ScubaBoard mention noticeable comfort during long technical dives.
What We Don't Like:
❌ Premium Price Tag
This is not a budget regulator. The MTX-RC sits firmly in the high-end category. For warm-water vacation divers, the price may outweigh the benefits.
❌ Heavy First Stage
The first stage is solid and durable, but that comes with weight. While not an issue underwater, it’s noticeable when traveling with gear. Some divers may prefer a lighter travel reg.
❌ Requires Proper Servicing
Service kits are widely available, but you’ll need a certified Apeks technician. Self-servicing isn’t an option for most divers, and annual servicing costs add up.
❌ Overbuilt for Casual Use
If you’re a recreational diver sticking to warm, shallow reefs, you won’t use the full potential of this reg. For that kind of diving, it may feel like paying for features you don’t need.
The Verdict
The Apeks MTX-RC is a regulator built for divers who demand reliability in tough conditions. It combines military-grade ruggedness with user-friendly breathing adjustments, giving you both durability and control.
It’s best suited for advanced recreational and technical divers who dive cold water, push depth limits, or need gear that performs without compromise. If you only dive warm reefs a few times a year, it’s more regulator than you’ll ever need.
For serious divers, though, the MTX-RC delivers peace of mind. It’s a premium investment, but one that pays off in confidence and performance when conditions turn demanding.
Related Scuba Regulator Reviews
Check out these other great Scuba Regulator we reviewed.
Review of:
Atomic Aquatics T3
Our rating: 4.8/5 ★
Review of:
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S620TI
Our rating: 4.7/5 ★
Review of:
Aqualung Titan
Our rating: 4.1/5 ★
Review of:
Scubapro MK25 EVO/S600
Our rating: 4.5/5 ★
Review of:
Aqualung Helix Pro
Our rating: 4.3/5 ★
Review of:
Mares Rover 2S
Our rating: 4.0/5 ★
Review of:
Aqualung Legend Elite
Our rating: 4.5/5 ★
Review of:
Sherwood Brut Pro
Our rating: 4.1/5 ★
Review of:
Sherwood SR2
Our rating: 4.5/5 ★
Review of:
Scubapro Mk2 Evo R195
Our rating: 4.0/5 ★
Apeks MTX-RC: FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Apeks offers a limited lifetime warranty on their regulators, provided servicing is done on schedule at authorized centers.
The combined weight of the first and second stage is around 1.2 kg in the DIN version. It’s heavier than a travel regulator, but manageable if you prioritize performance over packing light.
Yes. The turret design with five LP ports and two HP ports makes it well-suited for sidemount setups, allowing clean hose routing on both sides.
Have you tried the Apeks MTX-RC Regulator? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below! Happy diving!
Apeks MTX-RC Regulator
The Apeks MTX-RC is a rugged cold-water regulator with breathing adjustments for technical and advanced divers. See if it’s the right fit for your diving.
Product Brand: Apeks
4.5
Pros
- Excellent cold-water reliability
- Adjustable inhalation and Venturi controls
- Rugged first stage build
- Flexible hose routing with turret design
- Comfortable second stage for long dives
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy first stage for travel
- Requires trained technician for servicing
- Overbuilt for casual warm-water diving