Apeks EVX200 vs Apeks MTX-RC
Apeks EVX200 vs Apeks MTX-RC for UK Cold Water Diving
Comparing Apeks EVX200 vs Apeks MTX-RC for UK cold-water scuba diving. Both regulators are excellent for British conditions, but they serve different priorities. The MTX-RC is engineered for extreme cold reliability and anti-freeflow performance, making it a favourite among instructors and technical divers. The EVX200 delivers smoother breathing, improved ergonomics, and modern performance while remaining fully capable in UK waters. This guide breaks down which regulator is best for your type of diving. Available via our Regulators Collection.
UK diving places unique demands on regulators. Cold quarries, winter sea temperatures, repetitive dives, and high gas flow rates increase the risk of free-flow and performance drop-off.
This comparison focuses on real-world UK cold-water diving, not marketing specs—covering recreational, club, instructor, and technical use.
If you’re choosing between Apeks EVX200 and Apeks MTX-RC, here’s what actually matters.
Apeks EVX200 vs MTX-RC: The Big Picture Difference
- MTX-RC = extreme cold-water reliability and anti-freeflow engineering
- EVX200 = smoother breathing, modern design, and strong cold-water capability
Both are excellent for UK diving — they simply prioritise different performance characteristics.
Quick Decision Table
| Feature | Apeks EVX200 | Apeks MTX-RC |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Comfort and performance | Extreme cold reliability |
| UK winter diving | Very good | Excellent |
| Anti-freeflow focus | High | Maximum |
| Instructor or technical use | Suitable | Preferred |
| Breathing smoothness | Outstanding | Very good |
View our full range of scuba diving regulators
Design Philosophy
Apeks MTX-RC Design Approach
Developed from military and extreme-environment requirements, the MTX-RC is built to keep working when conditions are at their worst.
- Environmentally sealed first stage
- Over-balanced design for stable airflow
- Heavy focus on anti-freeze protection
- Tuned conservatively to prevent free-flow
Primary intent: Reliability and stability in extreme conditions.
This is the regulator many UK instructors trust for winter quarry and training dives.
Related: MTX-RC Regulator
Available via our Regulators Collection
Apeks EVX200 Design Approach
The EVX200 represents Apeks’ next-generation performance tier, replacing older XTX models with modern airflow improvements.
- Laminar flow valve design
- Improved internal water management
- Enhanced ergonomics and hose routing
- Cold-water rated with modern thermal features
Primary intent: Performance, comfort, and modern engineering.
It is designed to breathe exceptionally well while still handling demanding environments.
Related: EVX200 Regulator
Available via our Regulators Collection
Cold-Water Performance in UK Diving Conditions
MTX-RC as a Cold-Water Specialist
This is where the MTX-RC earns its reputation.
- Excellent resistance to ice formation
- Performs reliably in 4–8°C water
- Handles repetitive dives and high workloads
- Favoured for decompression, training, and long bottom times
UK verdict: If cold water diving equipment and a regulator specifically design for preventing free-flow is your top priority, this is the safest choice.
EVX200 as a High-Performance Cold-Water Regulator
The EVX200 is fully suitable for UK conditions, but with a different emphasis.
- Strong cold-water reliability
- Improved thermal management compared with older designs
- Less aggressively tuned than the MTX-RC
UK verdict: Ideal for most UK divers, but less focused on extreme-environment protection.
Breathing Performance and Comfort
EVX200 Breathing Performance
- Effortless, smooth inhalation
- Comfortable mouthpiece reduces jaw fatigue
- Easy-to-use controls with thick gloves
Overall feel: Premium, refined, and easy breathing.
MTX-RC Breathing Characteristics
- Adjustable cracking resistance and venturi control
- Can be tuned tighter for cold water use
- Slightly firmer breathing to prioritise stability
Overall feel: Solid, dependable, and confidence-inspiring.
Durability and Ruggedness
- MTX-RC: Built to take abuse and continue operating in harsh environments
- EVX200: Strong construction but tuned for performance and comfort
Hose Routing and Configuration Options
EVX200 Configuration
- Improved hose ergonomics
- Reversible second stage
- Well suited to single cylinder and crossover setups
MTX-RC Configuration
- Compact forged body
- Popular for twinset, sidemount, and technical setups
- Clean hose routing under load
Which Regulator Should You Choose?
Choose MTX-RC if You:
- Dive year-round in UK water
- Instruct or follow a technical diving pathway
- Regularly dive below 6°C
- Want maximum anti-freeflow confidence
- See the MTX-RC regulator setup
Choose EVX200 if You:
- Want the smoothest breathing regulator Apeks offers
- Mostly dive recreationally with occasional cold-water exposure
- Value comfort and ergonomics
- Dive primarily spring to autumn or travel internationally
- View the EVX200 regulator package
Honest UK Verdict
Cold reliability ranking:
- MTX-RC
- EVX200
Breathing performance ranking:
- EVX200
- MTX-RC
Most UK instructors lean toward the MTX-RC because preventing free-flow in 4°C water matters more than marginal breathing smoothness.
How This Fits Into Your Buying Decision
- New to regulators? Ultimate Guide to Scuba Regulators
- Want the full shortlist for UK diving? Best Scuba Diving Regulators 2026
- Ready to browse options? Regulators Collection
Final Takeaway
Both the Apeks EVX200 and MTX-RC are excellent regulators for UK diving. The decision comes down to breathing comfort versus extreme cold reliability.
If you want the smoothest breathing experience, choose the EVX200. If you want maximum confidence in the coldest UK conditions, choose the MTX-RC.
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