View Full Version : Si Tech Valves
Airmonster
08-11-06, 09:09
Any body any experience with these. I've been having problems with the Apex inflation valve on my suit and I'm thinking of replacing it. Rather than replace it with another Apex, I thought I'd get some opinions on the Si Tech (http://www.sitech.se/) ones.
How easy are they to fit. I've taken my inflation valve off my suit before so hopefully fitting the Si Tech is just as easy as replacing the Apex? Will the Si Tech fit the hole left in the suit by the Apex? What about hoses? Will I need to change my suit inflation hose?
As I said, just thinking about it. Not made my mind up yet.
Thanks,
/Colin. :D
First I dont know about the connection. Si Tech is not a well known make of valve. But IMHO would advise if its a diff connection not to use it. Murphys law dictates that when a hose fails it fails on a trip where u cant get another one quickly. If asked about valves I always recomend Apex or scubapro. These two are reasonably priced, servicing is reasonable and you can get spares anywhere in the world. If you dont personaly have a hose in your spares kit someone else is more liable to have an apex than a Si Tech.
Thats my thoughts....
Would be interested to here other peoples thoughts...
Lizardland
08-11-06, 12:02
The Si-Tech ones are supposed to be quite good, I know a lot of people who have replaced their suit valves with them and I think they are used on the Megalodon RB for the O2 manual add button (or may have been an aftermarket mod).
It should fit the existing hole. Valves tend to be the same size between makers, though I couldn't say for sure.
The two fittings available are the standard inflator fittings that Apeks and most others (except AP but I really don't like their valves) use.
There's some info here (http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=4492§ion=&action=display&show=si%20tech)
There's some info here (http://www.divernet.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?id=4492§ion=&action=display&show=si%20tech)
They sound ok but I'l stick to apex untill its proven to be beter and I know I can get the service parts in all the shops I end up in...
And thats a big question for me, If it fails do I have to use an apex until I can get spares. So I'l stick to apex!!!!!
I've got a Si-Tech autodump which I regard highly. Never had any bother with my Apeks inflation valve either.
I've got a Si-Tech autodump which I regard highly. Never had any bother with my Apeks inflation valve either.
Did you ask for the Si-tech or did it come with the suit?
I got it changed, although Otter offer a choice of either Apeks or Si-Tech valves when you order a suit. Aquatron also offered the choice when we ordered my wife's Typhoon from them.
Airmonster
09-11-06, 09:02
Went down to my local shop and managed to borrow a replacement Apex valve. I've changed this over and I'll see if that fixes the leak. I'm not saying it is the valve, I don't know, it may be! It may be the suit or it could be coming in at the "seal" between valve and suit. By changing the valve, I'm ruling out that part. I'll find out on Saturday at GDRE.
Had a look at a Si Tech valve in the shop. The exterior of the valve looks very similar to the Apex. On the suit, the outside looks identical to Apex (apart from the badge obviously). On the inside it protrudes a bit more than my current Apex which might dig into my chest a bit. Also, if I change to a Si Tech, I would need to change my inflator hose as well, so I'll stick with the Apex. Agree with Ding here, probably a bit easier to get replacement parts should I need them.
I wanted to find out if anybody had a strong opinion one way or the other. Look as if they are about equal to the Apex. No better no worse.
Thanks for your input!
/Colin. :D