>>469907There really isn't any difference between the XTX40/50/100/200 2nd stages.
There are subtle differences between the 1st stages.
XTX100/200 flow a little better...200 has a replaceable crown.
XTX50 swivels.
TEK3 1st stages have better hose routing for doubles.
In hindsight, I wish I would have just cashed out and got the XTX200 Tungstens...the PVD finish is a lot more durable than chrome.
Correct, the PADI Tec50 course is a 50 meter "deep air" course. However, it is not required to do Trimix before rebreather. For the amount I would save by getting rebreather trained, it almost pays for an inexpensive rebreather, such as a KISS Classic.
The KISS GEM is a gateway drug rebreather for me since it is only an SCR. They're going to be making additional jets for it soon. It is all mechanical with no electronics to fail. As long as there is a microbubble stream coming out with every exhale, then the system is functional. It'll extend an AL80 to 4 hours of endurance @ 60 ft at an average respiratory rate.
Some guys have already pioneered it for Tech...mounting it on some doubles full of a light helium mix, then they have a QD set up for a gas change. For deco, they simply switch to the higher FO2 mix.