Comprehensive review and test of the Apeks DSX dive computer. Discover its features, ZHL-16C algorithm, display clarity, and our expert rating for tech divers.
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The first time I saw the Apeks DSX on a boat deck, what struck me was its titanium finish and the massive size of its color display. Apeks, already renowned for the legendary ruggedness of their XTX series regulators and the classic DS4, brings that same philosophy to advanced electronics. Whether you are diving in the dark, cold quarries of Belgium or exploring deep wrecks, a dive computer is not just a stopwatch. It is the nerve center that manages your decompression safety on every immersion. The DSX arrives with a strong promise: to provide a complete tool, featuring a built-in oxygen analyzer, perfectly tailored for technical diving, Trimix, and CCR. In this review, let us find out what it is truly capable of when it comes to planning safety, and whether this significant investment is justified.
Overall Score: 4.7/5
| Criteria | Score | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Algorithm & Stops | 5.0/5 | Surgical decompression precision with full customization. |
| Air & Multi-gas | 4.7/5 | Comprehensive management for hypoxic Trimix and rebreathers. |
| Screen & Ergonomics | 4.8/5 | Exceptional readability with a massive 2.4-inch TFT color screen. |
| Battery & Autonomy | 4.6/5 | Great 80h endurance with convenient wireless inductive charging. |
| Connectivity & App | 4.8/5 | Smooth Bluetooth data transfers to the free DiverLog+ companion app. |
| Compass & Instruments | 4.3/5 | Easy navigation thanks to a highly responsive 3D compass. |
| Robustness & Depth | 4.3/5 | Armored titanium design, certified down to 100 meters. |
| Price & Support | 4.2/5 | A major investment, but backed by a widely accessible service network. |
This computer is for: The tech diver (Sidemount, CCR, Trimix) or underwater photographer looking for an ultra-readable screen and an all-in-one gas analysis tool.
This computer is not ideal for: The strictly recreational summer diver, for whom the complexity, price, and bulk will be disproportionate.
[!IMPORTANT] Tech / Rebreather Alert: This computer primarily targets advanced tech or CCR usage. These features require specific technical training prior to use. A high score does not replace this requirement.
Managing your decompression is the core of this device. The DSX uses a highly proven model that allows you to finely adjust your safety profile based on your habits and conditions. It communicates saturation and ceiling data visually and clearly, without ever compromising on rigor.
Algorithm: Bühlmann ZHL-16C. The industry's most open model for deep diving. (Score: 5/5)
Gradient Factors: Freely adjustable by the user (full range) or via Sport presets (e.g., 30/70, 90/90). (Score: 5/5)
Deco Display: Ceiling, TTS, and detailed continuous stops. (Score: 5/5)
Ascent / Saturation Alert: Rapid ascent warnings and graphical tissue/GF representation. (Score: 5/5)
Software Reliability: Highly stable system, no major critical patches recorded. (Score: 5/5)
The DSX is built to accompany divers far beyond recreational limits. Whether you are carrying decompression stage cylinders or managing a rebreather loop, the interface makes gas switching incredibly fluid.
Number of Gases: Up to 6 Open Circuit gases and 6 Closed Circuit (CCR) gases. (Score: 4/5)
Trimix: Full support for hypoxic Trimix. (Score: 5/5)
CCR Mode: Native support with easy gas bailouts. (Score: 5/5)
Note: Air integration uses low-frequency radio technology (MH-8A type transmitter).
Its screen offers phenomenal visual comfort, particularly noticeable at night or in murky, particle-heavy waters. The interface remains accessible even when wearing thick dry gloves, a crucial detail for our cold environments.
Screen Type: High-resolution color TFT LCD. (Score: 5/5)
Usable Display Size: 2.4 inches. (Score: 5/5)
Readability: Excellent, featuring a built-in ambient light sensor for automatic backlighting. (Score: 5/5)
Navigation: 3 stainless steel buttons, well-spaced for gloves. (Score: 4/5)
Customization: Display layout can be tailored to the diver's needs. (Score: 5/5)
Forget frequent battery changes. The DSX charging system is modern and ensures you can link multiple dives over a long weekend without risking a black screen during your safety stop.
Battery Type: Internal Lithium-ion battery, rechargeable via USB cable or included inductive mat. (Score: 3.5/5)
Advertised Autonomy: Approximately 80 hours at standard brightness. (Score: 5/5)
Charge Indicator: Precise percentage. (Score: 5/5)
Cold Water Behavior: Titanium chassis, excellent battery retention confirmed in the field. (Score: 5/5)
Transferring your digital logbook is entirely frictionless. It guarantees your decompression profiles are always backed up on your phone or computer for further analysis.
Synchronization: Automatic Bluetooth Smart 5.0. (Score: 5/5)
Companion App: DiverLog+ (free), highly functional. (Score: 4/5)
Firmware Updates: Supported over-the-air or via cable. (Score: 5/5)
Interoperability: Standard exports available to major third-party logbooks. (Score: 5/5)
The device is packed with high-precision sensors to ease orientation and keep track of environmental metrics. No more needing to juggle a physical compass on the opposite arm.
Built-in Compass: 3D tilt-compensated digital compass. (Score: 5/5)
Temperature Sensor: Continuous display. (Score: 5/5)
Dedicated Mode: Full Gauge mode available for tech/recreational orientation (no pure freediving profile). (Score: 3/5)
With its titanium armor, the DSX fears neither the sharp metal of a wreck nor extreme pressures. It is equipment designed to last and withstand the harshest conditions.
Certified Depth: 100 meters (330 fsw). (Score: 4/5)
Protection Glass: Treated mineral glass, rugged titanium bezel. (Score: 4/5)
Certifications: CE standards for depth measurement devices. (Score: 5/5)
The initial budget is hefty, but the inclusion of the O2 analyzer module compensates significantly. You are investing in a durable ecosystem, backed by an ultra-solid distribution network.
Value for Money: Good, the O2 analysis module (excluding R22 cell) brings real added value for Nitrox/Trimix blenders. (Score: 4/5)
Service Availability: The Apeks / Aqualung network is incredibly dense in Belgium and France. (Score: 5/5)
Warranty: Standard manufacturer (2 years). (Score: 3.5/5)
Recommended Level: Level 3 / Advanced Nitrox diver at a minimum to leverage its capabilities, ideally a full tech diver.
Field Workflow: The inductive charging mat greatly simplifies logistics. The O2 analyzer module is a massive time-saver before getting in the water.
Local Support Vigilance: A major asset. Apeks technical centers are plentiful across Francophone Europe, ensuring easy maintenance.
Air Integration: The DSX offers wireless air integration. These transmitters drain battery life significantly faster than the rest of the electronics. Always carry a backup (standard mechanical pressure gauge or backup regulator). Air integration simplifies readings, but it never replaces redundancy.
Upgradability: The unit manages all gases and modes natively. There are no paid software upgrades required to unlock Trimix or CCR functions.
A dive computer, no matter how excellent, replaces neither training nor common sense. Always carry a backup on demanding dives (a second computer or tables), and adhere to learned procedures in the event of a failure or a flagged decompression error. Since air integration is available on the Apeks DSX, I must state it firmly again: redundancy is mandatory (pressure gauge or backup regulator), and these transmitters will deplete their own batteries much faster. Keep your regulator firmly in your mouth underwater at all times.
The Apeks DSX is a true digital tank, designed and built to never let you down when depth or commitment demands it. While its price and massive size might deter a strictly recreational profile, the technical diver will find it to be a formidable companion. The native integration of an O2 gas analysis module is a masterstroke that prevents the need to purchase an additional external device. Paired with the exceptional clarity of its TFT screen and the rigor of the ZHL-16C algorithm, this DSX fully earns its place in our selection of reliable gear.
The computer runs on an internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Designed with technical multi-hour dives in mind, battery life reaches approximately 80 active hours. The unit is supplied with a wireless inductive charging cradle and also supports the classic USB charging cable.
To learn more about choosing batteries and extending the life of your computer, read our complete guide to dive computer batteries.
If you wish to compare this model with Shearwater's technical flagship units, you can read our Shearwater Perdix 2 review or our Shearwater Petrel 3 Fisher review.
To compare this computer with other models, check our dive computer comparator.
No, it is designed for technical diving (Trimix, CCR, Sidemount). While it has a recreational mode, its complex features are aimed at certified technical divers.
The O2 analyzer module is included, but the actual R22 sensor cell usually needs to be purchased separately.
The advertised battery life is around 80 hours of diving. It can be charged via a wireless inductive mat or a standard USB cable.
Yes, it supports up to 6 different gases and can be paired with 6 wireless transmitters simultaneously.
