Apeks has initiated a product safety recall for some of its XL4, XL4+ and Ocea regulator second stages (including octopuses) due to a manufacturing defect that could restrict breathing gas flow at depth.
The defect is in the second-stage spindle assembly, which can restrict gas supply at depths greater than 45 metres (148ft). Apeks says this is a precautionary recall, and no incidents involving the regulators have been reported so far.
Affected products include XL4, XL4+ and Ocea second stages, octopuses and complete stage 3 sets in yoke and DIN configurations manufactured between April 2025 and April 2026.
Serial numbers of the affected products range from 250402212 to 260402893 (inclusive).
The serial number is laser-marked directly on the second-stage body as per the image below, with the first four digits indicating the year and month of manufacture.
What owners should do
Apeks has advised that owners stop using the regulator immediately if it falls within the affected serial number range, and take it to an authorised Apeks dealer or service centre for free inspection and, if necessary, repair.
Apeks has said that there will be no charge for inspection, repair, any required replacement parts or shipping.
Divers who are uncertain if their unit is affected are advised to contact a local Apeks dealer or customer support and not use the regulator until it has been verified.
Apeks has also asked anyone who has sold, lent or given away an affected regulator to pass on this information to the new owner.
A complete listing of affected parts and serial numbers can be found on the Apeks website, with recall notices available from 22 regions in their respective languages.
For further information regarding the recall, customers in the UK and EU can write to RecallXL4@aqualung.com; US and Canada customers can contact RecallXL4@us.head.com or call 1.800.874.3236
For more information, visit the product recall page; divers can find their nearest authorised service centre using the Apeks Store Locator page.
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