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AR15.COM
4/29/2025 4:20:48 PM EDT
Looks like Aqualung, parent company of Apeks, is being sold to Head Sports, which owns dive brands such as Mares and SSI.

If the history of Mares is anything to judge this merger on, I hope product innovation at Apeks doesn't completely stall and/or serviceability doesn't become a nightmare.  Looks like Mares is still selling the same Abyss I learned to dive on 30 years ago.

?? Aqualung’s Collapse: Will HEAD’s Takeover Sink Your Dive Gear?


Video Summary:

?? Aqualung is drowning in debt—and your dive gear could be impacted next.

The company behind Apeks, Aqua Lung, and US Divers has been taken over by Barings Bank after mortgaging its IP to French lenders. Now, HEAD Group (owners of Mares, SSI, and Revo) is in talks to buy Aqualung—a deal that could create a monopoly, dominating the premium scuba industry, potentially raise prices, and stifle innovation.  

In this video, we break down:  
? How Aqualung’s financial collapse happened (with insights from a former corporate restructuring expert)  
? Why HEAD wants Aqualung—and how this could eliminate competition
? The real-world impact on divers: higher costs, fewer choices, and warranty risks  
? Apeks’ new regulator launch—why it’s being ignored amid the chaos  

?? *WATCH NOW* before regulators decide the fate of your gear.  
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4/29/2025 7:31:40 PM EDT
[#1]
Eh, I went from Apeks to Dive Rite about 4 years ago.
"They know what shipwrecks are, for out of sight of land, however inland, they have drowned full many a midnight ship with all its shrieking crew." - Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851, on the Great Lakes
4/30/2025 12:09:48 AM EDT
[#2]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Marie:

Eh, I went from Apeks to Dive Rite about 4 years ago.
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How long were you diving with Apeks before you made the change, and why?
4/30/2025 12:16:14 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote History
Originally Posted By OutThere:


How long were you diving with Apeks before you made the change, and why?
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Probably because Lamar and his people make good stuff. I loved my single tank wings and reels from Dive Rite.
5/1/2025 1:17:31 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By OutThere:


How long were you diving with Apeks before you made the change, and why?
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Quote History
Originally Posted By OutThere:
Originally Posted By Marie:

Eh, I went from Apeks to Dive Rite about 4 years ago.


How long were you diving with Apeks before you made the change, and why?


4 years, I think. The Apeks first stages were often difficult to get screwed into valve. Might take 4-5 tries sometimes. I read about others having the issue. No issues at all like this for DR. I was able to sell the Apeks set (two first and two second stages) for $700. Friend was looking for a doubles set and pounced on them when I posted on my personal FB page because he knows I take care of my gear.
"They know what shipwrecks are, for out of sight of land, however inland, they have drowned full many a midnight ship with all its shrieking crew." - Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851, on the Great Lakes
5/7/2025 10:31:56 PM EDT
[#5]
So long as Conshelf rebuild kits are available,  I don't think a lack of innovation will harm me.

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