A critical product safety recall affecting certain Apeks XL4, XL4+ and XL4 Ocea regulator second stages and octopuses has been issued by HEAD Watersports.
A manufacturing defect in the second-stage spindle assembly can restrict the flow of breathing gas at depths exceeding 45m, says the manufacturer, meaning that the regulator might not deliver sufficient gas when required.
The second stages causing concern were manufactured between April 2025 and April 2026 and have serial numbers ranging from 250402212 to 260402893 – the first pair of digits in each case signifying the year and the second pair the month. The number can be found laser-marked directly onto the second-stage body.
If your regulator is one of those affected you should stop using it immediately and return it to the authorised Apeks dealer from which it was purchased, or to an authorised Apeks service centre. Contact your local Apeks dealer or customer support if unsure.
Affected regulators will be inspected and, if necessary, repaired free of charge by qualified technicians using approved Apeks replacement components. There is no charge for the inspection, repair or shipping. Full details can be found on the recall site.
HEAD asks that any diver who has sold, lent or given one of these regulators to someone else should try to let them know about this recall notice.
