Zeagle DSV/ZX VS HOG

[Teller]

I am planning on taking the PADI Tech 40 class within the next year and I am trying to start collecting some of the equipment I will need for the class. My instructor has told me that I will need two regulators. I have been reading reviews about HOG regulators and they sound like good regulators and they are really affordable. I was going to just buy the HOG doubles set from DRIS for just under $600 and then I found a Zeagle DSV/ZX for $250. I am currently using the DSV/ZX right now and haven’t had any issues with diving in warm water down to about 100 FT. I don’t know too much about all the tech info on regs and the Zeagle works well for the type of diving I am doing now but they don’t seem to be very popular with other tech divers I have spoken to. I could save some money by just buying this Zeagle reg and matching it up with my existing reg. Is the DSV/ZX comparable to the HOG? Thank you for any input.

 

[Jimmer]

Yes, it is very comparable to the HOG. The HOG has arguably better hose routing, with the 5th lp port, but the Zeagle has a better design on the High Pressure seat. Both are going to breathe comparably. The second stages are practically identical, overall its a toss up. If it were me I would get the Zeagle and match it up to what you have now. Then when you need stage regs, grab a HOG which will be much cheaper new than the Zeagle.

For the record I own 4 zeagle regs, Flathead VI's on my doubles, and DSV's for stage regs, and have hundreds of dives on them, in VERY cold water, including ice dives, and have never once had even a hint of a problem.

Jim

 

[HowardE]

If you're diving doubles... Why would you need a 5th LP Port?

 

[Jimmer]

If you're diving doubles... Why would you need a 5th LP Port?

Improved hose routing. It allows the hoses to be at 90 degree angles to each other, rather than having them come straight down and then kink 90 degress like first stages without the 5th port. Check out the pics on this site.

HOG Gear D1 Doubles Reg Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

 

[Bubbletrubble]

The DSV is a balanced diaphragm first stage that's environmentally sealed. It should be straightforward to switch from yoke to a DIN configuration.
The ZX has an inhalation adjustment knob and a heat-sink for cold water use.
Zeagle is a very reputable company known for its customer service.

The only issue that should be investigated is whether the hose-routing will work well in a doubles setup. This is determined by the location of the LP ports on the first stage.

Provided that the regs are tuned properly, I don't think you could detect any performance differences between HOG and Zeagle regs. Zeagle has been around longer than HOG, though.

Other than that, I don't see any reason why you should jump ship to another manufacturer. You're happy with Zeagle. It will cost you only an additional $250 to get another first and second stage. Zeagle reg servicing kits can be purchased online...should you ever want to learn how to DIY service.

FWIW, you should be able to mix-and-match the HOG first/second stages with Zeagle first/second stages. Do whatever floats your boat.

 

[HowardE]

Improved hose routing. It allows the hoses to be at 90 degree angles to each other, rather than having them come straight down and then kink 90 degress like first stages without the 5th port. Check out the pics on this site.

HOG Gear D1 Doubles Reg Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

That is the design that ScubaPro has been using for a long time. Not innovative. You can achieve the same thing many ways.

 

[Jimmer]

That is the design that ScubaPro has been using for a long time. Not innovative. You can achieve the same thing many ways.

No one claimed it was innovative. We did however point out that the HOG has that and the Zeagle doesn't. Like I said, I use the Zeagles and they work fine on doubles, but some people really prefer the "scubapro" style of hose routing.

 

[HowardE]

As divers... we should use what we find most comfortable. Many people seem to forget that.

 

[knowone]

Bending hoses ninety degrees for routing is doing it rong.
Using fifth ports and ninety degree adaptors is doing it right.
No one claims it is innovative to utilise proven methods despite what people say.
Knowone also says Zeagle regs are
Very good.

 

[Teller]

Improved hose routing. It allows the hoses to be at 90 degree angles to each other, rather than having them come straight down and then kink 90 degress like first stages without the 5th port. Check out the pics on this site.

HOG Gear D1 Doubles Reg Package - Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL

If you dont mind could you send me a picture of your doubles with the hoses routed without the 5th port so I can get a better idea? Thank you.