Anyone Diving a HOG rig, how is it?

[jswantek]

I'm in the market for a single-tank BP/W setup. I was fairly set on one specific manufacturer's package when my buddy pointed out the HOG rigs to me. They look pretty solid, and are rather reasonably priced, but I wanted to get some opinions from the people that are using them. So, if you have a HOG rig, what do you think of it? Thanks!

 

[rstofer]

I haven't used the HOG backplate and harness but I have used the wing (32#) with a double-hose regulator setup. It works well.

A harness is just a piece of webbing with some gadgets threaded on. Not much to talk about there. Other than the Freedom or DSS offerings, plates are plates. A piece of metal to which the wing and web are attached. Or, in the case of the OxyCheq UltraLite Travel Plate, a piece of fabric or something. There may be some other plates with somewhat different features but I haven't used them. DSS, for example, offers a Kydex plate.

Now, the DSS plate is a work of art with the elastomeric grommets at the web slots and the Freedom plate has some unique characteristics as well. But if what you want is a standard 6# SS plate, there isn't much to differentiate them.

All of which points out that a BP/W is just a collection of parts tied together. It just doesn't matter which pieces you choose. Sure, you can get into long discussions of inverted U versus toroid wing construction, you can discuss how much lift, you can look at various profiles but, at the end of the day, they are a bladder that holds air.

The OxyCheq Mach V, the DSS and the HOG wing don't need Single Tank Adapters to keep the tank in place. The DSS wing has the best support blocks (in my opinion) but the other two have ridges to align and support the tank. Other wings may have a similar feature. In the end, the tank bands do most of the work.

There is a feature to the DSS wings that is worth considering: the wing is not captured by the tank bands. Further, it isn't bolted to the plate either; there are little elastomeric nipples that push through the holes in the plate. You can simply pull the wing away from the plate and store it separately. This may help prevent damage.

I like the HOG wing. But I like my DSS rig better. It's just that when I want to use a double-hose regulator, the center outlet of the DSS wing gets in the way. If it weren't for that issue, I would have never looked at any other wings.

Richard

 

[Jim Baldwin]

I'm in the market for a single-tank BP/W setup. I was fairly set on one specific manufacturer's package when my buddy pointed out the HOG rigs to me. They look pretty solid, and are rather reasonably priced, but I wanted to get some opinions from the people that are using them. So, if you have a HOG rig, what do you think of it? Thanks!

I bought a Hog 32 lb. single wing with a Dive Rite SS plate, Single Tank Adapter and webbing kit as a package deal back before Christmas. Took it with me to Cozumel and it dove great. I'll be using it again this week on a couple of dives here in Cozumel. This is my fourth B/P wing setup, three stay in Cozumel and I have fourth back home. Saves on all the extra luggage fees.

 

[ScubaFeenD]

I had asked the same question, and I got a lot of really positive reviews over at The Deco Stop

here is the thread I started: The Deco Stop

Take a look there for some already pretty knowledgeable opinions

 

[The Kraken]

I have a HOG 32# wing and love it!

the K

 

[jswantek]

I had asked the same question, and I got a lot of really positive reviews over at The Deco Stop

here is the thread I started: The Deco Stop

Take a look there for some already pretty knowledgeable opinions

Can't read them, don't have an account. Could you please enlighten?

 

[ScubaFeenD]

Can't read them, don't have an account. Could you please enlighten?

I have attached a zipped pdf of the post in thedecostop so you can view the responses. Hope you find it informative.

 

[jswantek]

I have attached a zipped pdf of the post in thedecostop so you can view the responses. Hope you find it informative.

Can't extract anything from the .zip file, Windows says it's invalid.

 

[ScubaFeenD]

Can't extract anything from the .zip file, Windows says it's invalid.

HAHA, OK, megafail on my part. Here are a few of the comments Ive recieved ont he post. I will include many positive and all negative reviews.

It's a fantastic product. I have a few friends that have them and they all love them. They claim it's the best wing they have ever owned. I dove it a few times and yes without a doubt I would suggest it for a first wing

I just got a singles wing an it seems well built. My buddie also got a 55 doubles wing an it too is a nice built wing.

I have a 32# singles wing and the 58# doubles wing. Both are solidly made at an excellent price and have treated me well. The only thing I don't like about the doubles wing is that it seems big compared to other brands with similar lift I've seen. I haven't noticed any additional drag or problems from it, it just looks big. Bottom line is I'd still buy another wing from them without hesitation.

never had an issue with mine. great company.

Take this for what its worth, but Ive sold quite a few in Australia. I have yet to get a single complaint, return or issue. The feedback I get is amazing, and every customer has been very impressed.

I've had an ok experience with the 32lb singles wing. Aside from a grommet that has fallen out, it is well built. My only complaint is how slow inflation is.

I use my #32 without am STA. Works great. Tank seems stable. No movement.

I own all three (32,38,58) love them all. Been diving them for almost 2 years with no problems. Great product at a great price.


The only "problem" I've seen mentioned is that the inflator is too slow, which could be good or bad depending on how fast you want to inflate your wing. I personally feel the slower inflate would give me more control over buoyancy, but I havent used the wing myself. Hope these comments help guide your decision. I just purchased a wing that isn't HOG, but that is ONLY because I got a great deal on it. If it weren't for the deal, I would have bought a HOG wing for sure. I will certainly purchase their regs, as they have gotten the same rave reviews that the BC has received. You can check all the products out at Dive Right In Scuba -#1 for Scuba Diving Certification, Training, and Classes in Illinois

Good luck with your purchase; let me know how your experience with it is if you end up buying it.

-ddd

 

[jswantek]

Some great feedback, thanks for sharing that. Like you, I like the idea of a slower inflation valve, allows for better control without a lot of 'tweaking'.

I've been looking at the packages that Dive Right In Scuba offers, and they're very well priced. I'll be calling them soon to see what they can do for me. I'd like to see if they can modify a package for me though. I don't need a backplate pad, so I'm hoping they'll let me substitute some weight pockets. We'll see how it goes.

I'll definitely let you know what I purchase and what I like - and don't like - about it. Thanks again!