Aqualung Titan or HOG or Other

[Wubwub]

Hi just looking for some insight as not a lot of resources online. Looking to buy a 1st and 2nd stage regulator set and my price range is around $400usd. I am travelling Australia and will be here for the foreseeable future. I would like something light weight and balanced while being able to be serviced by most dive shops abroad. Renting is getting expensive and I could have had these things a couple times over by now. my LDS has a few solid options like the AL Titan and there is also a HOG dealer nearby. Any recommendations or opinions you care to share would be appreciated.

 

[Scubatude]

We sell and service both Aqua Lung and Hog regulators. Both are good regs. A high quality AL beats the HOG, no question, however in your price range the HOG may be a better choice than to lower end AL. Service, repair, and support are also a factor you should consider. Aqua Lung (and Scubapro) regulators are great for traveling divers because they can be serviced all around the world. There is always a repair tech that know those regs, has the tools, and the parts. The same can not be said for HOG. It is sometimes hard to find a HOG tech, or parts. Some traveling divers choose to go with HOGs and take the HOG Regulator Course to be able to service their own regs.

 

[Wubwub]

We sell and service both Aqua Lung and Hog regulators. Both are good regs. A high quality AL beats the HOG, no question, however in your price range the HOG may be a better choice than to lower end AL. Service, repair, and support are also a factor you should consider. Aqua Lung (and Scubapro) regulators are great for traveling divers because they can be serviced all around the world. There is always a repair tech that know those regs, has the tools, and the parts. The same can not be said for HOG. It is sometimes hard to find a HOG tech, or parts. Some traveling divers choose to go with HOGs and take the HOG Regulator Course to be able to service their own regs.

Good point Id want to be able to service my own in case something happened. Would also need to carry parts.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

we bought 4 sets of the Hog Edge regs and came in complete with SPG's for around 400 a set....no issues, good regs, breathe fine. I've since upgraded to Scubapro MK25EVO/s600 due to a deal I couldn't pass up.

If I were shopping for quality at a great price today, I'd definately look at Deepsix. Everything I have seen of theirs has been extremely well made. They will even sell you the service kits for their regs for DIY service if you're so inclined.

They are memebers here, definately take a look before you pull the trigger!
Deep 6 Gear

Good luck,
Jay

 

[diversteve]

If your plan is to self-service - Aqualung is not the best choice as they only sell parts to techs affiliated with an Aqualung dealer - at least here in the US - IDK about Oz

Most of the mfr's have dealer locators on their websites - you might check if you will ever want them to service it. I believe you'll find HOG light on dealers in OZ - at least they were a couple years ago.

Someone once posted here that the Aqualung Core line is an upgraded Titan - IDK if any are within your budget.

You might also look at Atomic Aquatics Z2 model - it breathes the same as the rest of their line - the price difference is reflective of the materials used. It also has a 2 year/300 dive recommended service interval so that may save some money. It's $439.

Atomic Z2 Regulator

 

[Wubwub]

If your plan is to self-service - Aqualung is not the best choice as they only sell parts to techs affiliated with an Aqualung dealer - at least here in the US - IDK about Oz

Most of the mfr's have dealer locators on their websites - you might check if you will ever want them to service it. I believe you'll find HOG light on dealers in OZ - at least they were a couple years ago.

Someone once posted here that the Aqualung Core line is an upgraded Titan - IDK if any are within your budget.

You might also look at Atomic Aquatics Z2 model - it breathes the same as the rest of their line - the price difference is reflective of the materials used. It also has a 2 year/300 dive recommended service interval so that may save some money. It's $439.

Atomic Z2 Regulator

Yeah core is just out of my budget and I would go with the atomic if I was willing to jump up to that next tier

 

[chris kippax]

I sold my Aqualung legend LX second stage and replaced it with a HOG classic I bought used for $50. It is my back up second stage, there is minimal difference in breathing effort and build quality. The best part is the HOG service kit is $13 vs $40 for the Aqualung.
You wont go wrong with either of your choices with Aqualung being more prevelant in Australia and therefore possibly easier to get serviced. .

 

[ams511]

@Wubwub The Titan is a solid choice, the first stage is balanced but the second stage is not. The Core used to sold at the Titan LX. The Hog first and second stages are both balanced, so it probably will be a better breather. At the same price I would probably go with the Hog. If mail order is an option then this is one of the cheapest packages I see. Sea Elite Covert Regulator with Octo Pkg

 

[flyboy08]

I use three exact Hogs.....one for the pony

Great Regs. Never dove with AL, sorry.

 

[runsongas]

how soon do you need the regs? if you can wait, aqualung runs a free octo sale nearly every year. that should make moving up to the core somewhat more reasonable.

else look at deep 6.