BP2 Reviews/Specs

[Pao]

I just purchased and perused the UTD Reg Tech class materials and I am intrigued by the HOG BP2. Can anybody point me to any reviews? I also have a couple of questions:

1. How do they hold up to saltwater particularly the piston and body which sees saltwater most of the time (I dive 100% saltwater)?
2. What is the piston material (chromed brass, SS)?
3. How does it get sealed for cold water use (ambient chamber packed with silicone)?
4. How does it breathe?

Thanks!

 

[Pao]

Actually I own some Apeks regs and a HOG D1 cold (obviously all diaphragm regs). I am quite satisfied with the D1 but it is not yet due for service so I haven't seen the insides aside from the 2nd stage air barrel assembly. I was thinking of getting the BP2 but was concerned about the chroming of the body and the piston (if it is indeed chromed brass and not SS). I had some crusting/corrosion with the 2nd stage adjuster knob where the decal attaches to it after <10 dives in saltwater. It is not a critical part so I guess it's OK. I was just wondering what will happen if it happens to the piston or the inside of the body which constantly see saltwater.

 

[cerich]

You'll have trouble getting much durability reports on the BP2, I haven't been shipping it very long.

The chrome is the same as I use on the BP1 and the D!, I am very confident with it. Some people have reported that it can scratch more easily than other brands, I "think" it's more that the chrome is almost a mirror finish and it shows up more easily than the more "pebbled" look of some chrome finish used on regs. In our salt water testing it stood up better than the standard chrome offering of our OEM. The piston is SS as is the main piston spring, I expect no issues with corrosion, but if there were they would be covered under warranty. (lifetime, does not include service parts, hose or mouthpiece)

Any chance we can forgo the pissing contest on this one?

I am also quite interested in some qualified answers to the original questions.

---------- Post Merged at 06:51 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 06:46 PM ----------

Nor am I , I am talking about REGULATORS. Not that it matters, there exist some choices. You can have them use a shelf deign and paste your logo on it. I did that with the first stage at first, the second stage I worked a ton with them before I was happy(and in fact we still tweak it). The other option is design and have them make to your spec. I am happy to report that virtually the entire line is at that point now. Drop by the booth at DEMA and take a look, you may be shocked.

I'm not talking about masks or wetsuits.

 

[Pao]

You'll have trouble getting much durability reports on the BP2, I haven't been shipping it very long.

The chrome is the same as I use on the BP1 and the D!, I am very confident with it. Some people have reported that it can scratch more easily than other brands, I "think" it's more that the chrome is almost a mirror finish and it shows up more easily than the more "pebbled" look of some chrome finish used on regs. In our salt water testing it stood up better than the standard chrome offering of our OEM. The piston is SS as is the main piston spring, I expect no issues with corrosion, but if there were they would be covered under warranty. (lifetime, does not include service parts, hose or mouthpiece)

Thanks! So the piston is SS! BTW will that warranty cover my adjustment knob? I bought the reg from a shop here in the Philippines over a year ago but only used it recently for my sidemount class. The shop has changed ownership since then and they told me that warranty was for 1 year only and I don't think they are an authorized dealer.

 

[Pao]

While this exchange was taking place I sent a PM to cerich and he offered to replace my adjustment knob. But it seems that it was just a minor issue with the decal trapping water. So I asked if I can just pry it off and he said go ahead. I did not get the standard "please take the regulator to one of our authorized service center........". Now that says a lot about HOG's customer service and the fact that they do not assume that their customers have the intelligence level of a nine year old.

 

[leabre]

This thread had such potential because I myself am deeply interested in picking up two BP2's. I have already switched over to all HOG's from other name brands and have an interest in the BP2 piston model. Some of the questions the OP asked when opening this discussion are the very same question I myself have and would like to read relevant answers about.

I was hoping, based on the title alone, to find more information about the BP2 since there isn't much out there yet. I was not hoping to learn whether SP or APEKS is better or to read a comparative analysis about where all the various regulators are made. Such discussions are not relevant answers pertaining the questions that were asked. It didn't take but the very first response on this discussion to derail any hope of having a meaningful answer. It is really pathetic. Seriously, someone needs to open up a separate thread about all that so we can get back on topic.

 

[leabre]

I dont think so. An opinion was aked by the OP and I gave my answer. I recommend buying high end regs. I still stand by that advice. Now Im being asked to explain why and others have chimed in with their opinion. Nothing wrong with that. This is a chat board.

I didn't single you out. But since you're feeling guilty, I'll clarify. The original questions asked were:

Can anybody point me to any reviews? I also have a couple of questions [about the BP2]:

1. How do they hold up to saltwater particularly the piston and body which sees saltwater most of the time (I dive 100% saltwater)?
2. What is the piston material (chromed brass, SS)?
3. How does it get sealed for cold water use (ambient chamber packed with silicone)?
4. How does it breathe?

The title of the thread is "BP2 Reviews/Specs?"

Anyone who has an interest in the title, and subsequently the 4 questions asked, very likely has an interest in the answers. It is very likely they didn't continue reading in the hopes to learn more about whether HOG is a cheap knock-off because it is made in Taiwan, or where any of the other brands are made. Neither of those 'opinions' answered the questions asked or even led discussion into that direction. Most people who continue reading after the first post containing the questions very likely only care about discussions pertaining to those questions.

I, too, am just expression my opinion... posited as someone who has a very real and deep interest in topic originated by the OP of this thread.

 

[Pao]

I didn't single you out. But since you're feeling guilty, I'll clarify. The original questions asked were:



The title of the thread is "BP2 Reviews/Specs?"

Anyone who has an interest in the title, and subsequently the 4 questions asked, very likely has an interest in the answers. It is very likely they didn't continue reading in the hopes to learn more about whether HOG is a cheap knock-off because it is made in Taiwan, or where any of the other brands are made. Neither of those 'opinions' answered the questions asked or even led discussion into that direction. Most people who continue reading after the first post containing the questions very likely only care about discussions pertaining to those questions.

I, too, am just expression my opinion... posited as someone who has a very real and deep interest in topic originated by the OP of this thread.

This is getting a bit out of hand. Two or three questions were answered so far:

1. The piston is definitely stainless steel
2. Manufacturer tests shows better chrome quality that the other OEM regs/ process is the same with the D1
3. It is relatively new in the market hence no service/durability reports

Looking good so far.

I hope other BP2 owners would chime in .

 

[rongoodman]

I have a set of Hog D1s for my SM and stage/deco use and have been happy with them, and am looking forward to a service class in New England. What does the piston B2 bring to the table, as opposed to the D1s?

 

[Pao]

I have a set of Hog D1s for my SM and stage/deco use and have been happy with them, and am looking forward to a service class in New England. What does the piston B2 bring to the table, as opposed to the D1s?

1. Its a piston reg - simpler, can supposedly supply greater airflow, and not many nooks and crannies from which condensation form from sub-optimally purified air (theoretically at least - but this may open the old diaphragm vs. piston debate)
2. Notice how your hose cannot rotate 360º on the D1 turret as it bumps into the DIN hand wheel?
3. The 5th port is not on the balance plug

Disadvantage is that it cannot be completely environmentally sealed which is a concern with saltwater diving.