Deep 6 reg comparison against AL LUX Supreme

[cerich]

That's what I would normally do, but as they were in my wash tank I though't I'd try.

I am interested as to why you have a large rotation of the adjustment, given it doesn't seem to need such a fine adjustment? By that I mean with less rotation for the same effect?

I guess the mouthpiece just takes some getting used to, especially as I've pretty much always dived a comfo bite. not a huge issue as mouth pieces are very personal

Glad you have a light grey part for the O-ring. just one of these little things I noticed.

I do really like the regs, and as I said would recommend then without hesitation

Why does AL have such a gross adjustment? I prefer to have fine control, I guess they like less.

 

[cerich]

DD- is the difference a certain lack of subtlety in the initiation of an inhalation? I have almost no experience but it seems that my Deep6 regs give me air more freely than I'm used to but if I'm just sipping my air, it isn't a terribly smooth transition from none to just a bit. I suspect that in a few dives I will get used to it and at that point the very low WOB will be all I notice. I also wonder if this is adjustable or is it perhaps the result of the little turbine inside spinning up? I'm going to go find the drawings I saw of the internals.

The turbine poppet doesn't spin, it creates a vortex in the second stage gas flow, which allows smoother delivery and also lower WOB. Yeah, it you are really aware you can feel when the vortex happens. I'm not sure I agree it isn't a smooth transition, it just goes from really good delivery to excellent. Beyond my perception of it, the loop confirms it.

 

[Diving Dubai]

Why does AL have such a gross adjustment? I prefer to have fine control, I guess they like less.

Ahh okay that explains it.

I only use mine if I'm working hard in current, then I just screw it all the way back. Your's on the other hand allows for finer control. I get that now. Thanks

 

[bbarnett51]

In all fairness you are comparing a brand new reg(and company) to one of the best regs ever created! .... And at least double the cost!

 

[Diving Dubai]

In all fairness you are comparing a brand new reg(and company) to one of the best regs ever created! .... And at least double the cost!

You have a good point and one I readily concede.

I was always led to believe that you can't really tell the difference between regs past a certain level. On a machine yes, a diver not so much.

Apparently you can.

But as you say the AL is (in the US at least) 3 if not 4 times the price of the Deep 6. Is the AL 3-4 times better. No. It's not even twice as good. If fact it's only marginally "nicer to breath" Obviously outside the US the price difference shrinks and you have the additional shipping cost, but still there is a good chunk of change between them

I really and honestly think Deep 6 has a nice product, certainly one I'd recommend. I'd like to see the grip on the Din fitting improved, as that would be the most annoying for me (based on my normal experience) for others it may be what they're used to and they don't care.

While I nit picked for sure, for me what stands out, is that they've made a reg that is really, really close to a top model, and they should be really proud. Maybe as they develop further over time it will be equal if not better, who knows.

What I did note is that everyone I showed it too, and told them the price was impressed.

I'll certainly be keeping a close eye on them in the future, as it's a brand to watch.

 

[bbarnett51]

I

You have a good point and one I readily concede.

I was always led to believe that you can't really tell the difference between regs past a certain level. On a machine yes, a diver not so much.

Apparently you can.

But as you say the AL is (in the US at least) 3 if not 4 times the price of the Deep 6. Is the AL 3-4 times better. No. It's not even twice as good. If fact it's only marginally "nicer to breath" Obviously outside the US the price difference shrinks and you have the additional shipping cost, but still there is a good chunk of change between them

I really and honestly think Deep 6 has a nice product, certainly one I'd recommend. I'd like to see the grip on the Din fitting improved, as that would be the most annoying for me (based on my normal experience) for others it may be what they're used to and they don't care.

While I nit picked for sure, for me what stands out, is that they've made a reg that is really, really close to a top model, and they should be really proud. Maybe as they develop further over time it will be equal if not better, who knows.

What I did note is that everyone I showed it too, and told them the price was impressed.

I'll certainly be keeping a close eye on them in the future, as it's a brand to watch.

Think it was a good review. Those little things matter and get more annoying with time!

As for the breathing feeling different, I don't doubt the AL was a little nicer, again it's arguably the best of the best. But I wonder if the fact that the Deep6 was as comfortable could have been that difference you were feeling? If the mouthpiece was uncomfortable to you and the reg felt front heavy, your experience is going to be not so great.
I have the exact same complaint as you with my HOG D1. I get terrible jaw fatigue. But I have an Edge Epic 12 that I swear is the single best reg I've used in over 20yrs of diving! I feel like it breaths better but I know it doesn't BC I'm using basically the same Edge 1st stage. It's just that the 2nd stage isn't as comfortable.

But, hell, I don't know. I'm just rambling and you are the one that did a side by side comparison. Lol I really appreciate you doing it!

 

[Caveeagle]

I appreciate the OPs review but would never base a decision totally on this. Just not a scientific review and subject to way too Many variables.

And even outside of a scientific, side by side test, it's virtually impossible to remove the human bias from a reviewer. Something like a mouthpiece you are not used to can throw it all off. Even knowing the retail price and brand reputation will enhance bias with most people.

Remove all possible variables, increase the sample size of the test, ensure a solid measuring system and test without bias (blind).

 

[Goingforsound]

I appreciate the review! I am not sure why people are sensible at the two only flaws you found for the regs?

I bought two sets of d6 in december and havent got to test them yet. But if i only hate the mouthpiece and its breathing slightly less refined than one of the best regs on the market ill be the happiest camper.

Thanks for the review! Finally someone that has something negative to say

 

[RainPilot]

That's why I gave the set to Martin to test. I knew he would call it as he saw it. Even if he is wrong and now forever dead to me.


I've also told him he can change the mouthpiece and use it as a long term test so maybe he can redeem himself.

First rule.

 

[Caveeagle]

I appreciate the review! I am not sure why people are sensible at the two only flaws you found for the regs?

Why would you expect people to NOT be 'sensible' about the review. Isn't that the point of the review? For people to extract an opinion about the relative quality/performance/value? I don't think I have sensed any "over sensitivity". Shoot, I think Chris has been very transparent and willing to listen. Many manufacturers would have either not replied at all, or blasted the OP with all the reasons he was wrong.

I am glad for the OP's input, but just wanted to point out that this kind of review is far from a reliable study that should be used to assess total quality or performance. It would not surprise me at all, if the D6 regs actually out performed the AL units on a bench test. ..And this review did not change that opinion at all. But some have posted the higher AL performance as a near 'given'.

I have not even touched or dove a D6 yet. I dive Poseidon and HOG regs depending on what I am doing.

So why do I care enough to post on this?

Because, over the years, I have seen popular opinion and mythology influence brand equity on dive equipment and have even seen that lead to extreme cases where it became a safety issue. No kidding.. I had an OW instructor that openly pushed SP regs as the Only regs reliable enough for advanced diving and referred to one students regs as "Lego Regs" and "Deathcor" enough that the kid lost confidence in his gear and actually bailed on me mid-dive. I know I am bringing up an extreme case.. But this can happen.