DRIS Ilusion vs HOG sidemount sets

[cwattendorf]

looking for a side mount set for coldwater that would ideally work for some basic technical diving as well so far im looking at two sets that fit my price range

DRIS Illusion Sidemount Regulator Package

Illusion Sidemount Regulator Package - Ready to Dive - DRIS

Illusion Sidemount Regulator Package has everything you need to start diving sidemount. The package includes a beautiful pair of balanced diaphragm.

www.diverightinscuba.com

and
HOG (D3 First stage and Zenith 2nd stage)

Buy HOG Premium Sidemount Regulator Package Online | Divers Supply

HOG Premium Sidemount Regulator Package

www.divers-supply.com

any particular advantages, disadvantages to either? which is better?

 

[PEDiver]

For $1000 you could easily piece together a sidemount setup of used Scubapro / Apeks regs.

 

[OhioDivingDude]

for the price the illusion is a solid choice. maybe look at deep 6 signature series as well. DRIS just started selling the deep 6 line. I run the dive rite xt2 and they are great but if I went back i would save the money and go for one of the ones I mentioned. Also down the road you could take a class and rebuild the regs yourself if you wanted, same with the hog regs.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

The illusion regs appear to be the same first stage as the HOG D1 with different cosmetics. They're fine for doubles but wouldn't be my first choice for SM because the turret won't rotate 360 degrees with hoses attached. For sidemount, you kind of want that.
The seconds don't have the micro adjust that the HOG 2nds do, but it helps to prolong seat life and fine-tune the stage.
Either the HOG D3 or Deep Six signature 1sts are better choices.
For the seconds, the HOG Classic is a better 2nd stage than the HOG Zenith or the Deep Six, in my personal opinion, because of the large silicone purge cover.