The main issue will be where you get your regs serviced. Do you have a local Apeks dealer? If not, then you need to take into account having to ship your regs out and paying for shipping both ways. And finding a shop that will deal with that in a timely manner. Most regs are made in one of the same factories and are not much different from each other. My preferred regs are Aqualung Legends but I bought them at keyman several years ago and I have sources for service kits so I can service them myself. If I were to lose my sources I would have to sell them because I'm not about to let anyone else service my regs. (Well, there are a couple people I might let service them.)
HOGs are good regs. I have a few sets I've been diving for about 5 years now and haven't had any issues with them. And they see some abuse. Probably not as much as a rental fleet. I'm interested in knowing how they are "breaking". I also have some Dive Rite regs I've been using for several years. Again, no issues with them. And Dive Rite is quick to offer great customer service if they sell gear with defects.
It's all a matter of personal choice. And there are a lot of factors to consider.
That is a good point. Although I am new to diving I would want to service my own regs. I know it's not much but I spent a good amount of time helping my OW and AOW instructor service Aqua lung first and second stages, and a few tank valves. I'd need to learn some more to do it on different regs and get the parts but I want to be responsible for something as important as my regs.. There is an Apeks dealer about 30 minutes away, he is offering me the Apeks side mount kit for 1250, he has a very small shop but I guess he would be able to service my regs or could I get apeks parts through him?
I'll research this now..