First Tech Reg: SALVO SR3 / SRX vs HOG D1 vs HOLLIS DC2 / 212 (OCEANIC FDX10 / EOS)

[rakpix]

so, i've found some great deals on regulators through the help of a few scubaboard members, now i have to make my final choice. First, i was looking for a good sub $400 alpha 8 setup, but after considerable scrounging have found three MUCH better rigs:

1. Salvo (R.I.P.) SR3/SRX - Manufactured by Ocean Divers Supply - $150

2. HOG D1/D1 - Manufactured by Ocean Divers Supply - $200

3. Hollis DC2/212 - Manufactured by Oceanic, EOS clone - $275

i would appreciate any help on choosing BETWEEN these setups, either from a price-neutral standpoint, or a value standpoint. please only respond with some sort of COMPARISON between ANY TWO of these regs, or their various clones (branded by oceanic, oxycheq, oms, etc). if you've considered two or three of these regs, and bought one, what made you rule the others out? thanks in advance!

 

[rakpix]

The diving i'm doing is mostly travel-diving in the Gulf, Carribean, and Cape Hatteras. Getting into more and more wreck diving as time goes on. Will buy a drysuit this year. I need this purchase to last me a good, long time! Thanks for your votes, but I could really use a comparison from a fellow shopper, or a look back from a satisfied/unsatisfied customer of any of these regs!

 

[Kunundrum]

Rakpix,

If you are doing mostly Travel Diving then I would look for a mainstream Reg set like the Apex XTX50 or SP Mk17/MK25.

If needed parts are easily found for these regs in any corner of the world.

However if you are dead set on one of the 2 setups listed I would go with the HOG, I have one and it's a great little reg.

Cheers.

 

[rakpix]

Thanks for the input. How does your HOG compare functionally to the Apeks regs? And do you have both 1st and 2nd stages. Or just the 2nd stages?

 

[Kunundrum]

The Apeks XTX50 is a very popular Tech Reg, because it's affordable, Reliable and know worldwide. parts can be obtained just about anywhere you will go diving if you were ever to need them.

The Hog is a great little reg I only have the 2nd stage, originally paired to a Oceanic DX4 and now paired to a Legend 1st stage. Both work equally well. they have a very nice construction and would only expect the 1st stage to share the build quality of the 2nd stage I own.

If you were going to Dive locally and not travel internationally I would have no worries recommending the HOG/EDGE regulators. But since you mentioned this being use for travel diving I would suggest rethinking and looking at more mainstream brands. (mainly Scubapro or Aqualung/Apeks). I know the chances of needing service while on vacation is rare, but it's nice to know it can be done if ever you do need it.

I think of it as the "condom" or "spare tire" approach, its better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

The other option is buying and traveling with two regulators.

if you plan on traveling a lot, check out the Apeks Flight, the thing is Tiny and light and breathes just as well as the regs on your list.

 

[rakpix]

Went with the HOG D1 rig. Should arrive Thursday! Two cold water 1st's, two 2nd's, 7' and 22" hoses for $400 shipped Thats the price of ONE XTX50!