You are comparing apples to oranges. The Dive Xtras CUDA and SS Magnus are designed to 'compete' on a different scale (with each other and the XK1/2). If you want to compared apples to apples, then compare the Halcyon scooters to the Sierra, N19, Gavin, etc...
Indeed it is nice to have a bit more giddyup at times, but i find the majority of the time i run my CUDA at 'standard scooter speeds'. Why?
a) it gets a bit painful to ride long duration at top in speed
b) shorter duration at top speed due to high draw for those of us who don't have Lithium packs.
c) at the end of the day, more folks still have sierra/gavin/n19 speed scooters than CUDA's. All it takes is one "regular" scooter and no mattter how many CUDA or Magnus you have in the group, the group goes 'regular scooter' speed.
There are many other factors that I would recommend taking into account over top end speed. Its highly recommended to get out and ride the scooters and see how they 'feel' to you.
In my experience with the HDV T-16 and R-14, they are some of the most delightful scooters I've ridden to date. Both scooters track like a much larger scooter and there is basically zero strain or effort on the hand or trigger finger whilst riding. They are both 'fast' for standard speed scoots and the infinite dial-ability of the T-16 speed setting is quite nice for matching speeds and shooting video. They are both perfectly balanced out of the box for fresh and salt, which is a real pleasure in itself (if you've ever spent time balancing a scooter, you know what i'm talking about) and the ease of 'getting them out the door' is such that if faced with stuffing the battery into my CUDA tube and making triple sure the C-clip is locked vs. unplugging the charger and putting the lid on either of the HDV's, if i'm in any kind of hurry, i found myself grabbing the HDV, choosing ease of use over 'speed'.
other than bragging rights, there are only a small handful of dives out here in my area where I personally have found the extra power desirable. Yes, its fun blasting past your dive buddy who has a standard speed scooter from time to time, but for real life diving, ALL scooters are fun
I often wonder from time to time if some of the folks who've gone and bought a CUDA right out of the gate, put 5 or 6 dives on it before selling it off at a loss would have found starting with a Sierra or HDV R14 more enjoyable and less of a rodeo.
and Yes, to those jumping up and saying 'bias bias bias', of course i'm biased, but i also have a CUDA mini and 650 tube, and i ride the scooter that 'does the job' for the task at hand. If i'm out doing demos and i want folks to have the best experience possible, unless they are already a bit experienced with scooters, i hand them one of the HDV's because i WANT them to have fun, i WANT them to want a scooter... I don't want them to feel like they are fighting to control the scooter.... on the flip side, if its an experienced scooter pilot and i want them to have a bit of a thrill, i hand off the CUDA... (as long as i've taken the time to get her balanced) <grin>
a quick note regarding price... For what you get, the R14 is actually a great price for a lightweight recreational scooter (a no frills entry level scooter that can also happily pull doubles around)
I have tested many scooters side by side including the Halycon and I find the Xscooters beating them in run time by a huge margin, thrust and speed by a noticeable difference and price. I think Halycon is afraid of these shortcoming being shown in a unbiased test. The SS Magnums also beats them in the same way. Hopefully a Halycon owner will bring a scooter to Tahoe. I find a company that will not allow its products to be tested is usually afraid of the results.