There are specific issues with the DGX acdThere were some failures of Aqualung regs with ACDs that resulted in a recall. It still has people freaked out about ACDs today.
Air Supply Cuts Off When Regulator Failed
Scuba regulators work on a "downstream" principle, where the air flows down from a high pressure to an intermediate pressure and then down to a low pressure.dan.org
DIR- Generic Help putting together a beginner gear set
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Your bad experience with the DGX ACD is the only one I've ever read about on this site. And make no mistake, I'd be pissed if my reg wouldn't turn back on during a valve drill, but it doesn't seem to be a systemic issue for DGX. I'm going to leave this issue alone now to keep the thread on topic of DIR gear.
PfcAJ
Contributor
The DGX bp/w is fine. It needs the addition of book screws and toothy triglides.
Get some used scubapro or apeks regs. You can find newly serviced used regs on eBay for very good prices. Rubber hoses.
I think the ACD discussion is worth having. From my perspective, it’s risk without any benefit. Hard pass.
Get some used scubapro or apeks regs. You can find newly serviced used regs on eBay for very good prices. Rubber hoses.
I think the ACD discussion is worth having. From my perspective, it’s risk without any benefit. Hard pass.
eightytwenty
Contributor
The DGX BPW is a solid setup all around. Some people don't like the narrow profile of the DGX/Oxycheq wings for stability, but I've never noticed an issue. I take my DGX wing out just as much as my Halcyons.
I'd also agree with @PfcAJ on the regs. SP and Apeks have plenty of listings both in the classifieds here and on eBay or local craigslist/fb marketplace. You can get recently serviced examples for cheap if you're willing to look. If you NEED to buy new, the DGX XTRA regs are fine. I've been playing with them and their Well Marine Diver OEM equivalent on my singles rig for about the past year, and I like them. Not as nice as my Apeks stuff, but for the price you pay, the fit and finish is good. No ACD though.
I'd also agree with @PfcAJ on the regs. SP and Apeks have plenty of listings both in the classifieds here and on eBay or local craigslist/fb marketplace. You can get recently serviced examples for cheap if you're willing to look. If you NEED to buy new, the DGX XTRA regs are fine. I've been playing with them and their Well Marine Diver OEM equivalent on my singles rig for about the past year, and I like them. Not as nice as my Apeks stuff, but for the price you pay, the fit and finish is good. No ACD though.
This setup does not require an STA, correct?The DGX one is going to be hard to beat:
DGX Custom - DGX Gears Singles Harness / Backplate / Wing Package
A basic DGX backplate/wing/harness package for single tank diving at a value price.www.divegearexpress.com
So what I have stumbled upon so far.
HOG "Intro to tech" complete single regulator package, unfortunately with braided hoses and with a few unneeded bits and pieces - $599 on Divers' Supply.
DGX Gears Singles BP/W package with SS backplate - $424 on DGX. Still looking for an option with short SS B/P and 18-22 lb wing.
Scubapro 330M BT - yay!! Still alive!! $150
ADVRider808
Registered
I'll chime in my 2 cents, since between my son and I we have a handful of configurations that fit your description.
BLUF: the DGX BP/W combo is an excellent value and quality seems on par with "premium" branded gear.
In the photos from right to left are DGX aluminum plate w/30lb wing, Halcyon aluminum plate w/25lb Dive Rite Travel EXP and Halcyon stainless plate w/40lb Eclipse.
The 40lb Eclipse dives the same (in my experience) as the 30 and save for the side panels the dimensions are nearly the same. The 30lb DGX had a taller and narrower profile. Underwater I rarely have more than a puff in my BC bladder, so this one doesn't seem to dive any differently than the Halcyon single tank wings.
Notice in the deflated and side views, the Halcyon (and less so the Dive Rite) curl up the sides of the cylinder more. I rotate my hip and use the butt dump to move air out, so don't notice the Halcyon trapping much air.
As far as the plates are concerned the Halcyon aluminum plate's holes and slots are nicely chamfered, while the DGX plate needs tubular webbing at the slots to protect the harness from excess abrasion. Both Halcyon and DGX stainless plates are chamfered.
Harness webbing. The Halcyon is noticeably softer to the hand, although the DGX is a bit stiffer (though not bad).
Trim pockets, Halcyon will hold a 4lb soft weight, while Dive Rite's will hold 5lb. I did not evaluate other trim pockets that only relied on velcro (w/o buckle).
Wing materials all seem to be a similar denier and thickness nylon. Bladder materials also seem similar. The DGX wing (like Halcyon and Dive Rite) is made in the USA.
For regulators, I'm partial to Dive Rite XT1 and either the XT2 or 4. Unless your student decides later to travel abroad alot, they'll have no trouble getting service. Sealed, balanced diaphragm and they won't break the bank, especially when they need a second 1st stage latter if they decide to go into doubles. Of course, they could save a few dollars with DGX D6, which is similar, but unless they are going to service their own regs or mail them in for service, they may have a more complicated time if trying to service locally.
Again, just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Ken
BLUF: the DGX BP/W combo is an excellent value and quality seems on par with "premium" branded gear.
In the photos from right to left are DGX aluminum plate w/30lb wing, Halcyon aluminum plate w/25lb Dive Rite Travel EXP and Halcyon stainless plate w/40lb Eclipse.
The 40lb Eclipse dives the same (in my experience) as the 30 and save for the side panels the dimensions are nearly the same. The 30lb DGX had a taller and narrower profile. Underwater I rarely have more than a puff in my BC bladder, so this one doesn't seem to dive any differently than the Halcyon single tank wings.
Notice in the deflated and side views, the Halcyon (and less so the Dive Rite) curl up the sides of the cylinder more. I rotate my hip and use the butt dump to move air out, so don't notice the Halcyon trapping much air.
As far as the plates are concerned the Halcyon aluminum plate's holes and slots are nicely chamfered, while the DGX plate needs tubular webbing at the slots to protect the harness from excess abrasion. Both Halcyon and DGX stainless plates are chamfered.
Harness webbing. The Halcyon is noticeably softer to the hand, although the DGX is a bit stiffer (though not bad).
Trim pockets, Halcyon will hold a 4lb soft weight, while Dive Rite's will hold 5lb. I did not evaluate other trim pockets that only relied on velcro (w/o buckle).
Wing materials all seem to be a similar denier and thickness nylon. Bladder materials also seem similar. The DGX wing (like Halcyon and Dive Rite) is made in the USA.
For regulators, I'm partial to Dive Rite XT1 and either the XT2 or 4. Unless your student decides later to travel abroad alot, they'll have no trouble getting service. Sealed, balanced diaphragm and they won't break the bank, especially when they need a second 1st stage latter if they decide to go into doubles. Of course, they could save a few dollars with DGX D6, which is similar, but unless they are going to service their own regs or mail them in for service, they may have a more complicated time if trying to service locally.
Again, just my 2 cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Ken
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