HOG and Dive Rite regulators.

[Pullmyfinger]

I have a question concerning the HOG and Dive Rite regulators. I know that there are a lot of HOG users that really love their regs.
I'm getting ready to buy more regs and am kind of torn between the two brands, I've read through a bunch of threads about reg recommendations where the HOG gets mentioned.
In these same threads, often no mention at all is made on the Dive Rite. I'm wanting a reliable reg that I can service myself, and get parts from a company that supports the idea of user serviceability.
I own a couple of Mk25/S600's, but I don't want to scrounge around on ebay looking for parts. So I'm going to sell them and get either HOG or Dive Rite.
I just want reliable regs, that I can service.
So why all the praise for HOG and comparative silence on the Dive Rite? They're very similar design, and both companies will make service kits available.
These regs seem more similar than different, I just want to confirm any differences before I buy.
Anybody own both brands? What do you think? I might get a couple of each, who knows?
Do they both use the same parts kits?
The Dive Rite is CE rated, are HOG regs? This doesn't matter to me I just figured it might indicate some internal differences.
It probably just means that Dive Rite wanted to pay for the CE rating and made design changes in order to comply with a CE standard.
I'm a machinist, I have the appropriate books on the way. I'll be getting the proper tools soon. I already have an I.P. Gauge.
More importantly, I am friends with a good service tech that will show me how to service the regs.
I don't want to get into the issue of servicing my own regs. I have decided to do it, and will go about it properly.
I've had regs come back from service that I had to bring back in the past. I can do a much better job myself.

So, any comparisons between the two regs would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Mitch

 

[knowone]

Hog, Zeagle, DiveRite, Hollis, Apeks, preference, price?

 

[tbone1004]

CE isn't a US rating, it's European. HOG regs aren't marketed over there so the CE rating isn't needed. They work just fine in 34* water as of last weekend.
HOG doesn't have a service manual. The guys at DiveRightinScuba wrote one, however I've been using my Apeks service manual on them and 400+dives later they're still working fine. I pull em apart every couple of months to clean them out.
I think the pricepoint on the HOG was really the selling point there. For whatever reason the dealers that have both product lines are pushing HOG over DiveRite which was good for me. I think you'll be fine with either in all honesty. If you like the MK25 first stage, HOG has a copy of those ones in their BP1 first stage I think.
All personal preference

I dive XTX second stages for sidemount so I can reverse them, but they are on HOG first stages. I use the HOG 2nd stage kits in the XTX's. Took calipers to everything and they are identical O-rings. There have been reported issues of the HOG regs not taking so kindly to heavy heavy silt as far as the purge buttons go. I never really use my purges so probably wouldn't notice. Have been apparent issues with the DiveRite first stages and I've seen a DIN screw on a Zeagle shear in half for no real reason *buddy reported that with the DR but I never saw it*

 

[halocline]

Just because self-service is important to you (it's crucial to me) doesn't mean you have to ditch the MK25/S600. There are online manuals and schematics, specific tools at scubatools.com, and parts are not that difficult. There's at least one SP tech/dealer who frequents this forum that has helped out DIYers. Most of us servicing our SP regs have found our ways to get past this absurd policy. I suspect you can too.

As an example, if you can get the HP and LP seats, maybe several of each, on one order, you can simply buy o-rings from a source like oringsusa, and you'll be set for several years.

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I'll look into it. I already have the SP service manuals from frogkick. I figured while I was at it I should just standardize everything and get the same regs for everything.
I do like my Mk25's. I've read through the various threads about SP servicing, along with all of the "which o-ring" ones. It seemed like more of a hassle , compared to jst buying regs from a company that will just sell the kits.
I'll looks into it again. Thanks halocline.
Maybe the Halcyon regs will make the service kits easier to acquire in the future.
I'll check into the SP service threads in more detail.
Thanks,
Mitch

 

[Bubbletrubble]

HOG doesn't have a service manual. The guys at DiveRightinScuba wrote one, however I've been using my Apeks service manual on them and 400+dives later they're still working fine. I pull em apart every couple of months to clean them out.

@saxplayer1004: So you've put 400+ dives on your HOG regs already?
I do wish that HOG would offer a freely downloadable service manual with the purchase of a first or second stage.

I dive XTX second stages for sidemount so I can reverse them, but they are on HOG first stages. I use the HOG 2nd stage kits in the XTX's. Took calipers to everything and they are identical O-rings.

Hmmm. Well, isn't that interesting. Thanks for sharing this info.

 

[tbone1004]

ya they got dove 4-6 times a day every day this summer working and I use them in the pool teaching. They're beasts... I wish they would too, although the Apeks manuals have worked fine for me. You do those a couple of times and all you need is a note card with appropriate tensions on them and you're good to go. Which is handy if you have to replace something in the field. I tend to be anal and check IP before any important dives as well so the caps get pulled off and cleaned fairly regularly

 

[halocline]

Maybe the Halcyon regs will make the service kits easier to acquire in the future.
I'll check into the SP service threads in more detail.
Thanks,
Mitch

I hadn't thought about this, but it's worth looking into. One can only shudder with horror at the price of a halcyon rebuild kit...

For the MK25, you need a seat which will last a couple of years at least, a few o-rings, and ideally the bushings that hold the HP o-ring. Personally I would be quite comfortable re-using the bushings; as long as they're well lubed, I don't think they're subject to much wear and their job is just to hold the o-ring in place. For the S600, you need a seat that's easily available and o-rings. Even if the kits are freely available, I think you'll eventually go the route of purchasing seats and o-rings anyways, because the mark up on kits is insane. $30 for a seat and half a dozen o-rings?

I also noticed you're in guam. I believe that service kits are freely available in other parts of the world outside the U.S.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I use the HOG 2nd stage kits in the XTX's. Took calipers to everything and they are identical O-rings.

@saxplayer1004: You mentioned that the HOG o-rings are identical in size to the Apeks o-rings.
Just to clarify, the HOG LP seats can also be installed in the XTX 2nd stage, correct?
For people who do their own DIY Apeks reg servicing, it's been a little annoying that there isn't a non-Apeks source for LP seats.

Thanks for sharing this info...

 

[tbone1004]

I haven't found a difference. I put HOG seats in the XTX's and they haven't been a problem yet...