HOG Comparable Regs

[toddthecat]

According to most people here you will be laughable for not going HOGGY style. Fads come and go. A name is just a name. The difference between a Chevy Tahoe and a Cadillac Escalade is that you get a HUGE Cadillac logo on the front of the Escalade. You also pay $20,000-$40,000 more for that logo...

 

[JohnoAU]

Hi Johno,

If you, "forgetting price for the moment", it takes away HOG's advantage. All the regulator manufactures you listed build great regulators. HOG stands out, IMHO, due to their value and customer service. They are just as well made, as good, reliable, (insert adjective) as any other major brand regulator (ok, there are some bench reports the suggest the new HOGs are just a tad better the others), but simply do it for less money.

I own Apeks, Atomic, and HOG. Check out ebay soon for my listings of my Apeks and Atomics.

I dont disagree, but if I cant get HOG regs serviced locally, or have any issues while traveling in places that (for the time being at least) aren't familiar with HOG regs...., I think it's prudent to take that into consideration. I know I could service the HOG regs myself, with appropriate training tools etc. but I'm not in that position just yet.

If I buy the HOG regs it will be cheaper than the other options, what I'm trying to weigh up is how much cheaper and is it worth the risks etc, to do that I need to know what I'm comparing (even if it's just opinions). For example is the MK25 and S600 or the MK11 and G250V from ScubaPro a fair comparison based on features.

 

[JohnN]

HOG Gear is getting very good reviews here at SB, but may be a little difficult for me to get serviced locally or while traveling (likely SE Asia).

Johno

I have a rebuild kit for the first and second Hog regs in my save-a-dive kit. Any competent service tech (anywhere) will be able to rebuild the reg without any real problems.

Otherwise with a two year / 200 dive (IIRC) service interval on the regs, scheduled maintenance shouldn't be a burden to anyone (and if you're diving that much you should learn to rebuild your own anyway)

 

[SeaCobra]

ATX 40/50, DST. Several of each. Used for stage and deco regs.
For the AA, I have a few. Z1, Z2, B2, M1.

Switching everything to HOGs

Absolutely no way would I give up my Atomics - just too well made and reliable. Got them in 2002 and still shiny as they day they were made.

 

[rsingler]

JohnN had the best point.
All the regs are great. They all have fans. Sounds like cold water isn't a key consideration for you. Try and dive them, but buy what fits your budget and FEELS good. I'm not sure debating Mk 11 vs Mk 25 is as important as the second you like. I'd take the G250V.
But as I suggested above, owning a G250, a 250V, and an Atomic, the Atomic is the smoothest of all. Even tho I've loved Scubapro for 20 years.

But back to John N: when you go overseas, just bring rebuild kits for your regs from your LDS or EBay. No matter what brand you choose. Or get one of us to sell you the pieces. Worrying about finding a warranty service center will be less important than saving your dive trip, which a competent tech can do if you hand him the parts.

 

[Rich Keller]

I have a rebuild kit for the first and second Hog regs in my save-a-dive kit. Any competent service tech (anywhere) will be able to rebuild the reg without any real problems.

Otherwise with a two year / 200 dive (IIRC) service interval on the regs, scheduled maintenance shouldn't be a burden to anyone (and if you're diving that much you should learn to rebuild your own anyway)

I agree 100%. HOG regs are just simpler to work on then other regs but they are not different in any other way then the rest. If service is your main concern then getting a HOG reg would be the way to go. The only way to improve on that would be to learn how to do it yourself.

 

[rsingler]

I agree 100%. HOG regs are just simpler to work on then other regs but they are not different in any other way then the rest. If service is your main concern then getting a HOG reg would be the way to go. The only way to improve on that would be to learn how to do it yourself.

Almost true. A piston is marginally easier to service than a diaphragm. And how is a HOG easier to service than its Apeks clone? But I don't mind you loving HOG. I like 'em too!

But maybe you meant the BP1. In which case the old Aqualung Aquarius gets the prize. Easy to service, and an externally adjustable piston to boot!

 

[MrChen]

I was in my LDS the other day asking about the HOG regs in the counter. I was floored when the girl was trying to talk me in to a Tusa reg instead, claiming that HOG/Edge company has not be responsive lately to their requests for parts and support. She started raving about the Tusa. This shop is a hybrid tech/rec shop. They carry a lot of tech branded equipment (Dive Rite, Hog) in stock but also has rec brands. Most of the other shops in the area only have rec gear. I think this is the opinion of this specific employee that likes the Tusa and she was just shoving her preference down my throat. No other employees have been pushy about a specific brand and have always been helpful, but the lack of support must have "some" truth?

 

[robertarak]

Really? Of the various manufactures that I deal with HOG is one of the most responsive. In face I had a nice conversation with the owner of HOG this morning. They are very responsive to their dealers.....or maybe I'm just special

 

[drrich2]

It's my understanding ScubaPro reg.s have been used a lot internationally and that the support network for servicing is probably good?

If you were going to spend a lot of time internationally, and were highly opposed to simply renting a reg. if your own conked out, then I suppose that might be a factor.

Richard.