HOG D1 Better Than Apeks XTX200 Regulator?

[realdiver7]

I just did a side-by-side subjective comparison of a brand new HOG D1 cold water reg setup and a brand new Apeks XTX200 reg to see which one breathes easier. I have used the HOG on a couple of dives, and it breathed better than any reg I've ever used. I have never used the Apeks on a dive, so I do not know how well it breathes in an actual diving environment.

The HOG seems to breathe a little smoother and easier than the Apeks when I'm sitting in my house, breathing off of the regs side-by-side. Both 2nd stages were properly fine-tuned with the 1st stages, and the 1st stage intermediate/medium pressures were set correctly from the factory.

Is this "dry land" comparison a good indicator of how well these regs compare to each other, or would I need to dive the Apeks to fully appreciate its capabilities since it's supposed to be "over-balanced?"

Has anyone else determined that the HOG is just as good, if not better than Apeks, or other high-end regs? Have you actually dived the regs to come to your conclusions?

Thanks!

 

[a22shady]

I have never dove with the HOG regs but I know people that Do and they stand behind them saying they work as good if not better then there other regs and Half the price. Its been pretty much same story from most that purchase them that the HOG regs are atleast equal to the big names (Scubapro/Apeks/Atomic) I only have dove with my Scubapro MK17/G250V or my Atomic M1 set. And between those 2 the are pretty much even. Ease of breathing and performance is just about Identical very very minute differnce and unless your stationary at a platform as I was when switching you would never tell. We also Dive with an MK25/S600 and I prefer the 17/g250v and Atomics over that set-up it worked great easy breather but to me it felt as the 17/G250V was smooter Same with Atomic

 

[Puffer Fish]

I happen to have both (and several mk25/250V's).

A lot depends on how well adjusted the regs are and how smooth moving the parts are... but when all three regulators are adjusted just to the edge... I like them, in the following order:

1. Apex
2. Hog
3. scubapro

I have a friend that has a mk17/600 and the hog, and likes the hog better.

All three are very nice, but there are slight differences in how the valves open when you inhale.

On the surface, I like the hog better, but it is also the newest.

I would not surprise me if others put the order differently, as they are all very nice regs.

 

[Scott L]

I have owned the XTX200's, Tek3's, SP MK25/S600's and now the Atomic ST1. Hands down, the Atomic wins my vote for quality, design and flow rate when needed...

 

[knowone]

Apeks came first.
Apeks DST = HOG D1.
Apeks XTX = Aqualung Legend.


HOG comes first with price for the sane thing.

 

[realdiver7]

I appreciate all of the input. Please keep the comments coming.

Thanks!

 

[Tortuga68]

Is this "dry land" comparison a good indicator of how well these regs compare to each other...?

No...