Question HOG D1x Classic 2.0 vs HOG D3 and Zenith regulator for warm water rec diving

[wildernessdave]

I am looking at buying a regulator package that includes either the D1X with Classic 2.0 second stages or D3 with Zenith regulators. I am planning to use these in warm/clear water and I am mostly of my diving is in relatively shallow water (100ft or less). I occasionally go a little deeper, but not planning to get into Tech diving, cave, or deep diving. I am trying to figure out if there is any reason to pay extra for the D3 Zenith set up vs the D1X with Classic 2.0 second stages.

Does the D3 Zenith breath a lot better or is it considerably more durable, making it work the upgrade?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Nope, no reason to spend the extra money for what you want to do.
I say this as someone who helped write the D3 service manual and taught the HOG service class for 10 years.
I never liked the Zenith 1st stage because of the cover design. That center purge is a pain in the butt with gloves and it traps dirt, salt, and other crud. It can also get pushed in and dislodged if you get someone in a panic who really smashes it in.
Once the Classic came out with that all-silicone cover, ALL of my Zeniths got switched to that cover, and the Zenith covers disappeared. I still may have a couple here somewhere I haven't gotten around to tossing away.
I dived it because I sold them as well.
I was an early HOG dealer as well until I retired in 2022.
After that I only sold the regs ala carte (1sts, 2nds, and hoses) and tried to steer people away from the Zenith. The reg is the same reg.
Same case, same internals. The Classic is just better IMO.
The D3 is a sidemount reg. It is used for doubles and singles, but the primary reason for the D3 is that the turret swivels 360 degrees with hoses on.
That is not a concern for singles or back-mount doubles.
The D1 is a workhorse and a proven design.
I had customers taking it to over 300 feet and thousands back in caves.
And don't get the octo version of the Classic. Get a D1 and two Classic seconds with rubber hoses. The braided are a gimmick. They take a set, are floaty, will start to fray at some point, and are not friendly to small hairs on your neck or neck seal if you run a long hose. The miniscule amount of weight you save is not worth the aggravation or extra cost.

 

[Bowers]

Jim knows HOG regs better than most. I would add that the D1X is essentially the D3 internals inside the old D1 body with the turret. This means it is as good a purchase as the D3 but with a slightly more compact body. I've used the D3 and D1X as well as the Classic and the zenith. All of them have been trustworthy in caves, under ice, in muck, and at depths greater than 200'. So save the money, get the D1X with classic and you won't be dissapointed

 

[wildernessdave]

Jim knows HOG regs better than most. I would add that the D1X is essentially the D3 internals inside the old D1 body with the turret. This means it is as good a purchase as the D3 but with a slightly more compact body. I've used the D3 and D1X as well as the Classic and the zenith. All of them have been trustworthy in caves, under ice, in muck, and at depths greater than 200'. So save the money, get the D1X with classic and you won't be dissapointed

Thank you for your feedback. It is so helpful to hear from divers with experience using these regs.

 

[wildernessdave]

Nope, no reason to spend the extra money for what you want to do.
I say this as someone who helped write the D3 service manual and taught the HOG service class for 10 years.
I never liked the Zenith 1st stage because of the cover design. That center purge is a pain in the butt with gloves and it traps dirt, salt, and other crud. It can also get pushed in and dislodged if you get someone in a panic who really smashes it in.
Once the Classic came out with that all-silicone cover, ALL of my Zeniths got switched to that cover, and the Zenith covers disappeared. I still may have a couple here somewhere I haven't gotten around to tossing away.
I dived it because I sold them as well.
I was an early HOG dealer as well until I retired in 2022.
After that I only sold the regs ala carte (1sts, 2nds, and hoses) and tried to steer people away from the Zenith. The reg is the same reg.
Same case, same internals. The Classic is just better IMO.
The D3 is a sidemount reg. It is used for doubles and singles, but the primary reason for the D3 is that the turret swivels 360 degrees with hoses on.
That is not a concern for singles or back-mount doubles.
The D1 is a workhorse and a proven design.
I had customers taking it to over 300 feet and thousands back in caves.
And don't get the octo version of the Classic. Get a D1 and two Classic seconds with rubber hoses. The braided are a gimmick. They take a set, are floaty, will start to fray at some point, and are not friendly to small hairs on your neck or neck seal if you run a long hose. The miniscule amount of weight you save is not worth the aggravation or extra cost.

Thank you for including such a detailed response Jim. I really appreciate your input. I have read some of your other responses on the scuba board as I have been researching regulator options and I really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge. This is exactly the information I was looking for.