How important are warranties for regulators?

[fuzzybabybunny]

The HOG 2nd stage is cheaper, and breathes better. It's also adjustable. It's a win-win.

So I'm sitting here thinking: is this decision really this easy? We've got a fantastic second stage HOG that is $30 cheaper than even the cheap cheap entry level Oceanic Alpha 8s that I used during training class.

Is HOG some kind of little known underdog or something?

And does my Octo really need to be bright yellow?

 

[mike_s]

So I'm sitting here thinking: is this decision really this easy? We've got a fantastic second stage HOG that is $30 cheaper than even the cheap cheap entry level Oceanic Alpha 8s that I used during training class.

Is HOG some kind of little known underdog or something?

Underdog? maybe.

basically they are trying to run the company in a positive way for divers, providing superior customer service, and not as a price controlling monopoly like Aqualung ,etc.

And does my Octo really need to be bright yellow?

No. Lots of people dive with octo's that aren't yellow. the Air-2 or whatever BC integrated octo you were going to buy prob wasn't yellow either was it?


Like Leadturn said, go over with your buddy which 2nd stage you 'donate'. Get a yellow hose if you want it.

 

[divad]

So I'm sitting here thinking: is this decision really this easy? We've got a fantastic second stage HOG that is $30 cheaper than even the cheap cheap entry level Oceanic Alpha 8s that I used during training class]QUOTE






Yes.

 

[theduckguru]

So I'm sitting here thinking: is this decision really this easy? We've got a fantastic second stage HOG that is $30 cheaper than even the cheap cheap entry level Oceanic Alpha 8s that I used during training class]QUOTE






Yes.

Are you owning or renting tanks that are DIN compatable?

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Are you owning or renting tanks that are DIN compatable?

No, so I'd have to get a DIN to Yoke converter if I use the HOG first stage. But I can use a first stage from another company, right? My friend can sell me his first stage and second stage Oceanics. I was just going to take the Oceanic first stage and use it with my HOG second stages. The upside to this is that his Oceanic first stage is Yoke, so I wouldn't need to buy that converter.

Bad idea?

 

[mike_s]

No, so I'd have to get a DIN to Yoke converter if I use the HOG first stage. But I can use a first stage from another company, right? My friend can sell me his first stage and second stage Oceanics. I was just going to take the Oceanic first stage and use it with my HOG second stages. The upside to this is that his Oceanic first stage is Yoke, so I wouldn't need to buy that converter.

Bad idea?

If it was me, I'd keep the HOG first and then use a yoke adapter when needed.

Chances are the HOG 1st stage will outperform the Oceanic.


Then as you buy tanks, buy them with DIN or DIN/Yoke convertible valves.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Ok, here's what I've got in my shopping cart - please critique!

HOG Gear D1 Regulator Set - $260
- Coldwater First Stage Yes
- First Stage DIN
- Hose Length 22"

HOG Gear D1 Second Stage - $100

XS Scuba Low Pressure Hoses - $24 (for the Octo / second HOG)
- Size 36"

XS Scuba DIN to Yoke Adapter - $40

I got a used Zeagle Tech Express, so I guess I also need a low pressure quick disconnect inflator hose?

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

Ok, here's what I've got in my shopping cart - please critique!

HOG Gear D1 Regulator Set - $260
- Coldwater First Stage Yes
- First Stage DIN
- Hose Length 22"

HOG Gear D1 Second Stage - $100

XS Scuba Low Pressure Hoses - $24 (for the Octo / second HOG)
- Size 36"

XS Scuba DIN to Yoke Adapter - $40

I got a used Zeagle Tech Express, so I guess I also need a low pressure quick disconnect inflator hose?

Often a new BC will come with the LP hose.... check first before you order a hose you may not neeed!

Looks like a good list.... have fun with it!

Best wishes.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Often a new BC will come with the LP hose.... check first before you order a hose you may not neeed!

Looks like a good list.... have fun with it!

Best wishes.

Ok, ok, now I may be changing up the gear a bit. My friend can sell me his stuff for cheap:

Oceanic First Stage (probably not as good as the HOG, but at this point I don't think I care too much), old Oceanic Alpha Second Stage (which I'll use as the Octo), 24" hose - $150

HOG D1 second stage - $100

36" Low Pressure Hose - $24

Total: $298

So it would save me $150 over the whole HOG system priced above. Will the Oceanic first stage be able to connect to the HOG second stage with no problems, or do I have to make sure the hoses have an Oceanic connector on one end and a HOG connector on the other?

 

[mike_s]

So it would save me $150 over the whole HOG system priced above.

are you really?

depends... are you going to have to rebuilt the Oceanic? figure $15-$20 labor per stage plus ABOUT $25 for the rebuilt kit for the first stage and $12-$15 for the rebuilt kit for the 2nd stage.

Labor 1st stage .........$20
Labor 2nd stage.........$25
1st stage rebuild kit....$20
2nd stage rebuilt kit...$15
---------------------------------
total..........................$80 Rebuilt cost, if needed. *all figures approximate.


So if it needs rebuilt, you can get that HOG new for only $70 more.

Will the Oceanic first stage be able to connect to the HOG second stage with no problems, or do I have to make sure the hoses have an Oceanic connector on one end and a HOG connector on the other?

I think it should fit.

the Oceanic Delta 4 uses a different 2nd stage fitting... but I don't think the Alpha does.


Delta4 hose/fitting