New diver buying 1st reg, Deep 6 or Hog?

[NothingClever]

I’d recommend Deep 6 but know that I’m biased. I spent a week with LandonL (co-owner with cerich) and found he has great values. Integrity, commitment and transparency are at the top of the list. I’m confident if I had a problem on the other side of the planet, he’d do some heavy lifting to get me back underwater. I think something worth noting, too, is that he didn’t disparage other manufacturers which I found to be refreshing. In fact, he recognized and appreciated innovations from other manufacturers.

This is an aside but related, IMO. I like his instructional approach; he focuses on high standards without being a wiener about it. Lastly, he never used the course to try to sell me anything. He’s pretty low key. That spoke volumes to me.

 

[-JD-]

Not sure about HOG, but Deep6 require you to take the course in order to get parts kits. They changed this. Before you could buy the kits online.

HOG: Manual requires class. Parts Kits openly available (DRIS, NESS, and Piranha at least.)
D6: Manual is online with liability waiver. I didn't realize that they wouldn't sell the kits without the class any more - seems strange since they (at least used-to) include a service kit with the purchase.

 

[Mike Beck]

Thanks everyone. I decided to go with a Hog D3 setup. I think $350 for the 1st, 2nd and octo was well worth it!

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I took the classes for HOG and Deep6...... If I was to have to get them serviced outside of by me, @Jim Lapenta would be a prime choice. He did the complete overhaul on them when I picked them up (used) before I took the class. Deep6 does the first service for free if shipped back to them (purchase of new regs). My classes were with @abnfrog when the border was open...

Deep6 was exploring a virtual platform for their class, and I am unsure if HOG was exploring possibly something similar. This whole pandemic has certainly disrupted things...

I can't recall whick "mainstream" design the HOG and the Deep6 are clones of (Apeks is one, the other....). A shop that does those might service these....

Thing is, at two years interval (or longer), sending them out isn't really a big deal. Minor issues/maintenance IMHO are truly DIY for a serious diver...

YMMV

As far as the on-line for HOG, I don't see that happening. TDI Standards are what determine that and one of the rationales is that it's pretty hard for the instructor to supervise a rebuild over the computer. I can't physically verify you have things tight enough on those items without a torque spec. Or be able to look inside your reg to see the orifice if there's a suspected issue.
Then there's the practical aspect of having to sit in front of the computer for the 10 hours over two days that my class takes. I ain't doing it! Just thinking about it makes me want to double the price for on-line over in person!
What if the internet goes out? Camera freezes? etc. Not worth the aggravation for me.

 

[abnfrog]

i agree with jim on the online aspect ..........i will never do it .

 

[Jimchris]

As an LDS technician, choose a brand that your LDS can readily service.

 

[abnfrog]

or learn to do it yourself , THE RIGHT WAY

 

[txgoose]

Deep6 require you to take the course in order to get parts kits. They changed this. Before you could buy the kits online.

Now that royally sucks. <various expletives escaped> I feel like I need to go back and edit all of my posts commenting on the fact that they believe their customers have intelligence. <more expletives escaping>

 

[NothingClever]

As an LDS technician, choose a brand that your LDS can readily service.

Works if you only dive local, mate. For travelers to crummy locations, service your own is the only way to go.

 

[rhwestfall]

Interesting how both entities with "turn the world on its end" plans have gone back to the old ways of mainstream thinking...