Understand your concerns on the rebuild process. I have a few Deep 6 items too, and looking at their DC for students. Basically both Deep 6 and Hog, and countless others Regs are the same. You will here some debate this, but they are all based on a Apex design. Looking at the service manuals I do not see a difference. The hold up on many shops rebuilding them is, parts, manuals and liability. I have always carried a rebuild kit over seas, even for my old Atmoic's. These days, I email shops in the area prior to travel so I am prepared.
I missed the comment on the DC. The Mares Puck is a decent OW DC, that will get the job done. I have not touched one in years, but the one I used had to constantly be reset for ppo2 or nitrox as it would reset after each dive or day, I forget. The Deep Six DC is very nice at a great price. I got to play with on in Ft Lauderdale a few weeks back. As others have stated though, I too am in love with AI. I would love to see AI be more affordable for Rec divers. New divers will look at their AIR more and in a safer way when it is on their wrist. I teach classes on Non-AI, but on check out dives, if I only have 1 or 2 divers I put AI on them. They all prefer it. I would say use the Mares for now, until you decide your diving direction. Aqualung 470tc is a great AI and a low price, after that I just go to Shearwater, Perdix or Teric depending on style. Awesome part is the same transmitter works all these models so you can buy it now or later.
