Based off everything you described the deep 6 signature set is the best option. The reality is when it comes to ease of breathing almost any of the top set ups when tuned “properly” are going to breath and feel the same to you. Our lungs aren’t fine tuned computers that can pick up the minute differences between these set ups. That’s just the reality. Again I’m only talking about top options and being properly tuned. Anything no matter how great it is can breath like garbage if it’s not done right.
Deep 6 has as far as I’ve seen the flat out fastest turn around time for their reg services in the industry period. Which since you’ll be getting service annually can be important to you. Secondly they openly provide you all the schematics to work on your set ups if so you desire as well as offering online service classes so yourself can be accredited to work on your rigs so you’ll have no need to even send your rigs out. You can do them yourself at home and you’ll be certified to do so directly from deep 6. They also provide you from the get go with parts kits for your 1st, 2nd and octo for free. Your first service for all those items are also free with deep 6. The second service on will be whatever the current rate was when you bought your Rigs. So if you buy today your locked into the current rate forever. Even if services go up in price yours will not. I don’t know what the current rate is but I know they are well under $100. And the service fee includes parts. So it’s not a service fee and a parts fee on top.
Thirdly you can get an entire deep 6 set meaning 1sr, 2nd, octo, gauge and all hoses for less than these others will cost you for just their 1st and 2nd. Another thing to take into account is their “octo” is really jusy another deep 6 signature 2nd with a different face plate. So your 2nd and octo are matching sets. Deep 6 are routinely used in cold dives including under ice without any issues which has been documented all over SB.
Don’t get me wrong. I love the F8. I was a fan boy hard and was dead set on that as my starting point of my rig. I was just pointed in the direction of deep 6 while talking to some more educated divers than I am while getting certified. Then after research and more than a few threads here on SB I pulled the deep 6 trigger. I couldn’t be happier. Honestly it started from the moment I got them. They actually had forgot my parts kits in the boxes since I bought during a crazy sale period so they were swamped with orders. I sent them an email let them know and a few days later I had a box in the mail with plenty of kits. I’m good to go. Now I’ve had the pleasure to speak with Chris(founder and designer) and Landon(highly rated guy on SB and all around good dude) works for them as well and both are very active on SB. Their attention to detail and attention to their customers needs set them above everyone else. If you have an issue your not trying to chase down a company or store etc, they are easy to get a hold of and will always make sure your good to go. Customer service means a lot when your talking about an investment with your gear.
Honestly all the options your looking at are good choices and all will perform really well. I just think deep 6 signature is your best value, quality and really fits all your needs for a set and future service requirements
