Thoughts on Hollis Deco Reg....?

[eliminator]

About to make a new reg purchase for a deco bottle for oxygen up to 100%. Hollis make an Oxygen clean reg right out of the box. It's uses a simple unbalanced piston design which has its obvious advantages and disadvantages. I'm asuming that this reg is a tried and tested deco reg since it's just the rebranded Oceanic o2 reg they use to sell in North America and still sell in the UK

Hollis Gear: 210 / H-02

I'm also considering getting an Oceanic CDX5/Alpha8 to use as a 100% O2 reg, but I do not have the tools or the experience for that matter to oxygen clean it.

I'm currently using 2 DIN CDX5s and a Delta4 and GT3 on my doubles and would like to keep everything in the Aeris/Oceanic/Hollis family for ease of servicing.

Also of note, the Hollis gets free parts for life, which I guess would mean free Oxygen compatible/clean parts....for life

 

[Jimmer]

Hi Eliminator. If it were me, I would go with the Alpha8/CDX5. In fact I have 2 of these that will be deco regs. It's enviro sealed, balanced, and will be nicer to breathe off of for long deco hangs, and more reliable in extremely cold water. Plus it's dirt cheap right now. As for the O2 cleaning, any shop that is capable of servicing and keeping the Hollis O2 clean, should be capable of O2 cleaning the CDX5.

 

[amascuba]

I have the Aries version of that regulator. I love the simplicity of unbalanced piston regulators if the environment is right. I've used mine in waters down to 50 degrees with no problem and it's a good breathing regulator. It may/may not perform well in the colder waters of BC though.

 

[eliminator]

Hi Eliminator. If it were me, I would go with the Alpha8/CDX5. In fact I have 2 of these that will be deco regs. It's enviro sealed, balanced, and will be nicer to breathe off of for long deco hangs, and more reliable in extremely cold water. Plus it's dirt cheap right now. As for the O2 cleaning, any shop that is capable of servicing and keeping the Hollis O2 clean, should be capable of O2 cleaning the CDX5.

yea, seriously looking at the CDX5 now, but would like to have it cleaned right from the shop selling it. Anyone know if ScubaToys can 02 clean regs?

 

[eliminator]

...just a follow up on the CDX5/Alpha8, looks like you can get this reg new, O2 cleaned and converted to DIN abit cheaper than the Hollis o2 reg.

 

[rjack321]

It may/may not perform well in the colder waters of BC though.

Of my 7 regs and my wifes 4, only 1 is sealed and that's cause I got it used and cheap. I have used SP pistons to 43F and with below freezing air temps and never had a free flow. Basically you don't need sealed regs in the Puget Sound - Strait of Georgia - NW Pacific region. Maybe in AK in winter. "Sealed" is way overhyped IMHO. Sealed diaphrams have alot going for them and some negatives, including sensitivity to gunk getting inside and IP increases. You don't get the 'benefits" of a sealed reg without some tradoffs.

 

[amascuba]

I figured that. I was going based on my experience though..

 

[Jimmer]

...just a follow up on the CDX5/Alpha8, looks like you can get this reg new, O2 cleaned and converted to DIN abit cheaper than the Hollis o2 reg.

Not surprising. I've felt that the Hollis O2 reg was rather overpriced for what it is. And the Alpha 8/CDX5 is a really nice performing reg for it's price. Seems to be the smarter package.

Edit: Going with the CDX5/Alpha8 also gives you more consistency for serving, as all of your first stages will be the same, the Alpha 8 and the GT3 can both be serviced with the same kit. Not sure about the Delta4, I'll look at the service manual tonight and see if it can be serviced with the same kit.

Jim

 

[rjack321]

I figured that. I was going based on my experience though..

Lots of my buddies use the DS4s and other sealed regs, they work fine. There's just something about SB that sounds like manufacturer marketing when it comes to "sealed" tho. Seems like whenever someone is asking about regs they automatically assume sealed is "better".

 

[amascuba]

I have four sealed diaphram regulators. For me it was what was easily available. I originally got the Aries piston regulator for deco, but it's since been re-hosed for single rig diving. It's a nice little regulator and super simple to work on. I've also used SP Mk2's and rebuilt them. They are super simple too.

And honestly, a simple unbalanced piston regulator is what most people need. Especially if they only dive in the tropics. They are tanks and have less parts that go bad.