Need some advice ya'll, I've been a long-time lurker here and usually able to find the answer to any questions I may need but haven't found this one. I currently own two Hog D3 reg sets. They've been flawless, no issues, been serviced when needed by the techs, and have performed well for about 300 dives on each regulator set. I wanted to convert one of the reg sets to DIN, and keep the other Yoke (Yes, I have PRO valves on all my tanks, but honestly, when I go out with my family, I'm not in the mood to run around and adjust everyone's valve or mess with it. They can stay Yoke and I'll be going back to DIN.)
I assumed this would be an easy process, called up our local Dive Shop that's authorized to sell HOG equipment. Asked them to ship me out a Yoke to DIN conversion kit, gave them the model number and all pertinent information. Apparently, I have to be an "authorized repair technician" to unscrew the Yoke, grease an O-ring, attach the DIN adaptor, and torque the part to receive that part. However, they sell the kits to other brands on their websites that you can have shipped right to your door. So, when I asked the guy, oh I must be mistaken I am sorry, I did not believe the D3's 1st stage had to be cracked open to replace the connector. I then received the "well it doesn't, but we cannot sell it unless you've taken the class, it's got to be torqued to spec." I replied, well ok, can I just come in and do it, and then you can torque it to spec for me and we call it a day? "Well, no, it's got to be torque tested." WHAT!?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!?
So, I called HOG and get this. They will not sell me the part either unless I take their course. Because it's got to be "torqued to spec" that's "just our policy to protect ourselves." And then he throws me this gem, "just last week we had an authorized service tech who bought the same kit and had to send the 1st stage in because he mushroomed it out inside because he over torqued it." I HAVE MY OWN TORQUE WRENCHES.
THAT.... IS..... WHY...... I..... DONT...... WANT...... YOU....... PEOPLE....... TOUCHING........ MY...... STUFF!!!! Especially for little things like this. The guy just explained the exact reason I am attempting to prevent in the first place.
I've spent at least 5 grand on HOG/Dive Rite gear in the last 3 years. And at least 10 grand at this dive shop. Can people please just stop trying to nickel and dime every little thing under this planet? The sport is already expensive enough, and I am ok with that. I love it, I'd probably pay more. But it is the principle at this point.
Here's my options as I currently see them:
- Pay $436.99 for an online HOG regulator course where I will sit in front of my camera for 8 hours and get my certification.
-OR-
- Drive 2 hours and 30 minutes to the nearest dealer, pay them $57 for the part, and then pay them $100 at a minimum to unscrew and screw on the part and "torque" it. So, I'm looking at a total price of around $225 and time wasted at the shop for nothing.
-OR-
- Say screw it, leave both of them Yoke, and just buy a whole new regulator set for me that is DIN because I'm angry, and you know what? I need one for my son anyways who just got certified.
So, question's, would the Scuba Pro "universal"
Scubapro work on the HOG D3? I don't know because I cannot get the manuals without taking a $400 class. Or any other one's that I may be missing?
Do any regulator companies still come with readily accessible user manuals, and parts that do not require money grabs to get? And if so, which would you recommend for cold/warm/murky and all-around durable rec/tec regulators?
I feel a lot better now, I am not as irrationally angry. I don't blame the employees of either company either. It is not their fault, but it's silly, nonetheless. Nice to meet ya'll.