Here is what I'm looking to do:
- Purchase Hog Zenith Second Stage regulator
- Purchase whatever Hog First Stage regulator that makes sense (cold water capable as well)
Does anyone know enough about Hog D1 vs D2 vs D3 first stage to explain how one might be better than the other ? Anything the D3 can do that the D2 can't ?
thanks.
Tom
Hello Tom,
I have been diving with the
D2 now for roughly two years. I absolutely love this regulator. It is easy to work on and very reliable. The only issue with it is that it only come in DIN. I think that is perfect, but many want a yoke. For that, I direct them to the
EDGE EPIC. The first stage is the yoke version of the D2, but it is only available as a set (1st and 2nd stage).
The Zenith 2nd is pretty awesome. It has the same internal workings as the classic from HOG, but an updated faceplate with a soft center instead of the button. Another nice thing is that no matter which way you screw the plate on, it always ends up facing the right way (logo up). Does not impact performance at all, but it is fun.
The
D3 is the latest and greatest regulator from HOG. If you picture the compact design of the D2 combined with the swivel and bottom port of the D1, you magically have a D3. There are some other changes internally, which are great, comparatively though. Right now, we are waiting on a shipment of D3s to come in. They should be here in a week to ten days. Not the best news, but as honest as I can be. Might throw in a gear bag if you decide to wait though
---------- Post added January 15th, 2015 at 04:14 PM ----------
How do those relatively small differences result in a cost change that is a factor of 2x or 3x? Is HOG looking to shed its low price advantage?
The D3 is now the premier regulator from HOG. To be honest, it is just a great regulator all around. The swivel and bottom port are a great option for many. As for the price increase, I think that everyone knew it was only a matter of time for them to go up. The ironic thing about is that some people always classified HOG and EDGE as the cheap gear and "you get what you pay for". With the price increase, I am willing to bet that the gear becomes better in the eyes of many simply because it is a more competitive price. I personally will miss the days when it was super cheap but still great to dive