Thanks for the interest in the DGX XTRA regulator. To address a couple of issues raised in the discussion...
We are in the process of launching this regulator, which we have been working on for over a year. It is indeed built to our specifications by WMD. It's definitely not an 'off-the-shelf' design and it's definitely not rushed, but not all the configurations and related materials are up on the website yet.
The initial base package on the website is just for a 1st and 2nd, with a 22-inch flex hose. As noted in a previous post, it's unusual for DGX to not offer hose length and material configuration in the base package. There are several unique things going on that explain this configuration. We are having WMD individually bench test each and every regulator on an
ANSTI machine and we include the serialized printed performance report in the package shipped to the customer. Because the report is for a specific 1st stage, specific hose, and specific 2nd stage we don't include configuration options on the base regulator package web page.
We decided to configure the base package with the 22-inch hose because our history suggests we almost never sell a regulator package with the typical 27-inch to 30-inch hose widely seen in recreational regulator configurations. In fact the most common LP regulator hose length we sell is 22-inch because it's found on our Streamlined, Long Hose, Doubles and Sidemount packages, so we decided that's we way would stock the base package. If you want the base package with some other hose length, just put your request in the Special Instructions dialog box at checkout but understand that technically a different hose invalidates the serialized performance report.
As mentioned previously, we are just now introducing this regulator and we don't have all our packages built up and on the website. Lisa is taking photos for the packages now and you'll see the Streamlined, Long Hose, Doubles and Sidemount configuration packages appear on the website shortly. The pricing of the configuration packages will of course represent a better value than the base package.
As for the price, yes this regulator is a higher price than our Deep Six DGX value entry model. It's not the same regulator and definitely not a re-badged "off-the-shelf" model of the ScubaPro although it is a piston design. Is it better? We publish a sample of the ANSTI performance test results on our website and include a copy of the test on the specific regulator you are purchasing so you can make that decision for yourself. Because we believe consumers have the 'right to repair', we'll also shortly have all service kits and repair parts available for order on the website as well. Is the DGX XTRA a terrific value? We invite you to judge for yourself by considering not just the price but also the quality, performance, and support that Dive Gear Express offers.