Good day folks..
Last year I decided to give this brand a go, so I went over to the LDS that brought them in, and tried a few models on. I bought a compact travel-friendly version - a 30lb. donut, in Kevlar covering (hey, why not) that looks like the Dive Rite Travel EXP with the crosshair webbing, matched to a 'travel' aluminum plate (with cutouts) and deluxe harness with some creature comforts. Good finishing on the plate with no burrs or sharp edges. Had about 50 dives with it and it is fantastic. Build quality is good, and it works fine. Except for the lightweight aluminum waist buckle could be bent or sheared off at the pin (because it is thin!) which I did swapped them out for a sturdy SS one. This set served as my recreational set in warm water dives, and in fact, my display pic is shown wearing the set.
With my tax returns I got a set of their first and second stage, an octo, and a tec brass n' glass 1.5" black faced gauge. This set is configured in the 'standard' rec configuration - for use when I am teaching. The second stage looks exactly like the HOG and UTD in general construction and build, albeit with different face and logo. Probably from the same OEM, but assembled & tuned in Prague.The first stage is a balanced diaphragm, with environmental seal/cold kit on and generally, Sopras Tek 1st stages look like the HOG D1 & D2. Again, probably from the same OEM, but was finished in Prague - a slip with the lab test result on breathing efficiency tests were included. Had about 20 dives with the regs, and they're good. Breathes good and smooth, only minimal wet breathing when I tested it in inverted position. The second stage face could be screwed open without any tool, and Sopras Tek included service kits with the reg.
This year, I have plans to take up tec certification so I ordered a full aluminum plate (or maybe an SS plate too), DIR harness, and a 50 lb. doubles donut from Sopras Tek. I am also going to get two more 1st stages from them - the version with swiveling turret for backmount doubles and long hose for my tec course. I probably will get another 2nd stage for the bungeed safe second, and use the 'recreational' set 1st stage and octo as for the stage. I was informed by the LDS that Sopras Tek will provide service kits with every reg they sell, for quick and dirty fixes. Additionally, the LDS offers 5-year free servicing, so considering I will be sending in 3 sets of regs at one time this is very lucrative for me.
In summary, Sopras Tek offers good quality equipment at good price, and with the service kits and free servicing I will get good value for my money. It is not 'up there' like a Halcyon but it is very comparable to HOG or DSS.