I have been diving HOG regs since 2008. D1s, D2s, D3s, BP2s, and all the Edge regs. Have had them down to 165ft in 38 degree water. 45 is balmy deeper in the Great Lakes. Have had them under the ice and inside wrecks. Customers have had them down to 300ft and back thousands in caves.
I'm also a HOG and Deep Six reg tech instructor and have issued over 50 certs to divers to service them.
I wrote the Deep Six service manual and have written some of the HOG service procedures.
Between the two, they are very close.
Deep Six may have a slight edge on the 1st stage in terms of finish and maybe the internals but not enough to be noticeable to me. If a reg is tuned right it really doesn't matter where it's from. The average recreational and most tech divers would be hard pressed to tell the difference blind folded.
HOG may be easier to source parts and kits.
I service HOG regs from around the world. Literally. I have customers in the military in Okinawa, Guam, Germany, and even got a sent a set once from Afghanistan that I had to return to his next posting in Japan.
Not to mention the dozens in Florida, California, New York, etc. in the states.
For cold water diving I would not recommend a D3/Zenith. I don't like the Zenith faceplate for use with heavy or dry gloves. The classic is a better choice in my opinion and easier to use with gloves.
If you are not diving sidemount there is no need to go with the D3. D3 was designed to be used with sidemount because of the turret being able to swivel 360 degrees with hoses.
For backmount singles or doubles the D1x is a better choice and will save you a few bucks. The D1 is a workhorse with a proven track record longer than the Zenith or the Deep Six 1st stage.
If I were selling you the set, I'd recommend a D1x with a pair of Classic seconds for single tank back mount. Rubber hoses and a 2 inch SPG on a 24 in rubber HP hose.
And you'll pay less than for a Zenith or a Deep Six set.
I'm also a HOG and Deep Six reg tech instructor and have issued over 50 certs to divers to service them.
I wrote the Deep Six service manual and have written some of the HOG service procedures.
Between the two, they are very close.
Deep Six may have a slight edge on the 1st stage in terms of finish and maybe the internals but not enough to be noticeable to me. If a reg is tuned right it really doesn't matter where it's from. The average recreational and most tech divers would be hard pressed to tell the difference blind folded.
HOG may be easier to source parts and kits.
I service HOG regs from around the world. Literally. I have customers in the military in Okinawa, Guam, Germany, and even got a sent a set once from Afghanistan that I had to return to his next posting in Japan.
Not to mention the dozens in Florida, California, New York, etc. in the states.
For cold water diving I would not recommend a D3/Zenith. I don't like the Zenith faceplate for use with heavy or dry gloves. The classic is a better choice in my opinion and easier to use with gloves.
If you are not diving sidemount there is no need to go with the D3. D3 was designed to be used with sidemount because of the turret being able to swivel 360 degrees with hoses.
For backmount singles or doubles the D1x is a better choice and will save you a few bucks. The D1 is a workhorse with a proven track record longer than the Zenith or the Deep Six 1st stage.
If I were selling you the set, I'd recommend a D1x with a pair of Classic seconds for single tank back mount. Rubber hoses and a 2 inch SPG on a 24 in rubber HP hose.
And you'll pay less than for a Zenith or a Deep Six set.
