HOG makes some of the best "budget" scuba gear on the market and has long left the "secret champ" status. Their equipment is rock-solid, built extremely well, and will last you for years.
The HOG D3 is one of their newer products and comes with an incredible list of cool features at an even more incredible low price point.
Of course, we also read other opinions online but in the end, nothing beats real world experience. So we took the time for a thorough HOG D3 test and review! Below you find everything you need to know, including features, specs and what we like, and don't like about it.
Our Rating
What We Like
- Great value
- 5 ports
- Rotating swivel port
- Coldwater certified
- It looks super super cool!
Reasons to Avoid
- Hard to come by replacement parts outside of North America
- Faceplate of 2. stage hard to rinse
- Short bubble exhaust
What could be improved
- More dealers outside of North America
- Check 2.stage faceplate access
- Offer longer bubble exhaust option
Get it here
First Impression
In a hurry and looking for the gist of things? Here is our review in short. Keep reading for the entire version.
The HOG D3 is one of my favorite scuba regulators out there and breathes super smoothly.
It looks cool, works in any environment, and will last forever. What’s not to love?
While it is commonly referred to as the HOG D3, that’s actually just the first stage.
The D3 regulator set ships with the HOG Zenith Smoke second stage by default which looks equally cool.
The list of features the D3 comes with reads like a blueprint for premium scuba regulators in 2024:
- Sealed 1.stage
- Balanced Diaphragm
- 2 HP and 5 LP Ports
- Compact size
- Convenient hose routing
- 360° Rotating LP swivel
- Excellent breathing performance
Wheew…that’s like a wishlist of any tech diver for a new scuba regulator.
Their prices are very competitive, especially if you are from North America. The biggest drawback I see with HOG equipment is that replacement parts are hard to come by in other parts of the world.
While some select online shops sell HOG scuba gear in Europe, they are frequently sold out on Amazon and Co.
I suggest you buy some replacement parts like O-rings and screws with the regulator to have them in case you need to replace some stuff.
While HOG advertises its Zenith Smoke second stage front cover as “without the “Rot away” feature other brands offer” I actually found it to be a disadvantage.
The faceplate is rather hard to rinse which could lead to stuff getting stuck and damaging the regulator.
Maybe that’s just me but I did find another review saying the exact same thing.
Of course, you can take it apart and clean it but it’s an additional hassle I’m not super fond of.
Last but not least, the bubble exhaust is on the shorter side. Depending on your diving style, you might find the bubbles annoy you.
I didn’t see it as an issue, but be aware of this.
Conclusion
The HOG D3 kit looks super cool and works flawlessly in most diving environments.
At this price point, you will not find very many worthy competitors with a similar set of great features and quality parts in it.
If you are looking for a new regulator, the HOG D3 might just be the one you’re looking for.
Be careful outside of North America though and order some spare parts right away.
If you are willing to bring your own small spare parts kit on a dive vacation, the HOG D3 is a super well-made piece of equipment for any beginner.
If you have any other questions or need advice, leave us a comment below and get the conversation started.
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