2nd stage for single tank sidemount

[sandita16]

For those of you out there diving single tank sidemount or SM with 2 short hoses, which second stage are you using in order to route the lp house from the left side of the 2nd stage? I currently dive standard SM setup with mk25/s600 and unfortunately, the s600 does not have that capability. Thanks for the input. Happy Diving!

Sandy

Note: I am NOT looking to get into debates about the merits of always diving with long hoses.

 

[sandita16]

Haha yes, Cameron, most definitely missing the NOT. I fixed that real quick. I should have specified, when diving single tank SM, I like breathing from the long hose, and having the short hose around my neck on a necklace. I am not looking to change this, only looking for the 2nd stage that will complete my set up. Thanks for your input!

 

[tbone1004]

why not just run the long hose up and over your neck like you would in backmount? That's what most everyone I know does when diving STSM then hose length doesn't matter.

 

[sandita16]

@tbone1004 the question was not about hose length. The question was about 2nd stages and finding the correct one for a very specific use.

 

[northernone]

In NOT giving you an argument, here's another try at answering your question.

Here's a few to look at:
Poseidon jetstream
ScubaPro R190
Dive rite XT2
Apex xtx50
Hollis 200LX
ScubaPro air 2
Seaquest air 2 look-alike
Perhaps the aqualung micra (looking at one in front of me and guessing)

The Poseidon gets my vote from depending on one is bad conditions.

The others I wouldn't recommend because I haven't learned to trust them or even dove them.

You might get pushback because it's quite rare to want a left hand regulator. They can be confusing if you're always use to 'upright' being with the hose on the right side. In an emergency this can bite you.

Cameron

 

[Caveeagle]

@tbone1004 the question was not about hose length. The question was about 2nd stages and finding the correct one for a very specific use.

Yes, but his point was that the need for a left hand feed goes away if you loop the hose around. I would just add a 90* elbow or swivel, and it becomes a very steamlimed package.

I also use Dive Rite XT, And HOG Zinith that are reversible to left hand feed.

Poseidon Jetstream or Xstream are great, and are ambidextrous. *just make sure you have an OPV in space either on the first stage, or inline with an older style Poseidon hose.

 

[tbone1004]

@tbone1004 the question was not about hose length. The question was about 2nd stages and finding the correct one for a very specific use.

what @Caveeagle said. There's no benefit of running hoses straight up in sidemount, especially in single tank sidemount. Why are you trying to avoid putting it behind your neck like we do with backmount doubles or normal sidemount.

Of note, Almost all of my regulators are Poseidons which are ambidextrous and with many I use them in lefty version, but would not in this application

 

[sandita16]

No one ever said anything about not putting the hoses behind the neck. Just looking for recs for some reversible second stages...

 

[tbone1004]

No one ever said anything about not putting the hoses behind the neck. Just looking for recs for some reversible second stages...

You're in Mexico and sidemount diving, just get Apeks like everyone else down there and be done with it. They're all reversible in the XTX series.

Question still remains why you are wanting to reverse it when it actually negatively impacts the overall regulator configuration instead of doing anything to help you. Doesn't need to be on a long hose, though that makes it more comfortable.

 

[sandita16]

Because when you dive 2 tanks, with 2 short hoses, one needs to be reversed. I included the part about single tank so my question would reach a wider audience. I was just trying to see what options are available to me other than the Apeks. Thank you for all your input.