Protectors that fit Miflex hoses

[JonnyDiver]

Recently swapped my stock Scubapro LP & HP hoses with Miflex Xtreme & Carbon HD, but now the hose protectors on both the primary and secondary stages keep sliding off due to the reduced hose OD. Can anyone recommend protectors that provide some grip on the Miflex Xtreme and Carbon HD? Thanks.

 

[Zef]

I think the prevailing recommendation is that hose protectors promote corrosion of the fittings at the ends of the hoses and should be avoided.

My main regulator setup has had nothing but miflex type hoses on it for over 3 years now and I have not had any problems with kinking, or anything that a hose protector is said to protect against should they have been present.

-Z

 

[broncobowsher]

You don't need hose damage hiders.
Whoever invented those made a killing in the 90's. Hopefully there kids are not expecting to retire on them.
Trouble is they don't protect anything. They hide the critical point that should be inspected. And there is potential trapping water and promoting corrosion (which with good materials I don't see as an issue)

 

[JonnyDiver]

Fair point, thanks

 

[Joneill]

You don't need hose damage hiders.
Whoever invented those made a killing in the 90's. Hopefully there kids are not expecting to retire on them.
Trouble is they don't protect anything. They hide the critical point that should be inspected. And there is potential trapping water and promoting corrosion (which with good materials I don't see as an issue)

I don't agree with the "hides damage" argument. Hose protectors can help reduce stress at the end connectors in use and it's ridiculously easy (at least on my Atomic reg) to slide them back before/after use to inspect and while rinsing and drying.

I store my reg hanging with protectors slid back off of the hose ends and only slide them back in place when I'm taking them to use. So, unless you are incredibly lazy, I don't feel it's really a valid argument against their use. I have no issues after 5 years - though will likely be replacing my hoses proactively soon.

The actual issue is not use of hose protectors but, rather, folks not maintaining and inspecting their gear regularly and replacing items like hoses after they reach their recommended service life.

 

[Zef]

I don't agree with the "hides damage" argument. Hose protectors can help reduce stress at the end connectors in use and it's ridiculously easy (at least on my Atomic reg) to slide them back before/after use to inspect and while rinsing and drying.

I store my reg hanging with protectors slid back off of the hose ends and only slide them back in place when I'm taking them to use. So, unless you are incredibly lazy, I don't feel it's really a valid argument against their use. I have no issues after 5 years - though will likely be replacing my hoses proactively soon.

The actual issue is not use of hose protectors but, rather, folks not maintaining and inspecting their gear regularly and replacing items like hoses after they reach their recommended service life.

Color me lazy then. But I like the fact that I don't have to pull anything back to rinse and inspect and then push back before I dive. they don't really provide much protection and I have never busted a hose in 24 years of diving. If you like hose protectors then great, if the OP wants to buy some go to your local dive shop or amazon and purchase some. I believe the reality though is that hose protectors are not much for protecting but another spot for a company to slap their brand name.

YMMV.

-Z

 

[Jim Lapenta]

If you need hose protectors to take the strain off of a hose, you're routing them wrong.

 

[stepfen]

Hose protectors can help reduce stress at the end connectors in use

I admin I am far from being qualified to comment on this, but out of curiosity what kind of stress a miflex hose can get during a dive?

 

[Joneill]

If you need hose protectors to take the strain off of a hose, you're routing them wrong.

It's not for hose routing - for me, it's more for transport/handling where I think they can add value. First example, I can coil my reg hoses pretty tightly in my carry on with no fear of stressing/kinking the hose ends.

I agree that, during an actual dive, most hose protectors don't really add anything - but nor do they detract from anything. In fact the protectors on my atomic second stages keep the swivel from getting ang debris in it.

Look - I'm not advocating for folks to use them but it's not the "horror" some here seem to want to suggest claim. It literally takes seconds to slide back to inspect/ clean on my Atomic - maybe others are more difficult.

As I said, I'd bet the bigger issue with hose failures is folks never thinking about them - reagardless of use of hose protestors or not! In fact, due to my practice of moving them to rinse, I am always reminded to check my hoses before and after diving!

Dive as you see fit !

 

[Zef]

It's not for hose routing - for me, it's more for transport/handling where I think they can add value. First example, I can coil my reg hoses pretty tightly in my carry on with no fear of stressing/kinking the hose ends.

I agree that, during an actual dive, most hose protectors don't really add anything - but nor do they detract from anything. In fact the protectors on my atomic second stages keep the swivel from getting ang debris in it.

Look - I'm not advocating for folks to use them but it's not the "horror" some here seem to want to suggest claim. It literally takes seconds to slide back to inspect/ clean on my Atomic - maybe others are more difficult.

As I said, I'd bet the bigger issue with hose failures is folks never thinking about them - reagardless of use of hose protestors or not! In fact, due to my practice of moving them to rinse, I am always reminded to check my hoses before and after diving!

Dive as you see fit !

Wow....who made hose protectors out to be "horrors"....did you drink a few ounces of hyperbole this morning?

An opinion based on personal experience and the experience of others is that hose protectors do not really add much protection and with regard to your example of coiling for transport...well, then I double down on my sentiment because miflex type hoses can coil very tightly for transport without affecting the hose/fitting junction. My hoses get inspected every time I put my reg set on a bottle, which has been at least once a week for the past few year (pool work and/or diving outside)....I don't have to do anything special to visually inspect them because there is nothing to obstruct the view of the hose fittings.

I have no problem with those who want to use hose fittings if one likes to have adornments on their gear but the rubber/plastic things don't really protect against much....and its not a horror story to state that unless one is fastidious with moving those covers, and some are much more difficult to move than others, that one can experience corrosion at the hose fittings.

Perhaps there is a reason miflex doesn't put them on their hoses.

-Z