5' hose routing

[The Laconic]

Let me preface this by saying that I'm sure this is kind of a basic question, but I'm having a hard time finding a straight answer.

I'm setting up a BP/W single-tank rig for the first time, and trying to D it R. I opted, perhaps wrongly, to go with a 5-foot Miflex long hose. When I tried it in the pool, I realized that I essentially made myself a big floaty necklace. (Otherwise, I'm psyched about the rig.)

So my basic question is: how am I supposed to route a 5-foot long hose, anyway? Does it just go under my right arm, then across, and around the back of my neck?

And my related question is: did I make a mistake getting the Miflex hose? Should I just swap it out for a regular 7-foot hose and be done with it?

And heck, one more question: does the long hose come off the front LP outlet on the first stage or the back one? I've seen a picture on the UTD website where it's one way, but as far as I can tell GUE is ambivalent about it, and I've seen people argue about it. (So if you want to, here's your chance I guess.)

Thanks for any advice, folks.

 

[greatlakeswreckdiver]

That is how my wife routes her 5' hose. I run a 7' that goes down under my SMB on the right side belt D ring. I run Miflex hoses and they seem to work perfectly fine.

 

[decompression]

Yes and yes....the routing is correct and Miflex (in this case) is a bad choice. There is nothing wrong with a 5' hose but as you've noticed the Miflex are far too "floaty". They do work great elsewhere with some drawbacks. I don't think there's much of a difference for ports as the variety in stages affect placement, the true question is it routed cleanly and no obstructions. A 7' Miflex tucks in better but still floats during S drills. My 2 psi.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[PfcAJ]

That is how my wife routes her 5' hose. I run a 7' that goes down under my SMB on the right side belt D ring. I run Miflex hoses and they seem to work perfectly fine.

what happens to the hose when you deploy the SMB? Fwiw, right side d rings aren't DIR.

 

[The Laconic]

That's all useful feedback so far. I'm thinking I'll try to stick with the existing hose this weekend, but just route it properly this time. I got a 7' hose on the way from DRIS in the meantime.

 

[ErikNYC]

I had a five foot hose, and something just didn't feel right. It didn't take long before I returned it for the seven footer. Now I'm happy as can be. No issues at all.

 

[eelnoraa]

5' or 7', miflex type of hoses is the issue. They are more floppy and floaty. Try a regular rubber hose, the issue will disappear. I also prefer 7', just stuff the extra under waist harness. With 5', there is no where to stuff hose in, how well it fit solely depend on body size.

 

[Rand]

As others have said, miflex sucks for the long hose. I use miflex on my bungied reg and like it. I'm assuming you are diving a single tank. If so, here are some photos and descriptions that may be of help to you. Frogkick also has doubles photos and instructions.

 

[TSandM]

5' hoses work well for open water, for people who are relatively slight in stature. If you are broad or deep chested, the hose may not be quite long enough to sit comfortably in your mouth without any tension.

GUE used to allow various hose lengths, from 40" in open water, to 5' or 7', depending on diver size and application. They did away with that a number of years ago, and all GUE classes require the 7' hose now. I don't know what UTD does.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I had a five foot hose, and something just didn't feel right. It didn't take long before I returned it for the seven footer. Now I'm happy as can be. No issues at all.

Ditto here. The logic of a sport diver like me needing no more than a 5' hose was appealing. But it just didn't feel right. I soon swapped it for a 7' hose. Even from the beginning, the 7' hose did not feel like it was too long or otherwise unwieldy. If you don't have a can light, which most of us sport divers do not, the extra bit on the right side tucks neatly under a pocket or even under the belt. I am a modest 5'8" in height. The more I practice S-drills, the more comfortable I am with the hose length. It feels just right--completely normal at this point. Unless you are a truly tiny person, let go of the logic and switch to the 7-ft hose.