5th LP port - what do people use them for?

[RedSeaDiver2]

I'm about to splurge on a couple of new regs for my rebreather bailout cylinders, and the last time I bought new regs was a damn long time ago - long long before any regs had a 5th port on the end.

I'm probably going to go with Apeks regs, but am wondering whether or not to get the 5th port option - what do others typically use that 5th port for - is it really useful?

 

[Searcaigh]

If you are referring to a fifth port that many manufacturers put at the bottom of the first stage then this is useful for routing a hose when using a twinset, whether that be for a second stage or an LP inflator hose.

 

[Mobulai]

How do you have your BO cylinders?
If you have in in sidemount style then or you use a DiL-Out config then the 5th Port be perfect for your inflator hoses (the hoses would be parallel to your body)

 

[RedSeaDiver2]

How do you have your BO cylinders?
If you have in in sidemount style then or you use a DiL-Out config then the 5th Port be perfect for your inflator hoses (the hoses would be parallel to your body)

That is true!

 

[Scared Silly]

Atomic and ScubaPro had first stage with ports starting over 25 years ago and are very convenient for different hose routings. Even with a traditional single rec rig using the 5th port for an LP inflator can be nice. It often confuses people because most are used to the first stage being vertical.

 

[happy-diver]

Wow 1981 dudesesses

Hey I'm not even this young, hee hee hee hee ha!

FilesAnywhere

personal.filesanywhere.com

 

[Mobulai]

Wow 1981 dudesesses

View attachment 879535

FilesAnywhere

personal.filesanywhere.com

Wasn’t the Pilot (1976) also paired with an mk5 ?

 

[DrakeTheDiver]

I like mine for single tank diving, I know you mentioned rebreathers which is way outside of my scope. But in single tank I can cant my regulator first stage a bit to the side and run my long hose down my right side a little cleaner and easier.

 

[Johnoly]

Not rebreather related but many of my friends have an extra LP hose with an bolt-snapped air nozzle to fill lift bags 'quickly' and send catches to the surface for pickup. This way they don't have to unclip an octo necklace.

 

[d^2b]

Not rebreather related but many of my friends have an extra LP hose with an bolt-snapped air nozzle to fill lift bags 'quickly' and send catches to the surface for pickup. This way they don't have to unclip an octo necklace.

I do something similar to make it easier to inflate SMBs. One does need to make sure the valve on the SMB is appropriate (I ordered a metal replacement valve for mine).