Aeris Oceans 5 BCD, corrugated hose too short

[manada]

Hi,

One of my BCD's is Aeris Oceans 5. Very nice, ultra light, and also ultra minimalistic BCDs, and I love it.
I have a one problem with this BCD though. As big guy (XXL size), I noticed that corrugated hose is definitely too short for this size of BC. It's 16 inches in length. On the picture I am comparing it to the Tusa hose (the one with the orange button) which is at least 3 inches longer, even thought it came from my son's BC size M. The problem with Aeris one is, that in a water you cannot easy reach for it. Tank drag make all BC back a bit, making this hose even shorter. It became so short that I had to unstrap from velcro and strap higher using bungy, but then it got this tends to jump on my back, making inflation/ de-inflation almost impossible without buddy help.
I called my LDS. They redirected me to manufacturer - Aeris. I asked for exchange for longer one or some other solution. NADA. Some guy said that all corrugated hoses are the same length: 16". About third party solution they obviously won't talk.



So question here to you guys. Is it there any way I can make diving with this thing more comfortable? Is there any third party solution, ex. matching longer hose from other manufacturer? Replace the only hose (changeable i think)?

Thanks for any info.

 

[Akroedge540]

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=DiveRiteCorrugatedHose



Try this, it comes in 22" length but also is very flexible. I have two of them on my dual bladder SMS 100. Dive rite also has some nice clamps for it as well. I do not know if your inflator doubles as a pull dump so this may not be a viable solution for you.

 

[CT Sean]

That dive rite corrugated is the wrong internal diameter plus installing a different length corrugated hose will make the pull-dump inoperable (in case you care about pull-dumps).

A copy of an Aeris/Oceanic inflator repair manual I have shows there are additional corrugated hose sections available (the last 2 #'s are the length):
819740-14
819740-16
819740-18
819740-20

To maintaining the pull dump you'd need the corresponding longer cable:
819002-14 ,16, 18 or 20

I'm sure you'd have to find an Aeris dealer willing to order this stuff for you.

Alternatively, The Hollis, Aeris and Zeagle BC s I have in the basement all appear to have interchangeable hoses, which implies it's a standard fitting size. It might be easier to just but an "industry standard" replacement inflator with the proper length hose already installed, like those at the bottom of this page:
BCD Parts and Components - Dive Gear Express

---------- Post added January 24th, 2013 at 08:01 AM ----------

Having said all that, where does the power inflator actually sit on your body (top of your shoulder, collar bone height, little below collar bone, etc...)? I thought the hose on my Hollis wing was too short until I got used to it. Now I love the shortness and wouldn't mind it a little shorter.

 

[manada]

---------- Post added January 24th, 2013 at 08:01 AM ----------

Having said all that, where does the power inflator actually sit on your body (top of your shoulder, collar bone height, little below collar bone, etc...)? I thought the hose on my Hollis wing was too short until I got used to it. Now I love the shortness and wouldn't mind it a little shorter.

Hi, and thank you for a comment.

When i am trying to fit in this bcd without the wetsuit, it seems to be all right. I am able to strap the hose with velcro in the right place and the power inflator tip sits on the shoulder.
Adding 7mm farmer John wetsuit changes it. It looks like you have to search-and-grab it right on the upper part of the shoulder which is guess it might be fine too.
Adding single tank to the whole shabanga makes a additional drag and moves everything to the back, making inflator handle hard to reach. It is really too short. Velcro straps the hose really close to the plastic handle so you are not able to "bend" the hose. Ex. moving hose up, its impossible, you have to unstrap from velcro. While the hose is unstrapped, it tends to jump on back, then i need a buddy to help me move it to the front.

I tested this situation with differnet BCDs, Oceanic, for example, is fine. You are able to operate the hose the way you wanted, without unstrapping anything you can move up with no problem, same for Tusa.


Adam

 

[mconforti]

Hi,

My name is Mike I'm one of the Customer Service reps over here at Aeris. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your Aeris 5 Oceans BCD, one of my favorite BCD's too. I have a couple of options for you that could help you out with this issue. * Please note, Aeris does only sell 14" and 16" AW3 Inflators.

Option number 1: Our sister company Oceanic does sell an inflator system called the Reliant Inflator that will work on your Aeris 5 Oceans BCD. My recommendation would be to contact your Authorized LDS and let them know that you need to order a 20" Reliant Inflator, W/O LPQD hose (PN# 08.7034.20) from Oceanic. Please note, this does not come with a LPQD hose, but you can order one of those if you need to as well (LPQD PN#810257.XX the suffix represents how long of LPQD hose you would like and please note they are offered in 24", 26", 30", 32" and 34" lengths).

Option number 2: This option will save you some money, but your Authorized LDS may charge you for labor. They will need to order the following parts and take your current AW3 Inflator and make it a 18"or 20" inflator by ordering the following Oceanic parts:

Housing Assy, 20" (PN 819729.20) includes Elbow housing Assy, Cap, Spring, Poppet Assy, Cable crimped to Arm, Arm Pin, Corrugated Hose
Wrap, Tie PN# 84408
LPQD hose (optional but I recommend it due to excess length of corrugated hose) PN#810257.XX the suffix represents how long of LPQD hose you would like and please note they are offered in 24", 26", 30", 32" and 34" lengths as mentioned above)

Hope this helps you out a little and I apologize that you were not made aware of this from your LDS or when you called Aeris.

Best regards,

Mike Conforti

 

[Kryssa]

Hi Mike. Always nice to see a manufacturer step in with a solution. You are appreciated

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[manada]

Hi Mike,

First: Thx for the info, so promptly.
Second:
You just made my day I guess . I'll go with this option, still reviewing the other one.

Option number 1: Our sister company Oceanic does sell an inflator system called the Reliant Inflator that will work on your Aeris 5 Oceans BCD. My recommendation would be to contact your Authorized LDS and let them know that you need to order a 20" Reliant Inflator, W/O LPQD hose (PN# 08.7034.20) from Oceanic. Please note, this does not come with a LPQD hose, but you can order one of those if you need to as well (LPQD PN#810257.XX the suffix represents how long of LPQD hose you would like and please note they are offered in 24", 26", 30", 32" and 34" lengths).

Thanks


Adam

 

[mconforti]

Hi Adam,

No problem at all . Please do not hesiate to ask if you have any further questions. Thank you for choosing Aeris!

Best regards,

Mike Conforti

 

[manada]

Mike, I'd like to straight out my previous sentence saying that, Aeris Rep didn't offer me third party solution.

Hi,
I asked for exchange for longer one or some other solution. NADA. Some guy said that all corrugated hoses are the same length: 16". About third party solution they obviously won't talk.

This all happened last year.
I've checked my notes from the last year, and I was wrong here. Indeed, Aeris pointed me to call Oceanic to ask about"Reliant Inflator". Then someone gave me a quote: $130 for the set as Total, no indication here if it was LDS or Oceanic rep. And then I think i dropped it as a too expensive option.
Again, I apologies, I don't want to make impression that Aeris left me without any option.