Am I getting hosed?

[SteveFass]

I was unable to clip off my brand new OMS SPG gauge (a most beautiful thing) to my hip D-ring without creating a large unsightly bulge. Confused, out comes the tape measure. 30". ?? Did the store change out the hose?

So I hit the OMS website and it is supposed to come standard with a 32" hose! On to the DiveRite website. There's comes standard with a a 32" hose too!

If 24"-26" works best, why are these companies sending out extra long hoses? I know that aren't strictly DIR companies, but surely they both specialize to the cave/wreck wing wearing, advanced customer, right? I can see offering for sale for those with different ways of gearing up, but why as standard?

My next question is what to do? Is there an adjustment (e.g., routing) to fix my bulge or do I need to ask the shop to swap me for a smaller one (it is effort and I am lazy)? And if I do that, do you think 26" the most comfortable length for single tank diving?

 

[StSomewhere]

According to my LDS, the 32"-ish length is perfect for people who hold a console out in front of them.

After a little trial and error, like you, I'm finding the 26" HP hose seems to be a good length for single tank.

I'm *guessing* that 24" might be a good DIR standard for doubles where the left post is closer to your left D-ring, but I'm far from an expert and may just be doing something incorrectly that makes 26" seem correct when its not. YMMV.

 

[The Kraken]

I suppose 24" would be perfect if everyone was the same height and had the same length arms and the same eyesight !!!

Alas, it is not a perfect world . . .

the K

 

[SteveFass]

Hey handsome - you mean not all people are exactly like me?
I'm so dumb. Nevermind the "optimal" length question everyone. Sorry.

But you're so right - what a perfect world it would be.

 

[H2Andy]

the "optimal length" is a good question

i guess the optimal length is a length no longer than what is needed to secure
the SPG to the d-ring

any excess hose is extra drag and an entanglement hazzard

so, ideally, you'd go with a custom hose

 

[The Kraken]

As you're probably aware, I haven't had any DIR courses, but I do embrace some of the DIR philosophies. But I do have a hard time accepting such strict dogma with respect to gearing and rigs.

I totally believe in standardization when it comes to such advanced technological diving as cave diving, but we are all physically different individuals.

the K

 

[H2Andy]

one reason i haven't quite made the leap into DIR is that i like to have the choice
to decide what parts of DIR i like and which i dont

shorter hoses have worked great for me, so.... gotta love it

 

[The Kraken]

Andy, I certainly hope that wasn't an intentional double entendre' . . .

the K

 

[H2Andy]

Andy, I certainly hope that wasn't an intentional double entendre' . . .

ah... it depends... do i come out looking good or not????

 

[The Kraken]

I ain't even going there !!!

Hawrrr, hawrr, hawrr . . . !!!

the K