Connecting LP hose to ST1 first stage

[BFRedrocks]

I just received my brand new ST1 and am getting ready to hook up my hoses, but had a question:

The reg comes with the LP hose attached to the bottom LP port on the first stage, instead of one of the four on the swivel part. Although I understand that an LP hose can be connected to any LP port, is this port on the bottom of the first stage recommended by Atomic for a specific reason (higher flow, better connection, etc), or is it just simpler to package that way? IOW, should I leave this hose attached as is, or move it to the LP port of my choice so that hose routing is best?

Thanks!!
Bob

 

[Scared Silly]

It fits in the box better that way.


Some will say it has better flow because it is directly inline with the piston. While it is in line with the piston, it is not inline with the airflow. The bottom of the piston has diffuser which changes the airflow pattern.

 

[BoltSnap]

The way it is connected in the box when you buy the regulator has to do with packaging as far as I know.

You can attach the hose to whatever port that is convenient for you. This specific port is claimed to have better flow because it faces directly into the air flow but I'd doubt that you can discern the difference. My backup SS (ST1 SS) is connected to one of the other ports on the side of the swivel turret and I can't tell any performance difference between the two at all).

I still have my primary second stage hose connected to this "end" port because I am using a 42" hose that comes from under my arm and using this port (with the first stage turret facing down on the tank valve) seems to cause the least amount of bending and stress on the SS LP hose.

It would be interesting to hear from Atomic rep. on this board on the differences of flow at the end port.

 

[Dr. Lecter]

When I dive my ST1 single tank rig, the primary's LP hose goes on the bottom LP port (supposedly the higher flow one); when I dive my M1s on my doubles rig, the primary LP hose goes on a side LP port (supposedly the lower flow ones). Well below 200' on air with each, I've yet to tell any difference.

Put the damn hose wherever you find it works best.

 

[diversteve]

Here's how I route mine - I also mount the reg with the 1st stage down and in towards my head:

 

[BFRedrocks]

Thanks for the responses guys...my guess was that it fit in the box better that way. Given my setup (similar to diversteve), it'll be much easier in one of the other ports anyway.

It would be interesting to hear from Atomic rep. on this board on the differences of flow at the end port.

I actually sent the same question to the Atomic rep that answered my "does Atomic recommend a light coating of silicone on the o-rings prior to installation or not" question. I'll post his response to the question of whether that bottom port is truly designed to have any higher flow than the other LP ports.

---------- Post added July 19th, 2013 at 09:57 AM ----------

Hey Guys...I heard back from the Atomic rep on this and here's what he said:

"The regulator is attached that way simply for shipping. The preference is usually one of the other LP ports on the first stage. You are more than welcome to put it on any LP port you are comfortable with."

In other words, it doesn't appear that the bottom port has anything to do with getting better air flow...it simply fits in the box better that way.

Bob

 

[Atomic Aquatics]

Hi BF.....The only reason we put the LP hose on the bottom port is for packing purposes. It definitely fits better in the box that way! (Thanks Scared Silly)..Thanks everyone for helping out BF.....Please move the LP port to the one you are most comfortable with using.

Atomic Aquatics

I just received my brand new ST1 and am getting ready to hook up my hoses, but had a question:

The reg comes with the LP hose attached to the bottom LP port on the first stage, instead of one of the four on the swivel part. Although I understand that an LP hose can be connected to any LP port, is this port on the bottom of the first stage recommended by Atomic for a specific reason (higher flow, better connection, etc), or is it just simpler to package that way? IOW, should I leave this hose attached as is, or move it to the LP port of my choice so that hose routing is best?

Thanks!!
Bob

 

[BoltSnap]

Hi BF.....The only reason we put the LP hose on the bottom port is for packing purposes. It definitely fits better in the box that way! (Thanks Scared Silly)..Thanks everyone for helping out BF.....Please move the LP port to the one you are most comfortable with using.

Atomic Aquatics

So you are officially dispelling the myth that this particular port at the top of the FS swivel offers better performance/flow rate compared with the other LP ports on the swivel? Is there no appreciable difference between this port and other LP ports on the swivel?