Double hose manufacturers

[rhwestfall]

with the tank that low on your back, wouldn't a long tank, like an HP120 go from long to REALLY long? I use single 120s and with it positioned as shown in those pictures, I think the bottom would be halfway down my thighs. And I'm 6' 1".

that is why I use double AL63's on a military manifold, or twin the old 72's, again on vintage manifolds. I do regularly dive an LP85 but I am a lot taller. The HP80 works nicely here too.

The VDH page for the AK (which I just linked above) has an option to order an "Argonaut Safe Second Stage".

When I see "safe second", I think of those combo 2nd stage+BCD inflator things.

In this case, I think it just means the SH 2nd stage that is shown in some of the pictures. Correct?

"Safe Second" in an old school term for the "octo".... never heard a combo unit referred to as one... YMMV

 

[halocline]

the Moist air comes from the reduction in pressure that occurs in all regulators....

The dryness of scuba air is simple to explain; all the moisture is removed from air before it goes into the tank. When air depressurizes, it doesn't get moister, it gets colder. The reason doublehose regs deliver warmer air is just what Nemrod said; since the air is depressurized far away from your mouth, it has a chance to warm back up as it travels through the hoses.

The moisture with doublehose regs comes from condensation in the mouthpiece (you're exhaling moist air into the same mouthpiece). There's also the thought that the cold, fast moving, depressurizing air right next to your mouth dries out your mouth and throat. That's certainly what it feels like. It could be that warmer air simply feels "less dry" in your mouth because it's closer to the temp of your tissues, even if it doesn't have a higher moisture content.

 

[rhwestfall]

2xAL63 - early experimentation with a harness I pieced together to be adjustable. Tanks are slightly too high here...

One of the first dives I did with my Kraken a few years ago.

 

[oli4]

Wow, thanks everyone for all the great feedback so far. Looks indeed that AK would be the only DH regulator, if one would like a new build, state of the art, reliable and not over prized reg.
Obvious there will be some adapting, but that is with all things in life. Also I am pleased that by starting this discussion, by the looks of it, I got some more divers interested into buying (or at least trying) a AK.
Thanks and Happy Bubbles (from the back).

 

[Charles2]

I want one! [Sends note to Santa]

 

[rhwestfall]

Orders for the 2017 editions are open now (he does an annual run)

Store - Vintage Double Hose

and there is also a Special Edition to be released in a few weeks!

Store - Vintage Double Hose

and, you can always "pimp" an old one for some pretty good results:

 

[sealark]

Wish I was a little younger, Love to get one for old times sake.

 

[captain]

Wish I was a little younger, Love to get one for old times sake.

I know how it is. I am 72 and was offered an opportunity to buy one of the first production Argonaut Krackens but declined. I already had an Aqua Master with the 5th Phoenix 1st stage produced and HPR second stage with all the other goodies plus a few other operational double hoses. Had I not had the modified Aqua Master I probably would have gone for it.

 

[Charles2]

Just got though looking at the VDH site and noticed this plate - VDH Universal Back Plate - Obviously, this will place the regulator closer to your back and thereby minimize the changes in breathing due to body position. Is the difference really that noticeable and therefore worth the cost?

 

[rhwestfall]

I wouldn't dive mine with anything else..... (well, perhaps a fabric harness, but I prefer using a wing for buoyancy)

I've been tempted to see how it works on my DSS plate, and with the DIN Phoenix nozzle on my PRAM, it likely would be tight up against my back, but I have a VDH Vintage Plate, and really like it.

No way I'd try it with a Jacket styled BC seeing how far the tank falls away from them...

I'm sure others will chime in...