Double hose regulators

[bahamasita]

I've heard that the regulators with the double hoses are making a comeback. It seems like having bubbles coming out behind you versus in front of your face like with regular one-hose regulators would be an advantage. What are some of the pros/cons to these regulators? Anyone own a double-hose one? How do you like it? Is it worth to own? Is the cost much more than a regular one-hose? How does it fit on an octopus having TWO hoses? I know nothing about this type of regulator.

I'm curious because I am going to buy a regulator (along with a few other high cost items like a dive computer) in the next couple weeks and want to be sure to get the appropriate one.

 

[Gary D.]

I've heard that the regulators with the double hoses are making a comeback. It seems like having bubbles coming out behind you versus in front of your face like with regular one-hose regulators would be an advantage. What are some of the pros/cons to these regulators? Anyone own a double-hose one? How do you like it? Is it worth to own? Is the cost much more than a regular one-hose? How does it fit on an octopus having TWO hoses? I know nothing about this type of regulator.

I'm curious because I am going to buy a regulator (along with a few other high cost items like a dive computer) in the next couple weeks and want to be sure to get the appropriate one.

In a nut shell, For general sport diving stay with a single hose. My first 19 years of diving was with nothing but double hose regs. More problems than you want to deal with. They are different and if everyone around you doesn't know how to use them there could be a major FUBAR.

There is a big reason the single hose has progressed and the double has stayed where it has.

With a single hose your body position dosen't matter. With a double it is very important.

Clearing them is fun as well. Crimp off the exhaust hose, roll onto your side and blow. Or raise the mouthpiece higher than the body, let it freeflow and stick it in your mouth. Compaired to todays regs they are a pain in the butt. They did thrie job in their day but times have changed.

Gary D.

 

[pt40fathoms]

I see them as a novelty item only. "For the diver who has everything, why not get them one of these".

My money is too hard earned to spend on something like this, but rest assured that some people will buy them, and those same people will most likely praise their purchase and defend it as a good one.

 

[boulderjohn]

I am basing this on two quick reviews I read on Aqualung's new double hose system, not personal experience.

There are two advantages. The first is the bubbles coming out the back, which is a tremendous advantage for serious photographers. The second is that with its environmentally sealed 1st stage and the fact that the moist, exhaled air goes its own way, the mouthpiece simply will not freeze in even extremely cold water.

The disadvantages involve breathing. They apparently don't breathe as easily as a good, balanced single hose regulator, and breathability changes based upon your body position.

My sense is that you should give it serious consideration if you are going to do serious photography in relatively shallow water, or if you dive extremely cold water. If you take pictures in extremely cold water, it could be just the ticket.

It could also be very useful if you are filming a remake of the Sea Hunt series.

 

[teknitroxdiver]

Well, the new AquaLung double-hose lists at $900. For that you could get a much better single-hose and avoid all the problems that a double-hose brings.

Then again, if you are a photographer or videographer, the benefits of having the bubbles exhaust behind your head could outweigh the disadvantages. If you think this may be the case, find an AquaLung dealer who will let you try the rig in a pool and see what you think.

 

[Amphibious]

They Look like a bunch of fun, but for all practical purposes, stick with your standard single hose config.

 

[grazie42]

I´ve tried the new Aqualung doublehose (mistral, limited edition). I don´t think I´m exaggerating when I say that it was the worst dive experience I´ve had in a long time. If you swim "face-down" (ie horizontal) it is hard to breath meaning you either have to dive like a )#?)#%`?/, get a cramp in your neck from looking up or breath like you do when crawling...The contraption didn´t only eliminate the bubbles in front of me (never bothered me in the first place) but also all the joy of diving.

I realize this may sound a bit over the top but I REALLY don´t like it. The guy who let me try it told me he´d sold units to several photographers who were thrilled with it. I´m not saying that its a POS, only that thats what I think it is. Maybe there´s a learning curve, who knows? who cares? save your money and buy something else is my advice.

 

[bahamasita]

Wow, thanks a lot everyone! Sounds pretty clear to me that I should avoid the double hoses unless I am seriously into photography -- and even then.....

On that note.....anyone have recommendations on a single hose regulator that they can't live without? I am a beginner scuba diver finishing my OW dives this summer, but I plan to get more advanced certifications -- rescue diving, adv OW with Nitrox, and master diver at the very least! Any suggestions?

 

[jagfish]

Hey, welcome to the sport and Scuba Board...

On that note.....anyone have recommendations on a single hose regulator that they can't live without? I am a beginner scuba diver finishing my OW dives this summer, but I plan to get more advanced certifications -- rescue diving, adv OW with Nitrox, and master diver at the very least! Any suggestions?

Hmmm...
Sounds like a completely different question than you started with...

For efficiency, I recommend asking a new question about single hose units in the form of a new thread, or if you are ambitious, try a search on this well-discussed topic...

 

[616fun]

I am a beginner scuba diver finishing my OW dives this summer, but I plan to get more advanced certifications -- rescue diving, adv OW with Nitrox, and master diver at the very least! Any suggestions?

Only advice I have is get the AOW, rescue, then dive, dive, dive. Nitrox is a great thing to have, but be sure it will serve you well (I live in the midwest where most of the diving isn't deeper than 60 ft. Not really a huge demand for Nitrox here. I only use is on vacation a time or two a year.) The master diver is nothing more than getting a bunch of cards. Save that money you'd spend on cards and dive more. Then - if you find something in particular that you'd really like to know more about, then do a speciality course.

I'm not knocking the speciality courses, just take it easy and find what education you want. Don't just do five speciality classes just to get a 'Master Diver' card.