Have a gear configuration question...

[highdesert]

My primary is now on a 40" Miflex hose routed under my right armpit then up to a 90 degree fitting at the second stage. Very comfortable, and no hose waving around above my shoulder. You may have to come out of the first stage at a different port to get a smoothe bend. You still have the option of a conventional octopus, a bungied safe second, or an octo-inflator. Lots of talk about the right angle fitting being pricey, but the Zeagle fitting ...

http://www.zeagle.com/showproduct/54/Swivel-Elbow-2nd-Stage/

... from Scuba Toys is around $30 ... not bad.

 

[NorthWoodsDiver]

I think these guys pretty well got it figured out:

Equipment Configuration | Global Underwater Explorers

 

[D_B]

As suggested, Trying a different port might help
I have a 42" hose routed under my arm to an M&J Engineering fitting on my reg (Omni Swivel)
I did it facilitate air sharing with my Air2 setup and like the way it routes (can see in my profile pic)

 

[SteveAD]

This is by no means a vote against going long hose. I dive a long hose primary and would never go back. But the OP stated he is currently diving a 24" primary. 24" is fine for a bungied backup, but a traditional primary "short hose" is 30". so going to a "normal" 30" hose may eliminate the discomfort. but if your switching hoses anyway, go long.

 

[Guba]

Thanks all, for the great advice and suggestions. I knew I could count on SBers for sound input.
I think I'll go for the simplest fixes first, and if that doesn't do it, I'll head down the list. First will be the different port, then the different mouthpiece, then tackle the hose (either by going to Miflex or longer lengths.
Thanks to all!

 

[kona74]

I had major discomfort with my 2nd stage hose. I converted to Miflex will never look back. I will eventually convert all my hoses to Miflex.

 

[RetMTFE]

My Tusa reg has a swivel at the second stage and I love it. No "pull" at all. Most places sell the swivels for around $20-30. If you are Mr Frugal like me, I would go with the other suggestions and maybe try another port first.

 

[D_B]

Note: I would avoid the low cost, shiny chrome swivels as they have had some issues in the past

These are more robust and have a better history ... Fittings-Swivels

 

[MaxBottomtime]

I like my seven foot hose because it solves more issues than just pulling. I've shared air with a low-on-air buddy and comfortably swam side by side without having to hold their BC. I've cleaned the bottom of my boat while leaving the tank on the dock. A buddy of mine even took off his tank so he could get into a tight space to grab a lobster.
It's comfortable in the water, and in an emergency it can be handed off in one second without having to fumble for an octopus.