Hose length question

[IVC]

I'm just putting my gear together and have a question about octo setup. Are there any drawbacks to using a "hybrid" setup where I keep my recreational primary hose length, but instead of having octo on a longer hose ready to donate, I keep a short hose octo on a necklace and donate my (somewhat short) primary?

This setup in an AOO situation is very similar to using an integrated inflator/second stage - donate (relatively short) primary, start using own backup. The benefit is that I am not committing to the "safe second" and am leaving my setup open for later conversion to the "long hose."

Initially, I have two reasons not to go immediately to the long hose: (1) my regulator is Atomic with swivel so I'd like to dive a bit more with it before I make the decision to either ditch it, or get a custom long Atomic hose, (2) I'd like to get accustomed to my new setup before determining whether "long hose" can work well with what I have.

All the threads that I found on the topic usually suggest "short octo," but also "longer primary hose." It is just this latter part that I'm concerned with - is there any safety consideration beyond "you'll be too close in case of emergency."

 

[uncfnp]

If I understand your question, besides the shorter hose to donate, both seconds will be routed together. Does not sound like a good plan to me. To high a chance of confusion and tangled hoses.

You are right that the donated hose would be the same as the typical recreation hose used with inflator alternate users but that is why some are chosing to switch to the longer hose routed under the arm. Not a true long hose but a good option for OW divers.

Just route your backup on a short hose and bungee then route the primary under the arm on a 36 to 44 hose.

 

[rhwestfall]

,as said above..... the 36"-44" (or longer), routed down under the arm and back up is the "new recreational" configuration.... less than that, and its real close quarters on an air share. Some of us remember buddy breathing in a close configuration, but that has gone by the wayside. A little space is preferred.

 

[IVC]

Just route your backup on a short hose and bungee then route the primary under the arm on a 36 to 44 hose.

I've seen this setup with angled adapter to prevent hose from pulling on the right side of the mouth. Is this what you mean?

---------- Post added November 16th, 2015 at 03:01 PM ----------

A little space is preferred.

Out of the box my primary is 32" and my octo is 36". If I used SS1 I'd be donating my 32" primary, but it seems that the consensus is that it's too short and that people who use "safe seconds" should move to longer primary hoses. Interesting.

 

[uncfnp]

I've seen this setup with angled adapter to prevent hose from pulling on the right side of the mouth. Is this what you mean?

Yes. Or the controversal swivel. My profile pic is an example.

 

[rhwestfall]

On my recreational/short rig (40"), I use a 90 degree swivel on the second stage to route the hose. Necklaced secondary is in the 24" range. Single tank is straight, doubles uses a mild bend (can't remember which one). YMMV. Set it up, get comfortable, practice, and dive! Have fun.

 

[IVC]

Yes. Or the controversal swivel. My profile pic is an example.

Heh, had to click on your picture because all I saw was a dog.

So, with the adapter it seems natural and comfortable. Is there any trick or problem when you donate such an angled regulator? Also, what's controversial about swivel (apart from standard "everything is controversial in scuba.")?

 

[undrwater]

What's your setup?

If you have pool access, grab a buddy a do an ooa drill. You'll likely hate it. The longer hose is much more manageable.

 

[uncfnp]

Heh, had to click on your picture because all I saw was a dog.

So, with the adapter it seems natural and comfortable. Is there any trick or problem when you donate such an angled regulator? Also, what's controversial about swivel (apart from standard "everything is controversial in scuba.")?

I see you are familar with SB.

The most frequently cited issue with swivels is that it is another point of failure. Weight also seems to be an issue.

The question on donation with a fix adaptor is interesting and one I have never seen discussed.

 

[IVC]

What's your setup?

Atomic ST-1 (with swivel) and Atomic octo without swivel. The LDS put it together when it arrived, so it's just standard factory black rubber hoses.