hose length

[jonnythan]

If you're a DIR diver, what length hose do you use for the other second stage? I'm far from DIR, but I do especially like the regulator configuration. I use a 5' on one of my secondaries and I've been using the 33 incher I used to have on my primary, but it hangs down my chest much farther than I'd like.

From my own estimates, something around 22-24 inches seems like it would be ok, but I was wondering what other people generally use (and where I might be able to pick one up online... the LDS wants $40 for a 'custom' hose).

I'm also a bit confused as to the mounting of the SPG. I currently have my SPG on the 34 inch hose it came with, but I can't quite figure out how to mount it without it dragging below me (annoying) or being in the way of my primary reg's hose. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

-Jon

 

[Scubaroo]

Hi jonnythan,

The nominal hose length for the necklaced backup regulator is 22". Personally I find that a bit too short, but I can't be bothered spending the money just to get a 2" longer hose. If I ever get a set of double tanks I will change it out though. Your primary regulator hose is either 5, 6 or 7 feet. I use a 6' hose for single tank OW, for overhead you would want the 7' hose.

The SPG goes on a 24" hose, with a bolt clip attached, and clips off onto a D ring on your left waist. This was the last hose I converted over, as I was moving from a typical recreational rig to the DIR one, and did it over the course of a few dives in order to get used to it. The short SPG hose is the one I had the most problems with, in that you have to learn where to reach for the SPG, and be able to clip/unclip it without being able to see it. The SPG HP hose will come from your left, and both second stage regulator hoses will come from your right, so it shouldn't be getting in the way of any hoses. Until I moved it onto the 24" hose, I would tuck the longer 33" hose into my waist strap.

Have a look at the other recent threads on hoses for online sources. Extreme Exposure, 5th Dimension, Lloyd Baileys etc all sell DIR hose kits where you can get single and double tank hose kits in one purchase, or each hose individually.

hope this helps!

Ben

 

[Lost Yooper]

It's critically important that you route the HP hose over the wing, not behind it where it will get trapped between the wing and the tank. Without a deco bottle slung, I can look down and see the gauge without unclipping it. Otherwise, with a bottle I have to unclip it.

Mike

 

[omar]

The 22" length came from using a Scubapro 1st with a port on the bottom. The hose could than be routed directly to the 2nd stage. Use a 24" hose for the backup regulator if you use an Apeks or Oceanic or similar 1st stage where the hose is directed down towards the tanks and then bends 90 degrees to the 2nd stage.

omar