I'm wondering what hose types people are using for tec diving - helium, blends over 40% oxygen, etc. At the moment I'm using Miflex hoses for Air and Nitrox but it seems these are only rated for up to 40% oxygen. Not interested in length discussions, just materials and brands.
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WarrenZ
The Ultimate Bad Example
I use rubber hoses for everything. I usually order them from DGX but I have Atomics Hogs and generic hoses on different regs. I make sure my Deco regs stay clean but other than that nothing special.
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pressure inside of the LP hoses does not get high enough to have to worry about being O2 clean or not. I don't O2 clean any of my second stages, including the ones used with 100% O2. I prefer rubber hoses to braided, but it really doesn't matter which ones you choose. Shop around online, Cave Adventurers and Dive Gear Express usually have the best prices on hoses
I prefer rubber to braided, but as has been mentioned, there's not O2 handling requirement, so it's sort of a personal preference thing. Go with whatever you can get the best deal on.
DevonDiver
N/A
I personally do not like nylon/miflex hoses...and I know quite a few very well regarded technical divers who share that opinion.
My main reason for not using them is because I was present when they caused a simultaneous double-hose failure for a technical diver (I had to perform air donation for his ascent).
The incident and issue is outlined in my report below:
Nylon-Braided Regulator Hose Diving Emergency
The report caused a lot of interest.... and,upon (destructive) inspection, other divers/centers also reported finding similar deterioration inside braided hoses. The deterioration is rarely diagnoseable externally - you have to dissect the hose to identify it. DAN are now conducting an inquiry into nylon braided hose failures:
Divers Alert Network South Africa - Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose Deterioration
I also find the nylon braided hose has less 'grip' for hog looping the torso/neck. It's wayward.
Diving in the tropics.... nylon braided is also a torture method if you've caught a little too much sun on the back of your neck...
My main reason for not using them is because I was present when they caused a simultaneous double-hose failure for a technical diver (I had to perform air donation for his ascent).
The incident and issue is outlined in my report below:
Nylon-Braided Regulator Hose Diving Emergency
The report caused a lot of interest.... and,upon (destructive) inspection, other divers/centers also reported finding similar deterioration inside braided hoses. The deterioration is rarely diagnoseable externally - you have to dissect the hose to identify it. DAN are now conducting an inquiry into nylon braided hose failures:
Divers Alert Network South Africa - Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose Deterioration
I also find the nylon braided hose has less 'grip' for hog looping the torso/neck. It's wayward.
Diving in the tropics.... nylon braided is also a torture method if you've caught a little too much sun on the back of your neck...
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Like the other posters, I prefer rubber hoses to braided ones. As for cleaning them, I just use whatever hose I have lying around without cleaning them for higher oxygen content. I've found either DGX or Piranha have the cheapest prices on hoses.
I dive doubles and use a braided hose for my bc inflator. All other hoses are rubber.
PfcAJ
Contributor
I dont mess with miflex hoses after the issues with the interior crumbling.
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