ams511
Contributor
I guess I'll have to become a little less ignorant about how the first stage is connected to other things. I figured I'd let the dive shop do it all and choose what fits since I'm still new to this. The console does have a compass on the other side which would be a benefit of keeping the boot with the two display areas. My computer would take care of depth I assume. Do people typically carry an analogue depth gauge and a computer?
As GriffenK mentioned, people don't usually carry both, usually one or the other. The spg hose just screws in the first stage, there is no trick there. The high pressure and low pressure ports are different so there is no way you can make a mistake. Here is a video.
The only advantages to a boot is that all the information is in one spot and you cannot loose or forget anything. If you decide to keep it then I would recommend getting a bolt snap so you can clip it to your BC. If the HP hose is bad then you make want a shorter one. Your gear looks like it is from the late-80s or early-90s. Back then it was common for divers to let the boot dangle and bounce up and down on the reef. As you can imagine that is not really considered acceptable anymore although some people still do it. I surprised the compass is still good. Usually they develop bubbles.