Modern Doublehose Regulators???

[oldmossback]

I originally posted this in the Vintage Equipment section, however, one of the responses made me think perhaps I should repeat myself here for more answers.

I know this subject has been brought up before, however, I am not aware of these questions being answered:
Barring Aqualungs botched attempt at a sudo doublehose, I was wondering just how much interest and desire is there in the diving world for a modern doublehose regulator. I know several threads have touched on this here and in VDH and VDS over the past years, with all sorts of ideas for what would a modern unit be like.........

But, truely, how much interest is there? Or, is the current supply of antique's (20 years and older) that could be upgraded enough to satisfy every possible need?
Are young, new divers even interested in a modern version of this kind of regulator? And what would be an acceptable regulator and a acceptable price range?

OldMossback

 

[vintagediver]

I originally posted this in the Vintage Equipment section, however, one of the responses made me think perhaps I should repeat myself here for more answers.

I know this subject has been brought up before, however, I am not aware of these questions being answered:
Barring Aqualungs botched attempt at a sudo doublehose, I was wondering just how much interest and desire is there in the diving world for a modern doublehose regulator. I know several threads have touched on this here and in VDH and VDS over the past years, with all sorts of ideas for what would a modern unit be like.........

But, truely, how much interest is there? Or, is the current supply of antique's (20 years and older) that could be upgraded enough to satisfy every possible need?
Are young, new divers even interested in a modern version of this kind of regulator? And what would be an acceptable regulator and a acceptable price range?

OldMossback

Not much advantage to a double hose. They require more maintainance and will never have the work of breathing advantage due to their inherent design. And other than not having bubbles in your face and looking cool....not much advantage there.

The last AquaMaster was sold in 1975 (34 years ago).
You can still pick up an antique for 200-400$ versus 1200$ for the newer ones.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

In my experience a double hose reg requires less maintenence. They will go for a decade or so without the need for a rebuild.

Cracking effort can be at least as good as with a single hose reg, but inhalation effort in the water is very dependent of the relative position of the diaphragm and mouthpiece in the water column.

 

[vintagediver]

In my experience a double hose reg requires less maintenence. They will go for a decade or so without the need for a rebuild.

How about the hoses, valves and duckbill? I don't think they will go ten years.

Cracking effort can be at least as good as with a single hose reg, but inhalation effort in the water is very dependent of the relative position of the diaphragm and mouthpiece in the water column.

Cracking effort is not the problem. Pushing thick air through two feet of corrogated hose at depth is the problem.

 

[Luis H]

Cracking effort is not the problem. Pushing thick air through two feet of corrogated hose at depth is the problem.

I have never found that to be a problem. Even re-breathers don't have much of an issue with hose friction drag and they don't have pneumatic advantage of a venturi assist demand valve.

The only issue as mentioned by DA Aqua Master is the hydrostatic pressure differential due to the potential water column pressure differences in some positions where the diaphragm may be higher that the lungs and inner ears.

 

[rstofer]

I just bought one via eBay. I have absolutely no idea how it will work out. Clearly there are a few things missing: Low Pressure Inflation hose, HP port for SPG, no mechanism for a backup reg., LP drysuit hose, etc.

I don't think I will be using it at Monterey! I might play with it in the pool.

But, yes, if they were to produce new units and incorporate some of our modern conveniences, I would be interested. Price around $1000 might be acceptable.

Richard

 

[Nemrod]

I just bought one via eBay. I have absolutely no idea how it will work out. Clearly there are a few things missing: Low Pressure Inflation hose, HP port for SPG, no mechanism for a backup reg., LP drysuit hose, etc.

I don't think I will be using it at Monterey! I might play with it in the pool.

But, yes, if they were to produce new units and incorporate some of our modern conveniences, I would be interested. Price around $1000 might be acceptable.

Richard

I am not sure what planet you are from but you are certainly a bit behind the times and as well have several severe misconceptions to say the least, one being the "pushing of air through long corrugated hoses," that really is not an issue.

Hog rig, Freeddom Plate, Oxy 18, Phoenix Aqua Master:

Me on the deck of the Oriskany at about 140 feet:

Vintage group in Wisconsin:

Phoenix conversion Voit:

A friend hovers at the mouth of Mammoth Spring in Florida:

Friend and self resting on surface at Table Rock Lake on the wreck of the Zebulon Pike, note clearly visible hose routings:

Double hose regs require LESS maintenance, have fewer parts and O rings and are MORE reliable than modern single hose. As to performance, a good Royal Aqua Master can hold it's own in total WOB even at 200 feet.

As to the rest, I doubt a rebreather, at least the two I was given a demonstration dive with, would breathe nearly as well as an Aqua Master but the feel of the hoses and mouthpiece were similar.

Seriously, good luck with your new "old" regulator.

N

 

[captain]

Cracking effort is not the problem. Pushing thick air through two feet of corrogated hose at depth is the problem.

Are you speaking from experience or hearsay or unsupported opinion

 

[herman]

I just bought one via eBay. I have absolutely no idea how it will work out. Clearly there are a few things missing: Low Pressure Inflation hose, HP port for SPG, no mechanism for a backup reg., LP drysuit hose, etc.

I don't think I will be using it at Monterey! I might play with it in the pool.

But, yes, if they were to produce new units and incorporate some of our modern conveniences, I would be interested. Price around $1000 might be acceptable.

Richard

I am guessing you have never owned/dove a double hose reg. They are different and do require a slightly different diving technique. If you have purchased an unrestored reg, it is likely it will need some work and even if it "works" it is likely that is should be updated with new parts to improve it's preformance. Once you get it I would encourage you to post some photos and ask some questions in the Vintage section of the board. We have a great group of active double hose divers on the board who can help you along your way.

 

[oldmossback]

After reading all the responses todate, this is what I have gleaned; someone correct me if I leave something out or misstate someone.

A truely modern doublehose that would be desireable for the average diver would include the following:

Simplicity; no exotic innerworkings, just something based on functional long standing design but with current modern materials.

Outer design esthetically pleasing, following the vintage style. (would modern materials such as fiberglass reinforced nylon be acceptable?)

Unit complete with the usual assorment of LP and HP ports.

Yoke and Din adaptable.

232 bar approved working pressure.

If at all possible, a cure for surface free flowing. Submerged free flows can be dealt with by proper training and is desirable I think due to the need for purging of the mouth piece.

Price range under $750.00...........

Again, my question: who would by such a regulator?