Quality, Soft, Pliable Regulator Hoses

[allenw1972]

I recently purchased a few 40" regulator hoses from TDL, but they are really stiff and actually fatique my jaw while doing short decos. Hose description: These hoses are very thick and the outer casing has a plastic looking, shiny appearence. I have seen hoses that are smaller in diameter and have a rubberized outer casing that appear to be much more pliable. Does anyone know where I can get these hoses in all sizes?

Much appreciate.

 

[refinished]

Interesting - I bought two LP hoses from TDL a few months ago and was surprised to see how soft and pliable they are compared to the existing hoses (stock Halcyon inflater hose and stock Aqualung). It has not been a great concern, but I did modify my hose routing a tad due to greater ease with which the TDLs will pinch in a tight radius. Overall, I think I like them better than the stiffer variety. Wonder if they switched suppliers....

 

[*Floater*]

I also prefer the softer hoses because they stow better but I haven't figured out how to tell what everyone is selling at any given moment. Is there a name for the softer hoses or a particular company or country that manufacturers them?

 

[PhilEllis]

I recently purchased a few 40" regulator hoses from TDL, but they are really stiff and actually fatique my jaw while doing short decos. Hose description: These hoses are very thick and the outer casing has a plastic looking, shiny appearence. I have seen hoses that are smaller in diameter and have a rubberized outer casing that appear to be much more pliable. Does anyone know where I can get these hoses in all sizes? Much appreciate.

Note: The information I am giving here is based on my personal observations with regard to hoses found on scuba equipment. It certainly is not definitive, as I am sure I have not seen it all.

With the exception of BC inflator hoses, almost any regulator low pressure hoses, manufactured in the United States, will be made from Gates or Goodyear hose stock. For the 250 PSI service pressure and the 400 PSI service pressure hoses, the outside diameter will be somewhere between 0.562 and 0.580 inch. The inside diameter will be 0.3125. Given that the braided (pressure bearing) part of the hose is fairly consistent in thickness, this yields a rather thick rubber protective coating. When you see comparable hoses from the Asian market, the outside diameter of the hose will be somewhere between 0.390 to 0.420 inches. Most of the ones I have seen from the Asian market are in fact very pliable....not because they are higher quality, but quite the opposite. They have a much thinner protective rubber shield, resulting in a "lower" quality hose with regard to durability.

Hose stock that is made in the United States will state plainly on the hose "Made in USA". If the hose is assembled in the United States, it will say "LOW PRESSURE TESTED". The law requires these markings for products MADE in the United States. They, obviously, are not required from foreign manufactured hoses.

I have seen the hoses with the shiny outer coating. If I recollect, they are made in the United States, but I don't know by whom.

Sometimes, when a hose is not as pliable as another, that is a measure of high quality, not the opposite. That does not change the fact that a smaller diameter hose might feel better. Anyway, just my added comments.

Phil Ellis

 

[PhilEllis]

I recently purchased a few 40" regulator hoses from TDL, but they are really stiff and actually fatique my jaw while doing short decos. Hose description: These hoses are very thick and the outer casing has a plastic looking, shiny appearence. I have seen hoses that are smaller in diameter and have a rubberized outer casing that appear to be much more pliable. Does anyone know where I can get these hoses in all sizes?

Much appreciate.

I do have a suggestion.....if you are using a 40" hose on your primary regulator and routing the hose under your arm, you might try a 88 degree swivel on your regulator. This is not one of the recalled universal swivels, simply an 88 degree stainless steel fitting that has a rotating fitting on the end. This is a high quality device made by Dive Rite and works very well for "under the arm" hose routing. It is expensive, but very nice.

Dive Rite Second Stage 88 Degree Swivel - $55.00

If you order this, don't forget to request you ScubaBoard 10% discount in the Additional Comments during the checkout process. Thanks.

Phil Ellis

 

[refinished]

My (retired/spare) hoses are thinner, but stiffer with a somewhat shinier outer surface than the TDLs. We must have different products from TDL. Anyway, the older ones are apparently made outside the USA - no US regulatory makings. They say 'CONTI' on them and are rated in Bar. Continental? German, if I recall. Perhaps these are easy to get in France. I did not run air thru them to see which one restricts air with the least pinching force, but the TDLs do fold over a lot more easily. My 'Conti' hoses are not at all stiff enough to fatigue my jaw even though they are a little stiffer than my TDLs. Allen - perhaps this will help you find your desired hose?


EDIT: Ignore the France comment.... Your city's name threw me about 4000 miles...