Rebreather hoses/mouthpieces on double hose regulators?

[Sadamune]

I recently acquired a DA "aqua-master" double hose regulator in need of restoration and hose replacement. I initially thought of replacing the hoses and mouthpiece with reproduction parts, thereby returning the regulator to its original stock appearance. However, it occurred to me that the new Mistral double hose regulator released by Aqua Lung not too long ago (the overpriced one with the Titan first stage) uses a mouthpiece that is similar or identical to those found on rebreathers. Also, I seem to recall that the much pined for Aqua Lung MENTOR double hose regulator (used by the United States Navy for SEAL training) uses a rebreather mouthpiece and hoses so as to familiarize diver trainees with some of the characteristics of rebreathers.

My question: Does anyone know if double hose regulators (or at least those produced by U.S. Divers/Aqua Lung) can accept and function well with rebreather mouthpieces and hoses? If I were so inclined, could I not attach, say, Dräger Dolphin hoses to my DA aqua-master? (I realize that I would need to create an adapter for the hose connectors.) After all, isn't a double hose mouthpiece, whether for an OC regulator or a rebreather, just a tube with a mushroom valve in it?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Sadamune

 

[guzzidude]

You might try looking at this thread. It might help of you have't already loked at it.
http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=176415

 

[Luis H]

The new Mistral uses re-breather hoses and a converted re-breather mouthpiece.
I am thinking about trying the mouthpiece of a new Mistral on one of my Phoenix Royal Aqua Master because the mouthpiece has some promising qualities and it does fit my vintage hoses.

The re-breather hoses on the other hand, have no value on a demand regulator. They are larger than a vintage hose to reduce drag which (I am assuming) is very important when breathing against a counter-lung. With a regulator like the Aqua Master you have a demand valve with venturi that will assist the air flow. The hoses will only add buoyancy which will make it very uncomfortable (like the new Mistral) if you don’t add hose weights.

You should go to:
VintageDoubleHose.com

And
VintageScubaSupply.com

for parts and service.

And join us in the discussion of double hose diving.

 

[Nemrod]

Yes and yes and I lost his email but a fellow communicated to me exactly what your talking about.

Here is the thing--onne of the things I hate about the new Mistral is those huge and overally bouyant hoses which really need hose weights on them.

You might see if www.vintagescubasupply has any of the superstretch hoses left. they are correctly sized but have the stretch of a rebreather hose and look like a rebreather hose--lol.

N

 

[james croft]

It is also my understanding that the new Mistral hoses cost about $250.00 which seems pretty steep to me.-Stick with reproduction hoses if yours are shot.

 

[pescador775]

The length, elasticity and diameter of the USD hoses are not accidental. They are designed to work best witht the AM venturi. I tried a custom loop with the Aqua Master, a pair of Nemrod hoses incorporating a special mouthpiece (which included large USD check valves), and the breathing resistance increased noticeably. The Nemrod hoses dampened the flow. The Nemrod box has a really powerful jet. Even with the smaller check valves and longer hoses the Nemrod is an easy breather.

 

[Sadamune]

Thanks for the information guys! I'm really glad those who have already experimented with double hose regulator configuration are willing to share your knowledge with neophytes like myself.
Per Nemrod's suggestion, I investigated Vintage SCUBA Supply for suitable hoses and found on the website "18 inch long super flex hoses". Are these what you were referring to as "superstretch" Nemrod? Also, VSS is soon to be selling "Seamless Yellow Hoses". Do these yellow hoses have any particular benefit over the black ones?
Regarding mouthpieces, if it is best to use reproduction hoses that replicate the performance of the original Aqua-Master's hoses, does it necessarily follow that a reproduction or NOS mouthpiece would deliver the best performance, or can any double hose, or even rebreather mouthpiece suffice? As James Croft mentioned, $250 for a pair of hoses and a plastic mouthpiece is steep (downright obscene pricing considering that the new Mistrals are being sold for as little as $300 at some dive shops). Ideally, I'd use the mouthpiece from the new Mistral as Luis H has contemplated, but considering the price Aqua Lung would charge for it, I'd rather just buy the whole bloody regulator. Thus, if I can get away with it, I'd like to graft a rebreather mouthpiece to reproduction hoses. Is this a silly idea, or is there a successful precedent for this?

Cheers,

Sadamune

 

[Nemrod]

I went to the VSS site about the super stretch hoses and it looks like he has sold out. The one that are described as 18 inch super stretch are one inch on both ends. The ones you want for a Voit/USD regulator are 1.5 inches on the mouthpiece end and 1.0 inch on the regulator end. The one inch on both ends hoses are for other regulators, not USD or Voit. I would shoot him an email and see if he has a pair stashed away--lol.

The yellow hoses are highly sought after because of the high nostalgia and vintage look. Yellow hoses were once standard on many of the regulators--not black. Other than that they are the same as black. I think this particular run of yellow hoses will be very nice.

The mouthpiece has a set of cage valves, non return valves, these are needed to keep the hoses from flooding. Whatever mouthpiece you use must be able to accept the cage valves and fit into the 1.5 inch hose collar.

In the vintage world products and parts come and go and come again and go again and other stuff does as well. You just have to be Johnny on the Spot and buy what you need and a few spares. I would just see if Dan can help you out with a black set and a mouthpiece. People within the community buy, sell and trade as well.

N

edit for typos

 

[Luis H]

In addition to what Nemrod just posted:

Yellow hoses also add to being visible and look great in pictures.


Don't forget you are also going to need an exhaust duckbill.
If you are not familiar with what I am talking about you should definitely come join the vintage message boards.

If this is your first experience with a DH you do want to get very acquainted with its proper use. It is not any more difficult than a single hose, but it is different. Your first experiences can be very disappointing if you don't know what to expect.



For the restoration you should send it to Bryan at VintageDoubleHose.com or to Dan at VSS.

Bryan (at VDH) also has service kits for the Aqua Master, but the first stage seats are not available. It is very likely the seat in you Aqua Master is OK or it can be resurface. If you are not familiar with resurfacing a seat you can see a description at VDH or again you it may be best to send it to Bryan.

Good luck