Regulator Hoses

[scuba127]

Recently trashed my Oceanic reg by knocking it off a pickup tailgate on Bonaire. Already decided on a new reg (with no swivels on either lst or 2d stage) but curious to get some of your thoughts on hoses. Switching to a 5' primary hose: Traditional or Mi Flex and why? How long of a hose do you use on pony/deco tank slung and why? Looking foward to hearing your expiriences/opinons on this subject. Best Regards.

 

[BlueWaterDiving]

Is this for back gas or stage????? And why no swivels????

 

[scuba127]

Backgas (5'), pony tank slung and deco tank slung. Swivels are just another failure point not to mention the fact that the 2d stage swivel on the Oceanic didn't really seem to me like it really accomplished anything. Once I trashed the reg, I rented a reg that rode without the swivel just as good as the Oceanic did with the swivel. Lets just say I'm not big on bells and whistle.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

I just converted to a long-hose configuration. I chose a 5' Miflex hose. In my case, I was concerned that a 5' standard hose might be a hair too short (I'm just shy of 6'5" and 260lbs, big chest and wide back). I'm glad I did, because the Miflex handles smaller radius bends better than the standard hose, and routes comfortably even though I'd still prefer it to be a few inches longer (I have to pull it up quite snug under my right arm and across my chest to get enough "slack" to lay properly behind my head and reach my mouth).

If you are average height and build, a standard 5' would probably be comfortable.

Hope this helps. As far hose length for stage bottles, I'd recommend checking with the Hogarthian forum.

Good Luck!

 

[scuba127]

Thanks LeadTurn.

 

[StreetDoctor]

I'm 6' 200lb and I use a 7' primary hose and I think it fits perfect. I don't have a canister light yet so I just tuck it into my waist belt

 

[AlaskaDiver]

Wow! I hadn't even heard of Miflex until i received a wonderful gift last month for my birthday of all new Miflex LP hoses on my singles and my doubles. I love how light it is especially on my reg & octo. An even better aspect is that the bags in which the hoses come are waterproof. They're great for holding extra hoses and other small items while keeping them clean & dry. I'd highly recommend the Miflex hoses.

 

[RJP]

Traditional or Mi Flex and why? How long of a hose do you use on pony/deco tank slung and why? Looking foward to hearing your expiriences/opinons on this subject. Best Regards.

Here's my post from a month or so ago on the topic.

So finally had the chance to swap out all of my LP hoses for Miflex hoses that I picked up at my LDS, and dive with them in both single and doubles configurations.

- 7' long hose
- 22" alternate hose
- 22" quick-disconnect inflator hose
- 29" drysuit hose

Here's some initial thoughts:

Weight: The entirety of my regulator set-up is noticeably lighter, even just in my reg bag - which is actually easier to pack now too. Not enough to warrant the change-over in and of itself, but noticeable, and as much as I travel for work with my gear in tow this will be a benefit.

Routing: set-up for singles and doubles is bit easier, especially without any of the somewhat precarious bends required with certain regs in a doubles configuration. Short hose lays a lot nicer over the shoulder with no tugging to the right when using the alternate and less stress on the routing of the hose from the 1st stage.

Streamlining: the 7' primary hose lays flatter and neater than a standard hose, especially up around the neck and/or when not in use and clipped off. Tucks/stows nicely, not "floaty" at all. (Somewhat easier to deploy to an OOA diver as well.) For drysuit hose: 29" quick-release hose with a "Hose Hat" added is 7" shorter than a standard DUI drysuit hose and stays nicely right at your side; no getting hung up with anything else

Inflator hose: 22" quick-disconnect is perfect for doubles or singles rig. I had always had minor difficulties when using a standard 22" hose - either bending too harshly off first stage with doubles, or bowing on a singles rig due to excess length. I use a 12" corrugate hose on a standard elbow on both set-ups and the 22" Miflex is fine on either.

Based on a few dives with the hoses outlined above, I also plan on swapping out the hose on my stage bottle as well. Should be easier to deploy/stow. (I have since swapped out the 40" hoses on both my 40cf and 80cf bottles for Miflex hoses.)

They are also packed in decent sized little "dry bags" that come in handy for carrying paperwork, wallet, anything else you don't want to get wet out on a boat. Would I go out of my way for them just based on that? No, but there are a very nice add in.

Miflex Hoses with Free Shipping

 

[scuba127]

Great stuff! Thanks.

 

[ZzzKing]

Rig #1: I use a standard 5' hose on my primary with a 24" Miflex on my secondary.
Rig #2: I use a 28" Miflex on my primary and 36" Miflex on my Octo.
Pony: I use a 40" Miflex on my pony bottle.