Regulator Necklace Setup

[ink]

I'm looking to switch to a hog setup with primary donate. I bought a necklace, but how do I actually attach it to my regulator? How do I measure what the ideal length is?
Also, what do I do with the clip for my new extra-long primary reg tube? Why do I need a clip? The videos I found made it look like I just wrap it under my arm and around my neck, so why would I clip it?

 

[Rilelen]

I have a bungee necklace but prefer (and often “steal”) my buddy’s silicone one.

 

[gmerick]

Make sure there are no hard or sharp pieces on the necklace. If you end up in an "involuntary donate" situation while breathing the necklaced reg, the necklace will snap back quite smartly into your face.
For myself, I use a double necklace -- I tied both necklaces with a fisherman's knot, and threaded both necklaces through an old tank o-ring before tying. diving sidemount, this avoids some of the fiddle-faddle with clipping off the long-hose reg.

 

[dflaher]

Here are a couple of additional videos for a DIY necklace solution.

 

[ImpotentSeaSnake]

Hi, new diver, putting together a reg set up. How is a reg necklace not an entanglement hazard? Do they break away?

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Hi, new diver, putting together a reg set up. How is a reg necklace not an entanglement hazard? Do they break away?

1. The method I use (which is to NOT zip tie the necklace to the mouthpiece), yes, it is "break away" in that the regulator can be pulled out of the necklace
2. A bungee necklace is easily cut which is key to dealing with potential entanglement
3. Given the location (around the neck and under the chin), this is a very unlikely place to experience an entanglement. It is centermass of the body. An octo on a standard 36-40" hose is at far higher risk of entanglement.

 

[ImpotentSeaSnake]

1. The method I use (which is to NOT zip tie the necklace to the mouthpiece), yes, it is "break away" in that the regulator can be pulled out of the necklace
2. A bungee necklace is easily cut which is key to dealing with potential entanglement
3. Given the location (around the neck and under the chin), this is a very unlikely place to experience an entanglement. It is centermass of the body. An octo on a standard 36-40" hose is at far higher risk of entanglement.

Thanks for quick and informative response. Do you prefer braided bungee to the silicone stye.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Thanks for quick and informative response. Do you prefer braided bungee to the silicone stye.

100% ... I find the silicone style pretty much worthless. One size fits all, no ability to adjust, and they don't hold the regulator firmly enough IMO.

 

[PEDiver]

Thanks for quick and informative response. Do you prefer braided bungee to the silicone stye.

Next time you're diving, take a look at any divers using the silicone style necklace. You will quickly notice the regulator usually hangs down pretty far and is not streamlined when the diver is in trim.

Another point which I haven't seen mentioned is that the necklaced regulator should be bungeed close enough under your chin that in the event you lose/donate your primary, you can simply tilt your head down and "switch" to the backup regulator without using your hands. Is that completely necessary for your average open water dive? Probably not, but it is nice knowing that I can switch to my necklaced regulator without my hands if it comes down to it.

 

[Wibble]

100% ... I find the silicone style pretty much worthless. One size fits all, no ability to adjust, and they don't hold the regulator firmly enough IMO.

Actually...

The silicone necklaces come in different sizes. Some longer ones are made in two parts; the back of the neck and the front with the mouthpiece holder. With some poking with a small screwdriver you can open up the plastic clips between the two halves. Throw away the "back" half, then start knitting a lovely piece of bungee which fits into the clip (there’s a pin inside). This then is adjustable for your neck and head, and you get the benefit of the new mouthpiece holder which will easily let the regulator be pulled from the necklace if you need to pull it off quickly.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

Actually...

The silicone necklaces come in different sizes. Some longer ones are made in two parts; the back of the neck and the front with the mouthpiece holder. With some poking with a small screwdriver you can open up the plastic clips between the two halves. Throw away the "back" half, then start knitting a lovely piece of bungee. This then is adjustable for your neck and head, and you get the benefit of the new mouthpiece holder which will easily let the regulator be pulled from the necklace if you need to pull it off quickly.

Photo to follow....

I believe you, just not a design that I've seen. I would still not use one. The ones I've tried are too easy for the reg to be removed or even to fall out. While I want to be able to remove the reg from the necklace, I want it to require a stiff pull. None of the silicone ones I've seen provided that. I've not extensively tested all of them, just what I've seen from the ones I've tried. I've been using homemade bungee necklaces for close to 20 years. They work well and I just don't see the benefit to purchasing a silicone necklace. YMMV.