Replacing ScubaPro power inflator

[arvin]

Approaching to 200 dives now, I am now attempting to do my first real customisation to my gear. The thing is I am stuck bad time, because I have ScubaPro gear...

I now understand it wasn't a wise choice to buy a ScubaPro BCD (Seahawk). Now I am finding out that ScubaPro is not using standard fittings for many of their parts (how convenient) and I am struggling to find the standards they use for chasing down the right 3rd party parts.

1- The power inflator
I have to change the power inflator. I hate the ScubaPro power inflator(which they call the "BPI"). The button layout seems terribly problematic. I don't know how they managed to make such a design mistake by putting both inflation and deflation buttons side by side. I have to change this with a standard K-type inflator (Luckily, it is somehow a part very much in demand, and it looks like I can sell it easily).

2- Dump Valve
I also think the dump valve is not a well design as well. First of all, it's huge, and I really don't want to have that button where anyone touches from behind to deflate my BCD without me even realising it. Ok the pull dump cable doesn't seem to be a bad thing (but do people really use this?)... Really no need to have any of these bells and whistles. I would prefer the simplest possible streamlined shoulder valve. The problem is I found out that other brand shoulder valves are not compatible with ScubPro BCDs. So I had to give up replacing this. I am now stuck with ScubaPro valves for the life of this BCD.
Ok, fine. I can live with this.

3- Corrugated Hose
This one is purely personal preference, I think ScubaPros 40cm hose is too long. I don't like my power inflator dangling around like that. I want to try a ~30 cm corrugated hose and see if that's a better setup.

Now, if you are still not bored reading my opinions about the ScubaPro designs, here is my question:
What diameter corrugated hose I need to get?
I will keep the Dump Valve(have to) and change the Corrugated Hose and the Power Inflator. But I am not able to find the diameter the Dump Valve accepts for a Corrugated Hose.
If you know this, can you please tell me?

Can you help this fellow newbie? Please...

 

[johndiver999]

Nothing at wrong with that BC. Worrying about someone pulling your dump valve from behind is stupid. What is not stupid is worrying about the rear pull dump ball/string getting caught under your belt or rig and then automatically and continuously pulling on the string dumping air from a vent you can't see. "If you are worried about it cut the ball off or the entire string..
I would leave a string with a knot on it.

The corrugated hose is probably long so you can use an Air 2

The SP inflator is stupid because if you crawl in a small tight hole and lay on the inflator, it automatically inflates the BC and further wedges you between the ceiling and floor.. can't tell you how many times
I have laid on the inflator in a hole like that. Replacing the inflator is simple.

Not sure on the exact dimensions of the hose you need, measure the id yourself and then go shopping

 

[L13]

Hard to take your criticism of ScubaPro seriously when you can't even figure out how to cut a corrugated hose to length.

 

[johndiver999]

I think the end treatments are different than the central portion of the hose, which makes chopping is short impractical - I think anyway

 

[arvin]

Hard to take your criticism of ScubaPro seriously when you can't even figure out how to cut a corrugated hose to length.

That's not possible to do. Even if it was, I don't think I would cut it myself if it is possible to get a properly made one.

Nothing at wrong with that BC. Worrying about someone pulling your dump valve from behind is stupid. What is not stupid is worrying about the rear pull dump ball/string getting caught under your belt or rig and then automatically and continuously pulling on the string dumping air from a vent you can't see. "If you are worried about it cut the ball off or the entire string..
I would leave a string with a knot on it.

I don't think it is stupid. I am not sure if you know how that trigger button is on the valve, but it has all sorts of wrong things about it. It can get caught on anything. Even someone putting his hand on it, or kicking their fin accidentally can cause that. Not a big deal but still, far from ideal. Since I can't change this valve, nothing I can do about it. So I'll just live with that huge valve till the BCD dies.

Not sure on the exact dimensions of the hose you need, measure the id yourself and then go shopping

And if I find out it is an odd hose and inflator valve dimension, then I would have to put it back together, which wouldn't be convenient. I am sure someone who knows about these dimensions can advise better and I don't end up cutting something which I would need to put back together.

 

[Angelo Farina]

Regarding corrugated hose length.
Be aware that if you use a short one it could become difficult to orally inflate.
Just check for this before shortening it too much...

 

[arvin]

Regarding corrugated hose length.
Be aware that if you use a short one it could become difficult to orally inflate.
Just check for this before shortening it too much...

Ahh. Right. I didn't thought about that. I’ll definitely check. Thanks for the advise.

 

[BoltSnap]

I have been using SP BC'S since circa mid 90's personally and for rental and dive school and never had any issues with what the op is making up.

What a bunch of fish manure.

 

[arvin]

I have been using SP BC'S since circa mid 90's personally and for rental and dive school and never had any issues with what the op is making up.

What a bunch of fish manure.

Interesting. Complaints about the unusual button layout is pretty common, and you can’t ignore the fact the dump valve is huge.

 

[BoltSnap]

Complaints about the unusual button layout is pretty common

You'll only complain if you don't know how to use it. I have the Seahawk 2 and love it, I use when I travel. I've used it in UW photo competitions and won. BC was excellent no issues of any kind.