Ridiculous question about inflator

[tbone1004]

The configuration shown above has waist belt through elastic loops on the wing which looks like it would keep it from taco-ing. So I should use those loops?

I wouldn't, but no harm in using them if you want to. I actually like it wrapping around the tank a little bit, I feel more stable that way, but I may also be weird

 

[Aloha Joe]

Is the DGE inflator the “people’s choice” for K-style inflators? I want to replace my brick but want to stick with the K. I know DGE’s is inexpensive but that’s not all that matters...

 

[tbone1004]

Is the DGE inflator the “people’s choice” for K-style inflators? I want to replace my brick but want to stick with the K. I know DGE’s is inexpensive but that’s not all that matters...

only other thing that really matters is that it fits the hose and most are universal. It's probably the inflator coming on damn near all of the wings that have an inflator that looks like that.
Can you post a pic of the metal one that you are referring to as your brick?

 

[Aloha Joe]

They just say “metal buttons” but I’ve had both versions - the weight difference is significant and it’s more than just a couple of metal buttons. Maybe the valve seats or valve bodies or something.

 

[tbone1004]

oh, I wouldn't bother changing those out. Just attach them a la Deep Sea Supply with the piece of innertube on the shoulder strap for the LPI and it will hold it to your D-ring with no problem.
Get the corrugated hose shortened up as it sounds like yours is way too long, but I wouldn't mess with that inflator unless you really don't like it

 

[JamesBon92007]

How do you grip your inflator and what fingers do you use to activate it?

I have a K style 45 degree inflator. It always feels awkward using it, like I need to turn it over or upside down. Mouth piece and fill button face in (to the right). It seems like inflate button should be on left (for thumb) and purge button on right for index finger. (Maybe vice versa but not on the end?) then I could reach up with left hand and reach everything w/o changing its orientation.

Is that one of those inflators where the mouthpiece is angled so you can't get it into your mouth? I'm assuming that whoever designed it assumes nobody is going to use their mouth to inflate it and that angle is better for letting the air out.

On my 90 degree inflators I exhaust with my index finger and inflate just by grabbing and squeezing which seems to be done with the first digit (counting from the hand to the tip of the finger) of my middle finger. I don't use the inflators where both buttons are on the side, next to each other.

 

[GlassGuy808]

Yes, I use index (pointer) finger to deflate and thumb to inflate.
Does anyone remove the bcd inflation hose from the Velcro holder strap when ascending?

 

[tbone1004]

Yes, I use index (pointer) finger to deflate and thumb to inflate.
Does anyone remove the bcd inflation hose from the Velcro holder strap when ascending?

no. mine is in a bungee loop so it doesn't come out easily, but there is no need to remove it. You only have to hold it slightly above the highest part of the wing, not over your head like most instructors teach

 

[JamesBon92007]

Yes, I use index (pointer) finger to deflate and thumb to inflate.
Does anyone remove the bcd inflation hose from the Velcro holder strap when ascending?

Mine has a Velcro loop around it that slides up when I raise the inflator to let air out. Then I just slide the Velcro loop back down if anything is flopping around.

 

[GlassGuy808]

no. mine is in a bungee loop so it doesn't come out easily, but there is no need to remove it. You only have to hold it slightly above the highest part of the wing, not over your head like most instructors teach

I never thought of it as a problem,I was watching a bunch of refresher videos on YouTube and one of the guys did this, it was foreign to me which is why I asked.
Thanks for the reply.