Suggested length for BC inflator hose

[timothyk]

I have a new regulator setup, but will be renting BC's until i determine what i would like to purchase. Can anyone recommend a common length hose to get for attachment to a variety of BC's. I will be both traveling to dive in warmer waters and diving in local waters which are colder so I may see a wider variety of rental options.

I am also under the impression that the quick connect is standardized, is this correct?

 

[rstofer]

If it would just work that way... There are at least two different quick connect fittings and there are various inflator hose lengths as well. Picking one from our gear (in this case an Edge BC), the length is 24".

Download the Trident catalog and you can see the two disconnect fittings There's a 'standard' inflator, a Scubaro inflator and a Mares/Seaquest inflator. So sayeth the catalog on page 15

Richard

 

[halocline]

The scubapro and seaquest style fittings are for octo/inflators. There's only one standard LP inflator fitting. A fairly typical LP inflator hose length is 27". It's usually a little too long IMO, but it's probably better to err on the long side if you're matching it up with a variety of rental BCs.

 

[scubafanatic]

...as previously suggested, err on the 'long side' so you have extra slack to deal with different rental units.....however, it's 'bad' to dive with a big/surplus loop of inflator hose arching out there as it will catch/snag on things...and it looks 'newbie'....so be sure to use the BC's little velcro strap loop to help secure it close to your body/BC strap....keep it tucked out of harm's way.

 

[RJP]

I would also suggest going with Miflex hoses, especially for the LPI. Since they are much more flexible than regular hoses it's easier to deal with a situation where the hose is a little too long or a little too short. See my review on Miflex hose switchover at the bottom of this page...

Miflex Hoses at www.DiveSeekers.com

 

[rongoodman]

Until you get your own BC, longer is probably better, even though there will be a loop of extra hose at times. Yesterday I loaned my doubles and regulators to a friend to try. I have an Oxycheq wing with a short inflation hose, he had an OMS wing with a corrugated hose about 8" longer than mine. He made it work, but it wasn't pretty. The Miflex hoses are very nice.

 

[timothyk]

Thanks for all the help. The miflex hoses are what i was thinking about, and they are only a few pounds more than the standard

 

[RJP]

The miflex hoses are what i was thinking about, and they are only a few pounds more than the standard

By "pounds" are you talking about cost or weight?

Cost a little more, weigh a little less.