AquaGuy:I've decided it's time to E-Bay the AIR II and swith to a long hose / bungied octo setup. So, I have ordered a 5' hose. I currently own an ATX 200 which has a 24'' hose on it. I plan on using the 24'' hose for my octo. What is a good reg to purchase as a bungied octo? Any hints on attaching the octo to a bungie?
I also am going dry at the same time, so I assume my 1st stage has enough ports for all of these new LP hoses that I will be adding. I believe my 5' hose is 3/4''.
When I do a search for this, I get about 10 pages of stuff...
I have been diving BP/W setups for a quite a few years and now have three. Two for singles and one for doubles. In diving the long hose be it 5 or 7 foot you will get questions from other divers so be prepared.
Show them the advantages and explain why you use the gear you do. You might also consider a shorter hose for your octo say in the 16 to 22 inch range. I have a 16 that doesn't protude out past my shoulders while my buddy dives an 18. You just want enough to allow it to hang under your chin.
Attaching the bungee is easy. Get a piece of 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch bungee about two feet long. It's sold on the roll at my local hardware store. This will allow you to get plenty of adjustment. Cut off the zip tie around your mouthpiece.
Position the bungee around your neck and hold the reg in place to see where it will hang. Allow just enough that you will be able to strech the bungee around your head and mask. Then simply snug down the zip tie. Make sure the fit is right and then tighten with a pair of pliers and cut off the end of the zip tie. Allow a couple of inches of bungee to protude past the zip tie. This will help if you find it's too tight later or for a little slippage.