Ian,
At least we agree on a couple of things.
If one hose were to to say get a nice sized hole in it while underwater, you can still breath off the other one long enough to do a fairly controlled ascent. You can even try to stop the flow of air from the offending hose by folding it like a garden hose. This will most likely not stop the flow completely, only slow it. If the main hose that goes to the "hub" goes out, you're screwed...either reg will not work.
A few other points:
1. Look at all the plastic buckles and quick connections. - All failure points
Most BCDs have plastic quick releases - they are no more of a potential failure point than metal ones.
True, most BCs do have quick releases (be they metal or plastic), and that's why most BCs are not reliable. I used to have a BC with such connections, and guess what, they did break.
2. Not streamlined at all. Look how wide and bulky the rig is.
No worse (actually better) than other jackets.
Compared to other jackets, it's probably average. But, compare a jacket to a BP and Harness. No contest as to which is more streamlined.
5. The SPG is also stuffed into a pocket. - Not a good place.
Only when you're not using it (i.e. out of the water) but I will concede it's not the best design.
Remember, this BC is marketed to people who are new to SCUBA. They most likely do not check their gauge as often as they should anyway. With the SPG stuffed into a pocket somewhere, they are even less likely too check their air often enough.
6. Look at the "inflator". - It will not be as effective. Plus, try to replace that mechanism on a boat when it fails. It a regular inflator ever fails, I can easily replace it in 5 - 10 minutes.
Actually the inflator is on a quick release and can be replaced in under a minute (assuming you have a spare!)
Exactly. All the people I know who have a save a dive kit have a regular inflator hose as a replacement. You would defiently need to rember to bring a spare. The HUB inflator is too complicated, simpler is better.
As far as this think being a deathtrap, there are just so many points of failure. If I knew someone that was diving one, I would constantly worry about something malfunctioning on it. I think the HUB just makes things much more complicated than they should be. That is not a good thing, ever. The fact that you could also get a much, much better setup for less is certainly a reason to avoid this setup.
I'm sure some people really like it but, if they were to really sit down and analyze the system logically, they would realize all the problems inherent in the design.
I don't think it's very responsible for companies to put out products that have so many problems, then market them to new divers who just don't know any better.
