Hi Tom,
Good point although you can't use your older Titan's hose on a Royal Aquamaster
.
But seriously, there are several good reasons why we went to a tool-free connection and none of them are mentioned in Hallmac's post.
As technology moves forward, several of the traditional brass parts have transitioned to composite materials such as the inlet fittings, crown orifices and even the swivel nuts on the hoses. These parts are lighter weight and corrosion free. One drawback however is that they can be over-torqued. The tool free hose fitting prevents over-torquing. No standard wrench or torque wrench required.
Also, the hose locks on so it cannot inadvertently spin off which can happen with standard models after corrosion sets in to the hose swivel.
Also there is a convenience factor for instructional situations and resorts whereas should a second stage ever leak or malfunction, the instructor or divemaster can perform a quick switch of the second stage in the field without tools.
Aqua Lung is not in business to sell hoses, rather we want to sell regulators. We strive to innovate and advance the art whenever we can. Some innovations go main stream while others do not. Time will tell. The important thing is that we keep trying.