Wanted User serviceable double-hose regulator and hoses ADVICE?

[Topcat414]

You can also contact Jerrie Struble at www.diverdowndhr.com and Rob at www.thescubamuseum.com". Rob has a lot parts and Jerrie is probably one of a couple who are the top authorities on DH regs.

 

[kevjli]

I recently took the online technician training course from @rsingler. He taught theory and hands-on repair of single hose regs in class. Then, he and I had a separate session where he helped me rebuild and tune my Kraken.

VDH sells service kits and other parts.

 

[Couv]

@lowviz I cannot help you with the DIN or Kraken availability questions, but I find the Freedom Plate perfectly acceptable to use with my Kraken. I do have a VDH plate, and yes it is more optimized for a double hose regulator. However, the comfort of the FP overrides the little bit of performance loss.

I've used the FP/Kraken combination with the VDH wing and an Oxycheq 32# wing. I did put an extra hole or two in the FP.

View attachment 648657 View attachment 648658

Small update to the above post:

Before my last trip I installed a wedge on my Freedom Plate. The wedge plus the amount of existing separation of the can from my back increased the breathing effort a noticeable amount. I like the wedge/FP combination for single hose regulators, but not for a Double Hose.

Edna Mode says, "For Double Hose diving, No wedge!"

 

[Scuba-Lad]

Small update to the above post:

Before my last trip I installed a wedge on my Freedom Plate. The wedge plus the amount of existing separation of the can from my back increased the breathing effort a noticeable amount. I like the wedge/FP combination for single hose regulators, but not for a Double Hose.

Edna Mode says, "For Double Hose diving, No wedge!"
View attachment 686584

Is that a custom Kraken can that I see there?

 

[rhwestfall]

Is that a custom Kraken can that I see there?

No, it was the "Kraken Armor" offered at one time. He may have had it anodized however as I remember it being black or silver.

 

[Couv]

Is that a custom Kraken can that I see there?

No, it was the "Kraken Armor" offered at one time. He may have had it anodized however as I remember it being black or silver.

@rhwestfall is correct. The "Armor" came as bare aluminum. I Alodine treated, primed, and painted the pieces before installing. Also used brass thumb screws on the back for easy removal.

(Looks like it's time for a bit of touch up.)

 

[bakodiver391]

I traded some gear for a Phoenix HPR RAM with dbe and dive safety valve, and i would imagine it's usability is near or equal to the Kraken, although I have never dived the Kraken. So if you like shiny chrome bling it's possible to have the best of both modern and old school build and technology, especially since a new Kraken is not currently available.

 

[Scuba Lawyer]

I traded some gear for a Phoenix HPR RAM with dbe and dive safety valve, and i would imagine it's usability is near or equal to the Kraken, although I have never dived the Kraken. So if you like shiny chrome bling it's possible to have the best of both modern and old school build and technology, especially since a new Kraken is not currently available.

I can't really tell any breathing difference between my Kraken and my two Phoenix HPR equipped regs. Sometimes I think one breathes better than the other then later my opinion gets reversed. You cannot go wrong with the Phoenix/HPR combo!