Inflator hoses; both the same fitting?

[DorsetDiver]

Hi, I am gradually going DIR - quick question, should my wing inflator and drysuit inflator both be of the same type (which I have seen referred to as DIN) so they are interchangable?

Cheers

[Little Pete]

It would make sense to have both of them use the same fitting simply from a spares perspective. You only need one type of hose to cover both if they need to be replaced. Also, you could switch them underwater if needs be (although that would be unlikely to happen in most diving).

There are two types of fitting on the inflator hoses. One has two small holes in the nipple end and the other (Apeks I think) has only onw. The two hole fitting is the same as found in a BCD and hence is the one that will allow you to switch hoses. I'd look for this in a suit valve and you can always check by trying to clip on your BCD hose.

PS: Some Buddy hoses only like Buddy BCD fittings so they may not be the best to use.

DIN refers to the valve type on your cylinder and the connection between the regulator first stage and the cylinder valve. A DIN fitting has a screw in setting whereas the A-clamp fits over the valve.

[DorsetDiver]

Hi Pete, that was my thinking. I know all about DINs and A-clamps but this is what I mean;

Suit Options


The 'other' type seems to ba called a QD DIN.

[And]

Hi

Looking at the piccies I believe it is the QD DIN that you need. At the end of the nipple are two holes, and a standard BC hose should fit.

Andy

[Duncan Price]

Ideally yes, says he who has Apeks drysuit inflators, Buddy BC and whatever wing inflators.

Off topic but when diving sidemounts with just a drysuit for bouyancy, I have inflator hose on each independent tank and stow the unused one. If one reg goes down I can swop over. Not DIR but sensible.

[Little Pete]

It is the second on that page, good link.

[Scuby]

If you have the option of making them match without much effort / cost, then there are no reasons I can think of for not having them matching. I'm very unlikely to swap them underwater, but it leaves the option and also means I need less spares, if i'm changing my regs between a single / twin setup I have less hoses to swap, etc...

David

[DorsetDiver]

Yes, I have all the bits lying around just wanted other peoples thoughts, the only downside I can see is that the collar isn't so large and easy to get off in the event of the drysuit inflator sticking open. Never happened to me but always a possibilty.

[Scuby]

Originally Posted by DorsetDiver

Yes, I have all the bits lying around just wanted other peoples thoughts, the only downside I can see is that the collar isn't so large and easy to get off in the event of the drysuit inflator sticking open. Never happened to me but always a possibilty.

You can get different types of collar on the same type of fitting. You can also get black plastic things that go around the small collars to give a much larger surface to grip if you need it. Not sure where from though.

[shineyman]

I have the QD Din Apex valve on my dry suit.

But due to the collar on the apex hose I can't fit this hose to my wing inflator.

But I can fit my wing inflator hose to my suit.

Useless bit of info there....