Long Hose - some basic questions

[SJT]

I am planning to swap my existing regulator hose for a long hose (probably 150cm or 200cm) for my primary regulator and to wear this looped around my neck. The question I have is whether this hose should be 3/8" or 1/2". Can someone please explain the reason for the difference between these two sizes and advise me which size is more commonly used for the set-up that I plan to use?

Can both measurements be used with all regulators or is the why the different measurements exist in the first place. (I currently have Scubapro MK25/600 regs).

Also, for those of you that currently dive this set up (i.e. the long hose looped around your neck), is 150 cm long enough and/or is 200cm too long? Would you recommend a different length?

I'd be grateful for any advice.

thanks

[SML]

The differences are due to the port sizes from your first stage as Apeks regs for example have a larger bore so I think 3/8" is standard for scubapro.

I use a 2M long hose tucked either under my canister torch or tucked inside my harness and looped around my neck so it is easy to donate.

[ardhill]

As SML says, you want a 3/8 (standard size) hose. It was Apeks doing funny things with a 1/2 port that meant two sizes. They have since changed to 3/8 in their new regs.

Oh, and 2m / 7Ft / 200cm will fit you better if you plan to wrap it round your body and neck (Hog Loop) like the DIR and some of the Tech boys and girls. The 150cm will probably be a bit short for that unless you are a very short person, especially in the torso.
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[MATTBIN]

My Oceanics have larger bore hoses as standard, although the ports are standard, they just use fatter hoses, however I replaced them with long hoses (both 150 and 200cm) of standard smaller bore, I havent noticed any change in the breathing of either. Personally I find the 200cm too long if used on a manifolded set, but on my indies I use the 200 on the right hand (as you look at the set from the front towards the divers face) tank and its fine. I sometimes use the 150 on the left hand tanK (again looking at the divers face), but think that is too long and has to be bungied as I dont want to wrao two hoses around my neck. The upshot is I think the 150 is the better length. I'd guess some others may disagree though (see, told you so)
Best option, try it and see. They feel very different in water from on land though so its going to be an in-water test. See if you can borrow before you buy.
Matt

[Scuttler]

The diving you do will determine the most suitable hose length.

If you do not intend to do cave diving or wreck penetration then 1.5m will be fine. If you want to do wreck penetration or caving then you are best off getting a 2m hose as when diving in single file a 1.5m hose is likely to cause problems.

I use a 2m set up in a hog loop which tucks under the torch canister. If you don't have a torch on your waist belt then you can tuck the hose into the waist belt although in my experience it invariably works its way loose.

[SJT]

Okay, thanks guys. It looks like the 3/8" is what I need then. As for length, I probably need to try this out before choosing as my intention is to use the same hose with a single wing and a twinset.

[IainC]

As for length, I probably need to try this out before choosing as my intention is to use the same hose with a single wing and a twinset.

Good idea.

In my own experience, I found a 150cm hose too short to comfortably wrap, a 200cm hose seems fine.

If bungied rather than wrapped - either will do.

[Clare Gledhill]

Hi

For hog looping there really is no need for a 150 cm hose - regardless or your kit set up or your height. I had a student with a short hose on a recent coure in Ibiza (he was diving a single tank) by the end of the course he had swapped it out for a longer one.

If you don't have a cannister light then tuck the excess in a loop in your belt once you have placed the reg around your neck.

[JasonP]

Originally Posted by IainC

In my own experience, I found a 150cm hose too short to comfortably wrap, a 200cm hose seems fine.

I also found 1.5m too short, though the hose came in handy for my stage reg. I've got a 1.85m hose. It doesn't require tucking under a canister or in the belt and it's long enough for cave use if you're not scootering.

Jason