man this channel deserves so many more views/subscribers, always very well presented and very fun to watch; and most importantly the information and tips provided are amazing. thanks a lot.
An experience I have personally had re flex hoses was in a cave in the Yucatan, I was blind folded and practising zero visibility air sharing with my buddy, randomly my reg started breathing very hard and I was getting next to no air, I switched back to my own reg and exited. It turned out that my buddys flex hose had kinked and these were less than 1 year old scuba pro regs. I thought it might have been a 1 off, but last weekend another diver I know said the same thing recently happened to him
Odd. You saw me twist the hose into a knot and yank it tight - no kink. And under pressure it would be near impossible. The regs might be quite new but are the hoses. They have changed. Take care. Alec
Alec Peirce Scuba yes i have seen people twist the hoses into knots and i was suprised as anyone to find they had kinked i thought it was impossible, but it can happen. My buddys whole reg set up is no older than 3 years so still modern, its just something to be aware of. Keep up the good videos!
I have them on all, and I love them. And I use the bag it comes with for paperwork I carry to keep them dry so you get two for the price of one. Thank you for your review. Dive Safe. 🇺🇲👌🏼
Thank you for this video. Recently just switched to flex hoses on my AquaLung reg. Will never use rubber again. No more jaw fatigue with the dual swivel
I feel I'm repeating myself answering all the questions below so I'll just post this here: Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018, the XT-Tech, which has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers: chafing of the neck and positive buoyancy. They're of course also made of polyether, meaning they don't suffer from the crystallization problem.
Right 42. Any Miflex of flex hose problems have been addressed some time ago. Once a diver tries them they're hooked - much better than the old rubber. Thanks for the info. Alec
I bought a MiFlex hose for my stage regulator recently, not dived it yet, but I figure it makes wrapping it around my neck when I switch gas easier and more comfortable.
I just bought a 7 foot flex hose trident brand so I can do a hogarthian setup also bought a bright orange safe second necklace holder Oh for your next tech tips what about safe second retainers/holders and their benefits
You do NOT need a bright color hose, necklace or safe second if using a longhose hogarthian configuration, as you do NOT want an OOG diver to touch YOUR safe second. You share what you breathe.
Alexander exactly they take the 7ft out of my mouth and my safe second is right below my chin for me to use they only had black yellow and orange into holders so I went with bright orange
Hey Alec, Love my Flex hoses but I have noticed that occasionally the nylon braid starts to come loose and then it is very sharp and abrasive. Hose is still fine and works perfectly OK however just feeling the outside of the hose is uncomfortable. Do you have any recommendations how to treat this when it occurs such that it won't be so rough to the touch?
Only disadvantage I have had is when diving doubles or side mount when you dive with hoses across the back of your next the flex cover pulls the hair on my neck. Also when diving dry the rough hoses on the seal is not good. However most of the time when diving dry I have a good and it does not matter. My solution is the section that goes around next I slid over some tubular webbing.
Chris Higgins Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018 that fixes that. The XT-Tech range has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers.
Hey alec have you seen the article by DAN about some the flex hoses having issues. Specifically those with polyester linings. They say to avoid those linings and make sure to get the polyether lined hoses due to break down issues.
That is a good article though with lots of information including the fact that ALL regulator hoses deteriorate and should be changed. Divers are notoriously cheap and reluctant to spend money if they don't see a real need. i suppose it's because scuba diving itself is a cheap sport to enjoy. Alec
Hello Alec, I have a question but first I would like to thank you for your content I really enjoy all of your series and often binge watch. It’s time for me to replace my hoses and I would very much like to replace them with flex hoses. My regulators are scubapro and as I’m sure you know they have spline connections. I am unable to find any flex hoses that offer spline hose ends. Can I use standard hex head hoses on my scubapro Regulators?
Hi Just bought Miflex xt-tech hoses. Im glad I saw your video. I was already having 2nd thoughts in installing when somebody told me that its dangerous.
Right! And a Ford Pinto will catch fire!! Whoever told you that flex hoses are dangerous is dangerously out of touch. Any problems with them were cleared up 5 years ago. Several manufacturers now install them on their new regulators. Take care, Alec
Manufacturers actually suggest 3-5 years. If kept clean and dry and stored in a Zip-Loc bag away from heat and sun, they're probably good for 20 years! Very few divers are that fastidious. Alec
That can be a problem. There are short, solid extensions too. The short hose works but I'm always afraid it will get bent, or grabbed by a divemaster as you come up a ladder. If it works, use it. Alec
There is a disadvantage with flexi hose, you didn't mention that it can kink. As a cave diver this is deadly if sharing air on the long hose through a restriction as I would not be able to signal and perhaps not be able to un-kink it due to lack of space.
you just described the 1% issue in 1% of the global diving community. If flex hoses are not practical to the diving you are doing then don't use them, if you are not comfortable using flex hoses for a particular reason or application then don't use them. It is a personal choice. Not all gear is appropriate for all situations.
Well said Jeff. While Carp is correct, rubber hoses can kink too although it's not so likely. However, special diving circumstances require special attention to such possibilities. They wouldn't apply to most diving. Thanks guys. Alec
Just curious, how can I tell how old a flex hose is if I want to purchase one. I wouldn't know if it were 5 years old or made this year. If I ask a dive store to put one on my regulator, is there any chance the older ones that are inferior are still around? By the way, your tips are really interesting and I am learning a lot from them. Thanks.
The older original hoses were rubber. Lots of rubber hoses are still made and used because they are a bit cheaper. If your hoses are more than a few years old you will see tiny cracks in the valleys of the corrugations. Just bend the hose a bit. If there are cracks, they are not new. Newer hoses are silicon or EPDM which is a synthetic rubber. There are some physical differences but essentially either does a great job and will not deteriorate like natural rubber. Go to Vintage Double Hose for more info and to purchase if you like. Take care. Alec
Thanks Alec, but I was actually considering the flex hoses, not the rubber hoses. Is there a way to determine the age of an older flex hose that might not quite be up to the standards of those made today? Would a dive shop sell me an old one that they may have left over in inventory? That's the main thing I was thinking about.
@@rickkinney2544 I assume the production date is printed on the hose itself or on the metal crimping sleeves. I'll have to check when I receive the ones I ordered.
Where’s Ernie Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018 that fixes that. The XT-Tech range has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers.
Any dive store can order purple flex hoses from XS Scuba. xsscuba.com XS is a great supplier of excellent scuba accessories. We loved their products at Scuba 2000. You can look it up yourself and get the product number to save your LDS some time. There are different lengths to choose from and both Low Pressure and High. Purple huh? OK. What the heck. No chance I'll be taking your regulator by accident!! Thanks for watching. Alec
Yep. But it's not easy. First you have to make put an adaptor on the computer end of the flex hose so It will accept the Wisdom QD. The Wisdom hose in unique in that it has 2 male ends - one goes into the HP post on the reg, the other fits into the QD. According to Sherwood and most dive shops this cannot be done but that simply encouraged me to try and I succeeded. Besides I was using the Wisdom at the time and I wanted flex hoses too. The fittings needed are standard and available but unusual. You will need to contact me for the details seahunter@vintagescuba.com . Alec
HI, Alec. Question. Just bought a Scubapro first and second stage and would love to swap out the stiff hoses for Miflex hoses. I heard that Scubapro doesn't endorse this. What do you think? Also, if I decide to go ahead and swap them out, do I need a special tool to remove the hose from my 2nd stage (H560). Thanks.
What you heard is not from Scubapro as they ship new regs today with flex hoses. So see how to change hoses yourself, watch S05E05, Replacing a scuba regulator hose and S10E14 Replacing regulator hoses. A good adjustable wrench and when tightening, remember its the o-ring, not brute force, sealing the air in. Go for it Will.
The issue that I encounter with flex hosses is that my longhose always gets un-stowed from under my belt because it is so slippery and flexible and I always have to restow it during dive 1 or 2 times. Also because it is over my neck I can hear the gas the flows throu it when I inspire. But overall... great hosses.
All Flex Hoses are made by just a couple of companies. You may buy them from any of a hundred different dive stores and they may have a dozen different names on them but they are manufactured to the same standards and by just a few companies. Miflex is well-known but quite frankly any brand is good. Alec
I'm thinking of replacing my big clunky framed gauge with a bare metal gauge, just so I can convert the HP hose to a MiFlex. That way I can put Velcrow on the back and attach it to a wrist strap and pretend I'm wearing a "Bend-O-Matic" gauge!
Ah the old Bend-O-Matic. Still around and look at my Vintage Scuba video S02E01 to see it and several other original dive computers. You will have an interesting story to tell others on the boat. A.
I'm looking for Oxygen Clean Flexible Hose for my Nitrox Regulator (for 80% EAN). All the ones I've managed to find are rated for use with 40% EAN. Could you please advise whether these are available?
Most hoses are 40% because that's the highest EANx mixture commonly used. You need to get oxygen hoses which are available from Laerdal or another oxygen regulator manufacturer. DAN (Divers Alert Network) sells them as well and may be able to help you find what you need. You may have to adapt them to work with your reg. Alec
I am unable to find any white neoprene accesory, Does anyone know why? I have long hair so I was going to replace my mask straps or at least cover them, and I was unable to find a white neoprene cover. No idea why.
I did, but the closest colors were gray and light blue. Here is the link goo.gl/SXgbz9 It may have something to do with sunlight-resistant, or just noone managed to make white neoprene
You can easily make your mask strap cover if you can find some white neoprene. Email Roy at Oceaner Sporting Goods in Vancouver, BC. If white neoprene is available, he'll know. Alec
GUE did a video on rubber vs flex hoses and one thing they pointed out is flex hoses can bend so hard as to cut off the air, like you can do with a garden hose. The instructor says (around 11:32 in the video) she saw this happen in person to a student at the surface, where their bcd was inflated against the backup reg hose and cut off the air supply. I saw a few other commenters mention the kink issue but it sounded like it might just be a 1 in a million chance thing for cave divers to worry about. But her story makes it sound like it could happen to "regular" rec divers. I need to buy new hoses soon so I'm trying to figure it out. If it were just personal preference then who cares, but if it's potentially life threatening that's a deal breaker. Thanks. th-cam.com/video/o6RI8GMwuuQ/w-d-xo.html
I watched the video and while its true a flex hose can be twisted and bent to reduce airflow. My view is it is very unlikely to happen to a typical recreational diver. Just looking at your octo before diving will show if anything is severely twisted. If the 2nd stage was twisted like that, how would it stay in your mouth? Tech divers have to be very risk avoiding when cave/cavern diving but not as much to fun divers. My pick is still todays flex hoses over rubber hoses for the weight, comfort and strength. Thanks for sharing Marcel.
One more disadvantage of flex hoses is that braided hoses tend to rip wetsuits and neck seals in contact points. I am using a long hose configuration and it is a real issue for me.
Raymond Burelle neoprene also wears off at points of contact with braided hose. You can deal with that in a few different ways, but you never have these issues using rubber hoses.
Hose wraps are good but they would defeat the biggest benefits of the flex hoses - light and flexible. I've been using the flex for a couple of years and never noticed any wear on my suit. Maybe you need to reconfigure your reg set-up. Alec
I started on the flex hose bandwagon but got off when the crystallization issue came out. I have stayed off because other divers have found the nylon more prone to pull off the metal fitting than rubber on sharp bends (stage rigging) and that nylon will rub your exposed skin right off if you let it. I like the IDEA of flex hoses but they are not better than rubber, just different. And mostly in not good ways for me. But they are lighter and colorful...
The crystallization issue is long gone but advocates of rubber hoses can't let go. In the mid-80's the supplier of hoses to DACOR had a bad day and produced a series of regulator hoses that were defective. Almost every one failed catastrophically (that means it blew up - sometimes while being demonstrated in the dive store!). It certainly hurt DACOR sales which is understandable but unfair. They quickly corrected the problem. My point is that even after 50 years of making and using rubber reg hoses, they can fail. Flex hoses are quite new and as with any new product, there may be some issues but they are being improved. Their benefits are such that they are here to stay in my opinion. I will add 2 suggestions: 1. when you see an article about flex hoses, or any product for that matter, check the date that it was written. Articles about a crystallization problem are old. 2. the benefits of flex hoses may not apply to all divers any more than the benefit of a long hose applies to all divers. I don't think it's honest to condemn any product because it doesn't work for your application. Thanks again for your support Bier. Alec
Kevin is the videographer, lighting manager, key grip, best boy (maybe a bit of a stretch), editor AND PRODUCER. It's really up to him. I'm just the talent! Alec
man this channel deserves so many more views/subscribers, always very well presented and very fun to watch; and most importantly the information and tips provided are amazing. thanks a lot.
Appreciate the feedback and more to come.
Alec
Been a fan of these since they came out - so much lighter, more flexible, great variety - all the reasons you stated. HP flex hoses are fantastic :)
Glad you like them!
A
Thank you Alec!
You are great!
Thanks for watching Jony.
Alec
An experience I have personally had re flex hoses was in a cave in the Yucatan, I was blind folded and practising zero visibility air sharing with my buddy, randomly my reg started breathing very hard and I was getting next to no air, I switched back to my own reg and exited. It turned out that my buddys flex hose had kinked and these were less than 1 year old scuba pro regs. I thought it might have been a 1 off, but last weekend another diver I know said the same thing recently happened to him
Odd. You saw me twist the hose into a knot and yank it tight - no kink.
And under pressure it would be near impossible.
The regs might be quite new but are the hoses. They have changed.
Take care.
Alec
Alec Peirce Scuba yes i have seen people twist the hoses into knots and i was suprised as anyone to find they had kinked i thought it was impossible, but it can happen. My buddys whole reg set up is no older than 3 years so still modern, its just something to be aware of. Keep up the good videos!
I have them on all, and I love them. And I use the bag it comes with for paperwork I carry to keep them dry so you get two for the price of one. Thank you for your review. Dive Safe. 🇺🇲👌🏼
That's a good idea to reuse the bag. Thanks for that tip.
Thank you for this video. Recently just switched to flex hoses on my AquaLung reg. Will never use rubber again. No more jaw fatigue with the dual swivel
Quite a difference huh?
Now you see why some manufacturers are switching to them.
Alec
I feel I'm repeating myself answering all the questions below so I'll just post this here: Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018, the XT-Tech, which has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers: chafing of the neck and positive buoyancy. They're of course also made of polyether, meaning they don't suffer from the crystallization problem.
Right 42. Any Miflex of flex hose problems have been addressed some time ago.
Once a diver tries them they're hooked - much better than the old rubber.
Thanks for the info.
Alec
I bought a MiFlex hose for my stage regulator recently, not dived it yet, but I figure it makes wrapping it around my neck when I switch gas easier and more comfortable.
It is very flexible and they have a new flex hose model with 'smooth' lining just for long hose divers to reduce chaffing. Look into it.
A
I just bought a 7 foot flex hose trident brand so I can do a hogarthian setup also bought a bright orange safe second necklace holder
Oh for your next tech tips what about safe second retainers/holders and their benefits
You do NOT need a bright color hose, necklace or safe second if using a longhose hogarthian configuration, as you do NOT want an OOG diver to touch YOUR safe second. You share what you breathe.
Alexander exactly they take the 7ft out of my mouth and my safe second is right below my chin for me to use they only had black yellow and orange into holders so I went with bright orange
Hi. Thanks for help on this topic. I just got my first Reg set in the post and it was supplied with miflex hose for BCD. Really nice quality product
More and more new regs come with them. That's an indication of how good they are.
Good luck.
Alec
Hey Alec, Love my Flex hoses but I have noticed that occasionally the nylon braid starts to come loose and then it is very sharp and abrasive. Hose is still fine and works perfectly OK however just feeling the outside of the hose is uncomfortable. Do you have any recommendations how to treat this when it occurs such that it won't be so rough to the touch?
that is an indicator it is time to replace the hose.
Only disadvantage I have had is when diving doubles or side mount when you dive with hoses across the back of your next the flex cover pulls the hair on my neck. Also when diving dry the rough hoses on the seal is not good. However most of the time when diving dry I have a good and it does not matter.
My solution is the section that goes around next I slid over some tubular webbing.
Chris Higgins Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018 that fixes that. The XT-Tech range has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers.
Hey alec have you seen the article by DAN about some the flex hoses having issues. Specifically those with polyester linings. They say to avoid those linings and make sure to get the polyether lined hoses due to break down issues.
Check the original date on that article Jack. The hoses that crystallize are gone.
Take care.
Alec
That is a good article though with lots of information including the fact that ALL regulator hoses deteriorate and should be changed.
Divers are notoriously cheap and reluctant to spend money if they don't see a real need.
i suppose it's because scuba diving itself is a cheap sport to enjoy.
Alec
Hello Alec, I have a question but first I would like to thank you for your content I really enjoy all of your series and often binge watch. It’s time for me to replace my hoses and I would very much like to replace them with flex hoses. My regulators are scubapro and as I’m sure you know they have spline connections. I am unable to find any flex hoses that offer spline hose ends. Can I use standard hex head hoses on my scubapro Regulators?
underwater stuff kick ass. Cool.
Hi Just bought Miflex xt-tech hoses. Im glad I saw your video. I was already having 2nd thoughts in installing when somebody told me that its dangerous.
Right! And a Ford Pinto will catch fire!!
Whoever told you that flex hoses are dangerous is dangerously out of touch.
Any problems with them were cleared up 5 years ago.
Several manufacturers now install them on their new regulators.
Take care,
Alec
Just dived with my flex hose. I love it
Thanks for the video Alec! Do you know what would be the average age at which you should to replace those hoses?
Manufacturers actually suggest 3-5 years. If kept clean and dry and stored in a Zip-Loc bag away from heat and sun, they're probably good for 20 years! Very few divers are that fastidious.
Alec
I use a short hose for my transmitter because the high pressure port is too close to the low pressure port for it to fit directly on the first stage.
That can be a problem. There are short, solid extensions too. The short hose works but I'm always afraid it will get bent, or grabbed by a divemaster as you come up a ladder.
If it works, use it.
Alec
There is a disadvantage with flexi hose, you didn't mention that it can kink. As a cave diver this is deadly if sharing air on the long hose through a restriction as I would not be able to signal and perhaps not be able to un-kink it due to lack of space.
you just described the 1% issue in 1% of the global diving community. If flex hoses are not practical to the diving you are doing then don't use them, if you are not comfortable using flex hoses for a particular reason or application then don't use them. It is a personal choice. Not all gear is appropriate for all situations.
Well said Jeff.
While Carp is correct, rubber hoses can kink too although it's not so likely.
However, special diving circumstances require special attention to such possibilities. They wouldn't apply to most diving.
Thanks guys.
Alec
Just curious, how can I tell how old a flex hose is if I want to purchase one. I wouldn't know if it were 5 years old or made this year. If I ask a dive store to put one on my regulator, is there any chance the older ones that are inferior are still around? By the way, your tips are really interesting and I am learning a lot from them. Thanks.
The older original hoses were rubber. Lots of rubber hoses are still made and used because they are a bit cheaper.
If your hoses are more than a few years old you will see tiny cracks in the valleys of the corrugations. Just bend the hose a bit. If there are cracks, they are not new.
Newer hoses are silicon or EPDM which is a synthetic rubber. There are some physical differences but essentially either does a great job and will not deteriorate like natural rubber.
Go to Vintage Double Hose for more info and to purchase if you like.
Take care.
Alec
Thanks Alec, but I was actually considering the flex hoses, not the rubber hoses. Is there a way to determine the age of an older flex hose that might not quite be up to the standards of those made today? Would a dive shop sell me an old one that they may have left over in inventory? That's the main thing I was thinking about.
@@rickkinney2544 I assume the production date is printed on the hose itself or on the metal crimping sleeves. I'll have to check when I receive the ones I ordered.
Alec any concerns on the flex hoses rubbing against a wetsuit or drysuit and causing wear over time?
I've not experienced that Ernie but some divers have said so. Read the other comments.
Alec
Where’s Ernie Miflex released a new type of flex hose in January 2018 that fixes that. The XT-Tech range has a smooth outer coating and is negatively buoyant. This fixes the main downsides for Tech or longhose divers.
Hey Alec, can you get the purple QD flex hoses in Canada? I'm looking for one and they're unavailable in that color here.
Any dive store can order purple flex hoses from XS Scuba. xsscuba.com
XS is a great supplier of excellent scuba accessories. We loved their products at Scuba 2000.
You can look it up yourself and get the product number to save your LDS some time.
There are different lengths to choose from and both Low Pressure and High.
Purple huh? OK. What the heck. No chance I'll be taking your regulator by accident!!
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Not the QD ones, seems to be UK and Canada only
Why did my Mares flex hoses come with a traditional hose joint cover? And what's up with red wax on Philips/cross head?
Red wax means that it hasn't been opened. So if you send it to mares they will see if it's been opened or not for any reason.
My friend wants to know if he could put a flex hose on his Sherwood Wisdom 3 computer? Thank you Alec.
Yep. But it's not easy.
First you have to make put an adaptor on the computer end of the flex hose so It will accept the Wisdom QD. The Wisdom hose in unique in that it has 2 male ends - one goes into the HP post on the reg, the other fits into the QD. According to Sherwood and most dive shops this cannot be done but that simply encouraged me to try and I succeeded. Besides I was using the Wisdom at the time and I wanted flex hoses too.
The fittings needed are standard and available but unusual.
You will need to contact me for the details seahunter@vintagescuba.com .
Alec
What is the brand name of the high pressure hose?
HI, Alec. Question. Just bought a Scubapro first and second stage and would love to swap out the stiff hoses for Miflex hoses. I heard that Scubapro doesn't endorse this. What do you think? Also, if I decide to go ahead and swap them out, do I need a special tool to remove the hose from my 2nd stage (H560). Thanks.
What you heard is not from Scubapro as they ship new regs today with flex hoses. So see how to change hoses yourself, watch S05E05, Replacing a scuba regulator hose and S10E14 Replacing regulator hoses. A good adjustable wrench and when tightening, remember its the o-ring, not brute force, sealing the air in. Go for it Will.
The issue that I encounter with flex hosses is that my longhose always gets un-stowed from under my belt because it is so slippery and flexible and I always have to restow it during dive 1 or 2 times. Also because it is over my neck I can hear the gas the flows throu it when I inspire. But overall... great hosses.
and it may rip your wetsuit or neck seal.
What’s the best flex hose brand to buy? I can’t find a flex hose for my spg. Thanks - Cameron
All Flex Hoses are made by just a couple of companies. You may buy them from any of a hundred different dive stores and they may have a dozen different names on them but they are manufactured to the same standards and by just a few companies.
Miflex is well-known but quite frankly any brand is good.
Alec
I love flex hoses. Im working on replacing all of my rubber hoses.
They are great replacements.
Alec
They're especially useful for divers who don't use ball-joint swivels on their primary.
I'm thinking of replacing my big clunky framed gauge with a bare metal gauge, just so I can convert the HP hose to a MiFlex. That way I can put Velcrow on the back and attach it to a wrist strap and pretend I'm wearing a "Bend-O-Matic" gauge!
Ah the old Bend-O-Matic. Still around and look at my Vintage Scuba video S02E01 to see it and several other original dive computers. You will have an interesting story to tell others on the boat.
A.
I'm looking for Oxygen Clean Flexible Hose for my Nitrox Regulator (for 80% EAN). All the ones I've managed to find are rated for use with 40% EAN. Could you please advise whether these are available?
Most hoses are 40% because that's the highest EANx mixture commonly used.
You need to get oxygen hoses which are available from Laerdal or another oxygen regulator manufacturer.
DAN (Divers Alert Network) sells them as well and may be able to help you find what you need.
You may have to adapt them to work with your reg.
Alec
I love my flex hose on my new mikron reg
Several scuba gear manufacturers are installing flex hoses on their regs.
It what the divers want and they have proven to be good.
Alec
I am unable to find any white neoprene accesory, Does anyone know why?
I have long hair so I was going to replace my mask straps or at least cover them, and I was unable to find a white neoprene cover. No idea why.
Victor García did you search on aliexpress?
I did, but the closest colors were gray and light blue.
Here is the link goo.gl/SXgbz9
It may have something to do with sunlight-resistant, or just noone managed to make white neoprene
You can easily make your mask strap cover if you can find some white neoprene.
Email Roy at Oceaner Sporting Goods in Vancouver, BC.
If white neoprene is available, he'll know.
Alec
GUE did a video on rubber vs flex hoses and one thing they pointed out is flex hoses can bend so hard as to cut off the air, like you can do with a garden hose. The instructor says (around 11:32 in the video) she saw this happen in person to a student at the surface, where their bcd was inflated against the backup reg hose and cut off the air supply. I saw a few other commenters mention the kink issue but it sounded like it might just be a 1 in a million chance thing for cave divers to worry about. But her story makes it sound like it could happen to "regular" rec divers. I need to buy new hoses soon so I'm trying to figure it out. If it were just personal preference then who cares, but if it's potentially life threatening that's a deal breaker. Thanks. th-cam.com/video/o6RI8GMwuuQ/w-d-xo.html
I watched the video and while its true a flex hose can be twisted and bent to reduce airflow. My view is it is very unlikely to happen to a typical recreational diver. Just looking at your octo before diving will show if anything is severely twisted. If the 2nd stage was twisted like that, how would it stay in your mouth? Tech divers have to be very risk avoiding when cave/cavern diving but not as much to fun divers. My pick is still todays flex hoses over rubber hoses for the weight, comfort and strength. Thanks for sharing Marcel.
Just take a silicon hose sleeve, cut off the crimped end and clamp it down over the place in the hose most likely to kink up. Problem solved.
Hello. I'm curious, my reg comes with double end swivel, do I need a special adaptor for it? It's a mtxr, would like to change the hoses to white
It shouldn't but only your dive store can answer that for sure.
Some swivels do require a specific hose.
Good luck.
Alec
One more disadvantage of flex hoses is that braided hoses tend to rip wetsuits and neck seals in contact points. I am using a long hose configuration and it is a real issue for me.
Alexander that's why I have a neoprene seal for my neck
Raymond Burelle neoprene also wears off at points of contact with braided hose. You can deal with that in a few different ways, but you never have these issues using rubber hoses.
Alexander what about those hose wraps?
Hose wraps are good but they would defeat the biggest benefits of the flex hoses - light and flexible.
I've been using the flex for a couple of years and never noticed any wear on my suit.
Maybe you need to reconfigure your reg set-up.
Alec
Alec Peirce Scuba how would you reconfigure a long hose?
I started on the flex hose bandwagon but got off when the crystallization issue came out. I have stayed off because other divers have found the nylon more prone to pull off the metal fitting than rubber on sharp bends (stage rigging) and that nylon will rub your exposed skin right off if you let it. I like the IDEA of flex hoses but they are not better than rubber, just different. And mostly in not good ways for me. But they are lighter and colorful...
The crystallization issue is long gone but advocates of rubber hoses can't let go.
In the mid-80's the supplier of hoses to DACOR had a bad day and produced a series of regulator hoses that were defective. Almost every one failed catastrophically (that means it blew up - sometimes while being demonstrated in the dive store!).
It certainly hurt DACOR sales which is understandable but unfair. They quickly corrected the problem.
My point is that even after 50 years of making and using rubber reg hoses, they can fail.
Flex hoses are quite new and as with any new product, there may be some issues but they are being improved. Their benefits are such that they are here to stay in my opinion.
I will add 2 suggestions:
1. when you see an article about flex hoses, or any product for that matter, check the date that it was written. Articles about a
crystallization problem are old.
2. the benefits of flex hoses may not apply to all divers any more than the benefit of a long hose applies to all divers. I don't think
it's honest to condemn any product because it doesn't work for your application.
Thanks again for your support Bier.
Alec
I am still looking forward to that wetsuit video you hinted a while back...
Kevin is the videographer, lighting manager, key grip, best boy (maybe a bit of a stretch), editor AND PRODUCER.
It's really up to him.
I'm just the talent!
Alec