Hose Protectors - Scuba Tech Tips: S06E09 

Thanks for watching Daniel. Alec

You are welcome!

My point is rubber hoses still need protection from bending a the joint. If they don't bend, less likely to leak. Alec.

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you for your opinion!

We're working on it John. Thanks for watching. Alec

I think there's some validity in the current trend to NOT give options for what we used to call "Extreme Exposure" dives - too deep or too long. Educators are concerned about setting goals or making suggestions. Humans are noteworthy among all animals for their competitive nature. Sometimes a suggestion, even as a limitation, is enough to wet the lips of an overly-competitive diver - "What will happen if I go to 300'?" Current texts prepare a scuba diver for the dive profile that he will be encountering and that is safe. They also include information about what a diver must do if he accidentally exceeds the depth or time limits. In the 60's and 70's we were using the US Navy Dive Tables and they went to 190'. They also had Extreme Exposure tables that went to 300'. They are easy to find on-line. Deep dives are exciting - just like driving too fast in the rain!! Solo deep dives can be very risky (surely you wouldn't drag a buddy along with you - that'd be like driving too fast in the rain with your kids in the car!) Be safe. Thanks for watching. Alec

Thank you for the great and quick response , if may reference me to a good diving book or even make a video for it , for the people who wants to educate them self's more than PADI's or any agency's book

Personally, while I am generally a fan of hose protector, I don't put them on flex hoses. They are so flexible that the likelihood of them bending too sharply at the ferrule is unlikely. Plus they reduce some of the flexibility. Simple - don't use them. Alec

There is a tool to help pull protectors off but hot water and dish soap work ok too.

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thanks...I'll give them a try.

Full face mask were quite common even for recreational divers at one time. The advantages were touted as freeing up the mouth for more important things - talking, chewing gum, etc; keeping the faceplate clear because of the fresh air flowing over it; keeping very cold or dirty water away from your face and mouth. There may be others that I've forgotten. The disadvantages always begin with expense. A full face will cost at least twice as much as a conventional second stage (realize that a full face reg uses the same first stage). Also a full face can be harder to clear of water and harder to equalize. It's difficult to build up pressure inside a full face mask so clearing and equalizing is difficult. You cannot easily remove and replace a full face mask underwater. It's not that easy on the surface! Cleaning and servicing a full face is a necessary and unavoidable disadvantage. I'll see about doing a vid on this topic. It will be in my Vintage Scuba playlist. Thanks for watching. Alec

I would use hot not boiling water with a little dish soap and they will slide off/on much easier.

If your regulator is fairly new and in good condition, it is perfectly fine to use it to 40% Many divers believe (or are taught) that regulators must be prepared for oxygen use and they're right. But, you're not using if for oxygen. You're using it for enriched air. Big difference. If your reg was going to be exposed to 100% oxygen (or anything higher than 40% for arguments sake), then you would need to have it cleaned, have the applicable parts changed to oxygen compatible and ensure it was serviced using clean tools, clean hands and proper lubricant. All in all an expensive procedure. After that you can ONLY use it for EANx or with Oxygen Compatible Air or it will require serving again. I suspect that you'll be using 32%, the most common mixture, or maybe 36%. There's no real application for 40% among recreational divers. I'd like to clarify what you meant by second stages. Technically the second stage is the part that goes in your mouth. The first stage mounts on the tank. When O2 cleaning is required, it's most important that the first stage be cleaned. That is where the gas is under high pressure and where particles, friction, impingement of other possible sources of heat would occur. Once the gas had been reduced to low pressure, there's little danger from the use of EANx at any level. I can guarantee your LDS will insist you have the reg EANx serviced. That's how they stay in business. I did the same thing but I always gave the diver the option. You do NOT need O2 cleaning of the reg if the EANx is less than 40%. Thanks for watching. Alec

Alec Peirce Scuba I meant the entire reg ( 1st and 2nd, sorry for the confusion). Nevertheless thank you for the explanation and looking forward to your next video 👌

Hi Brad. Please see my reply to Jason for my thoughts on this issue. I've had good success and feel very confident about Miflex hoses. They are the largest manufacturer and the choice of big brand name regulator manufacturers. They have every possible length, color and application ever needed and any decent scuba store has them or can get them. I don't doubt that some stores will not sell them based on their personal beliefs and a lack of understanding of the technology involved. Go to another store. Remember, many dive stores refused to sell single hose regulators too - they'll kill ya'! Take care. Thanks for watching Alec

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hi, I have been using flex hoses from Metalsub with no problems so far. Alec, are you familiar with this company in terms of the flex hoses (I do know they made and still do good rubber hoses)? BTW, I removed the protectors completely from each end of each hose (make it easier to pack and travel - the main reason i switch to the flex hoses in the first place) Thanks a lot, Daniel

I use flex hoses since they were first released and replaced with newer none recently. Never seen one that would cut off air LP or HP by hand pressure or pulling up. They do have a small hose protector at each end to reduce strain on the connection end but this new to me. Next time I have my regs out will test it on my setup.

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter would recommend using a hose you are not planning on using again! It does take some force, but without being particularly muscular myself, I managed with little difficulty to kink to stop airflow. Indeed this is probably extremely unlikely to occur underwater, but still...made me think! Let me know how you get on!