The "Kraken" Modern Double Hose Regulator - Scuba Tech Tips: S07E17 

Many thanks to Alec and Kevin for making this great video!

Hi, I’m Alex from Florida. Sweet to see I actually made it into this video! I see a lot of people curious about the Kraken in this thread, so thought I’d share my experiences. I’ve been diving the Kraken for about a year and a half now, and I LOVE IT!!! It’s the Ferrari of regulators, INHO. All I do is think of inhaling and it sends me gas. Exhaling is also extremely easy, and as there are no more bubbles in my face or ear it’s far more comfortable. I regularly take it to 160’ and it performs the same way it does at 20’. Upside down, inverted, sideways, flying on a DPV, any which way it’s comfortable. I can’t even say it took more than a dive or two to get so used to it that the idea of using a standard reg setup any longer became a dreaded thought. I travel with it A LOT, and have never had a single dive operator tell me I couldn’t use it on their boat. People are more than fascinated by it, and it’s quite the conversation starter. Explaining that it isn’t a rebreather is normally how conversations initially start. Frankly I’m amazed there aren’t way more of these out there. I mainly dive in South Florida and I have yet to be on a boat with another Kraken aboard. Diving takes on a whole new dimension with one of these. For cleaning, I have a ritual in the shower/bathtub after every dive day which seems to work really well. I’ve never opened the can myself, and I’ve only sent it in for service once before a long dive trip overseas, but I get the sense from Bryan that these things are designed and built to be bullet proof. So, everything you saw about the way it performed in the pool during this video is the way it performs in the ocean. Easy and a pleasure to dive. I would highly recommend a Kraken to anyone looking to add a really effective tool to their dive quiver. :)

I have a red hosed Kraken. Used it in Cozumel and the locals loved it. Use it in cold water too.

Hi Alec! You and Kevin did a great job! Thanks for including the video of me diving the kelp forests of So. Cal. with my Kraken. I've had my Kraken 4 years now and I'm always amazed at how effortlessly it performs in all attitudes. Mark.

Alec, loved the video. Brings back memories when I was 13 yrs old, borrowed $90 and bought a used diving rig. I bought if from a retired US Navy diver who introduced me to SCUBA. Until then I was snorkeling and watching Sea Hunt. This was 1961. The twin '38s were heavy as lead and were stamped "USN" 1945. They were fitted with "K" valves and yoked together. The regulator was double hosed and had a plack that had most of the words worn away. It did have USN stamped on it. I am pretty sure it was a single-stage, at least that is what the diver told me. I think I carried around 21 or 2200 PSI in them. The regulator, which I loved (primarily because I could breathe underwater) was a chore to suck air from. After a few minutes or so, I would roll onto my back and the airflow was better and I rested. It was ok for sport diving, but I didn't trust it below 30-40 ft. I later bought a Nimrod Snark III double-hose reg and life was better. I got my C-card in 1969 and when I began my research diving, I converted to a Dacor reg. I still have the old tanks and they still H-Stat. I love the old diving gear. I remember the freedom you had with just tanks, regulator, depth gage and a T-shirt with trusty older masks and fins. I have been out of diving for a while, and I am thinking of going back. My C-card was from NASDS which no longer exists. My son (who is a diver) says that PADI will issue a new C-card to replace the old one. But times have changed and the amount of gear you now carry just seems like it will take away a lot of the fun I once knew when times were made for fun...fun diving that is. Alec, keep up the great work.

Love this guy. Keep doing what you are doing my friend. Videos are great and very informative. Thank you!

Hi Alec, great video, we talked before, I purchased this Kraken Argonaut...I like you, started diving a long time ago, (1965) when all there was was double hose regs...you don't know how much you miss things until they are gone...never did like the single hose with the bubbles in your face and constant bubble sounds blowing by your ears...when Vintage Double Hose came out with their new modern double hose version I couldn't wait to get my hands on one...The best reg I've ever owned, works great, I set it up with inflater hose, safe second and high pressure side for SPG/console... The Kraken can do it all and less expensive than some single hose regs...You are right about the company very fussy to maintain high standards, so he only builds a certain amount for the year...I feel lucky to have one...Now if we can get over our world problem and the dive shops reopen, would be nice to use that reg again this summer.

This was a topper of a video Alec! I have two Krakens over here in the Red Sea and have taken them all over the world down to 158 feet and they both breathe great at any depth. Vintage Double Hose has just done a magnificent job in getting these regulators out to the public. Great for spear fishing and even better for photography. The US Navy Dive School should be using these instead of the WAY OVERPRICED Aqualung "Mentor" for their open-circuit re-breather drills and double hose manipulation training. Thanks!

This was a nice video, brought back nostalgic memories of when I tested an old classic double-hose reg on some dives. The two things I liked about DH reg's was the balance of the mouthpiece, less fatigue than SH reg's, and that the bubbles exhausted behind me instead of banging past my ears and getting in the way taking photos. All the other negatives of DH's covered in your video, plus the fungus issues that formed in the hoses made the old reg's too much trouble. I might revisit with this new version! Thanks!!

Thanks for covering my favorite, and best breathing regulator! I started on a 1959 DA Aquamaster, and when Vintage Double Hose brought it back to life with the Phoenix system, I was elated to have my old favorite back in my dive bag. Then they made the Kraken, which finally retired the Aquamaster and became the only regulator that you will ever need!

After you arrived at the dive site 1. Carefully remove the dust cap from the regulator. 2. Put your regulator on to the tank. 3. Put your BCD on to the tank ( Make sure that the regulator body should be nice and low between your shoulder) When you ready to jump into the water 1. Close the DSV mouthpiece to prevent free-flow. (Make sure the air is on) 2. Check all your equipment before entering the water. After dive. 1. Turn off the DSV mouthpiece and blow all of the remain water out through the exhaust hose. 2. Before even turn off the air tank, pour a lot of freshwater on to the regulator 3. Go ahead blow til the pressure is zero and then remove the regulator carefully! 4. MAKE SURE THAT THE DUST CAP IS DRY BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON!!! MAKE SURE THAT THE DUST CAP AND THE NOB IS SECURE CAN NOT MOVE A BIT !!!! 5. (If this is available hang the regulator upside down) ( Or soak it in a box full of freshwater) After arrive at the hotel 1. Carefully remove the hoses 2. Clean the regulator can with freshwater. MAKE SURE THAT THE INTAKE IS BLOCKED, SO NO WATER CAN ENTER INTO THE MAIN BODY) 3. Or open up the can clean each piece at a time. 4. Clean other gear throughly with freshwater. After arrive at home 1. Carefully remove the hoses 2. Clean the regulator can with freshwater. MAKE SURE THAT THE INTAKE IS BLOCKED, SO NO WATER CAN ENTER INTO THE MAIN BODY) 3. Open up the can and clean outside and inside of the can thoroughly with freshwater ( NOT NOT NOT THE MAIN MECHANISM) 4. Clean the hoses and the mouthpiece 5. Wait until the regulator is dry out 6. Put the regulator in a zip lock seal the bag. MAKE SURE THAT YOU SUCK THE AIR OUT OF IT ! 7. Go enjoy your day. Made a list of how to maintain it haha. Did I miss anything?

My Kraken is my go to regulator when I travel to distant lands. I used mine for 2 weeks in Truk and it never failed me.

Just got through watching the classic James Bond movie "Thunderball" where there were so many of those cool looking double-hose regulators! I am SO glad they brought those back! Just had to "modernize" a little bit and it's a GREAT variation! I can't wait to get one!

Wow, I love this. It looks so much as my old Royal Mistral, but with all the modern features. Cant’ wait to try one. thank you very much.

So Cool. Hi Alec, I've seen the Kraken name but never heard of company so i didn't read or view info/videos. I like a company to do the unusual and this is it. Pure vintage retro. I like bubbles in back. Alec this is simply marvelous. I trust what you say, your the greatest. Best Regards 👍

The amount of businesses that have closed down due to the covid fiasco, is very sad, Kraken too succumbed. Thank you for keeping the faith Alex, our stories are similar...we carry the torch 👌

That were some fantastic pictures and music. Hope one day I'll try it.

So exciting! Now I can use a double hose like my heroes did when I was a kid.

This is awesome! Was expecting them to cost double what they are listed for. I love the vintage look. Looks like the hoses could pose a problem with drag fining into a heavy current but maybe not. Thanks Alec!

Awesome, absolutely love it!

Hey Alec! Great review on this product. To help your viewers who are interested in this product, another pro is camera work. No bubbles in your face or in the camera since it releases in the back. Thank you for the info you pushed out, i would love to own one if i was rich but i just bought gear haha. Im a new follower of your channel, great advice!

That looks stunning! Before I first became a diver back in the late 60's I cut up an old vacuum cleaner hose so I could pretend to be Mike Nelson diving. I wore out the pages of my U.S.Diver catalog looking at regulators, tanks and the like. James Bond's Thunderball made me want to hop in the water and "borrow" one of the diver's gear that didn't need it any more (he got speared or whatever). Bottom line, this is how I always imagined diving would look. Great video.

Mine came today. Can’t wait to dive with it.

Hi Alec, can you make some more videos with this unique scuba regulator? To be honest your youtube channel is well regognized because of double hose vintage diving. More interestingly Kraken is the only one newly build with modern parts and reliable. Kraken is really worth closer look. Thanks !

Nice to see the biolite get a run too! My current rig when I’m traveling. I smashed about 400 dives on it last year.

I had a twin-hose Nemrod regulator made in the 1980's. Its mouthpiece had an extra rubber flap that went outside the lips and extended into a strap that went behind the neck, to strap the mouthpiece in. Once in shallow sea with it I let myself go completely limp as if unconscious. I automatically rolled over to belly-up, and my cheeks ballooned out, but the mouthpiece remained in place and watertight.

Nice video - and cool regulator. I suppose it have a "nice" price as well;)

I combined this regulator with an OTS spectrum and it is the greatest combination ever. My diving is so much more comfortable, quieter and I can get so much closer to fish.

I've had my Kraken for 2 or 3 yrs now and have around 100 dives on it. The trick as mentioned in some other responses is to set up your gear properly. I put together a tech style rig that is a combination of parts from several manufacturers with the end result being a durable, very comfortable Bc setup that puts the Kraken low and squarely between my shoulder blades. I also experimented some with hose weights until I got the hose neutral in the water. Not enough weight and the hoses act like a float which you can feel pulling upward on your mouth. I also have other regulators, a high end Atomic and a Scubapro S600, both are easy breathers and solid performers but I find that I almost always use the Kraken..It's really preferable once it's set up correctly. In fact I use the S600 as the Octopus Reg with the Kraken. The S600 with the big venturi adjust knob is ideal for a backup, I keep the venturi knob closed then open it only if I'm using it. I'll sometimes switch to the S600 if I'm going straight down an anchor line for instance..The Kraken is a great easy breather but the laws of physics still apply and it is more difficult to draw air in in a head down position. I'm sure some people don't care but I find bubbles in my face to be very annoying and have a hard time using a single hose reg knowing that I have a Kraken to use. This is an extremely reliable regulator that just always works..Just soak it some and flush fresh water through it after use then Take the hoses off after a trip and clean them thoroughly. It's interesting with all the people who ask about it on the dive boats..Most people don't realize how annoying bubbles in the face are until it is brought to their attention. Several times people have commented that after looking at the Kraken underwater they started noticing the annoying bubbles and I'm sure a couple of them now have Krakens. I love this reg and would highly recommend it for any experienced diver..Takes just a bit of getting used to and the safety procedures are a little different but it all becomes second nature very quickly...

Hello Mr. Pierce, You mentioned in your Vintage Scuba series that some dive shops won't let you dive if you have a modernized vintage reg, I assumed that because cant attach a safe second or SPG to old regs. Since you can attach them to the Kraken can dive shops turn you away for using it? Thanks in advance, I'm a huge fan, Thomas

It was almost majestic watching you underwater. I find diving very relaxing...

great regulators, I love mine, I have 3 ... been diving a while, first class in 78, instructor since 85 everything from rebreathers to free diving, and I quit counting dives long ago. I really enjoy mine for Photo and spearfishing for lion fish , it doesn't seem to spook sea creatures as much as a single hose.

Great video Alex this seems like it would be handy for photographers as the bubbles are behind you

Get Kraken ALEC!!!!!!! Lloyd would love that Regulator!

You actually made me buy one. I got a used one actually as the shop was constantly out of stock. I love it. However I'm still learning. Today I had difficulties purging water from it. I also did the mistake on my first dive not to lower it enough making it hard to breathe. The more I use it the more I like it. Maybe I'm the only one in Japan diving with a Kraken...

Hello Alec! First of all, I just love your page and the fact that you are sharing all your knowledge. You are teaching me new stuff all the time and I love it. Being an older diver and also an instructor I know that you must never stop learning and that you are never too old to pick up on new and good ideas. My first reaction to the Kraken is "I WANT THIS". I hate to get boubles in my face but cannot alway dive with my rebreather. This would do the trick for all other kinds of diving. However - is it sold in Europe? I tried to find it but google let me down.

If your new to scuba I would wait. I want one so bad, but it would be a nostalgic item I don’t need but really want. I’ve been diving 20years.

I like how the majority of exhaust bubbles come out the back.

So Sorry to hear that Bryan passed away I even asked him to teach me his craft to service these regulators due to the same area as I lived in.I also wanted my son to learn the hobby, he unfortunately turned me down and now his skills are gone forever. As for the Kraken I have one I'm saving for my son one day and wanted to know if anyone out there happens to be so kind to sell me a first stage rebuild kit I would love to tell the story about the doublehose regulator and let him experience this pastime. Thanks and RIP, Bryan.

One of my favorite regulators to dive with! Combine it with a Seatec modern horsecollar and you can have retro fun with all new gear!

I remember on an old TV show called Sea Hunt they always cut the exhaust hose in a fight. It didn't effect the diver one bit, but the audience assumed the diver was no longer getting air.

What are your thoughts on taking them to deep dives over 60ft, I see the post of there liability waiver that they are not responsible for any failures. This is not comforting past 30ft. Any thoughts I'm guessing liability insurance is so high he would not be able to make them as he said there being made out of his garage. I know all the photos of ice diving and others but wanted your thoughts on reliability. Thanks

Love that Kraken regulator! wonder if they will do the hoses in aqua blue and yellow?

Hey Alec, thanks for the review on this product. Also I noticed you answer every posting, which is a ton of work but greatly appreciate. This unit is interesting for photo work but the down side might outway the positive. Is it possible to get these serviced in Toronto? Do they even have units available? Is there a retail structure in place or just direct sales? Any answers greatly appreciated. Did you send the test unit back or is it in the shop? -Rob

Where would you go to get a double host regular service I’m from Michigan

When I'm filming underwater and put my head down to look in the camera view screen, my exhale bubbles hit and shake my camera. Not good for steady footage. I wonder if a double hose would cure that

Thanks for the video. I'm curious why the exhaust air is expelled at the regulator instead of at the mouth piece. Are you inhaling some of your exhaled air?

Good God, I'm old! I remember those old, two house regulators. I would tie off my hoses to the regulator with wire ( no zip ties back then.) I loved them because I had more visibility and less turbulence around my face because the exhaust was in the back. The only drawback in my view was that in really strong currents the hoses would flap up and down. No certification required in those days. No BC, no pressure gauge, no octopus rig. Just a J valve that you would pull when the breathing got hard giving you 300 psi of reserve air. Remember how clear the water was then, how many big fish there were?

Mr. Pierce, how does this compare to the Diver Down modern double hose regulators?

I want one of those! taking photos would be excellent! how are those in cold water?

Love the picture of the guy from Wisconsin...LOL...where/why would you dive in Wisconsin but my hat's off to ya:)

I met the designer in Grand Cayman a number of years ago and would have had an opportunity to give one a try but was flying home that day. Damn!

Nice video ! got myself curious and done some research, the Argonaut price tag of us$575 + options & shipping is up for grabs .

I want one of those!!

It's.a nice and beautiful setup. But perhaps it's time has passed for the current "modern regulators." Perhaps one would own one and dive when feeling nostalgic. It would be interesting to see one where one necklaces the octopus regulator and then breaths out of the Kraken. Thank you for the video.

I just bought my Kraken this year and like it a lot. I do rinse it thoroughly at the end of the day. At the end of the dive season, should I take it apart to wash or can I just leave it as is?

Love the videos Alec! Would this be an effective alternative for cold water divers? Cold water diving isn't my expertise as I live in FL, but it would it's very cool that they would have a niche use other than the retro factor :D

I am Diving instructor. I would like to learn how to Service all regulators Brands can you recommed please how and where?

How is the Mistral (2005 version) compared to the Kraken. Have you dove with a 2005 Mistral, and if so what are the pros and cons of it. I ask because I just bought a NIB Carbon Fiber Limited Edition 2005 Mistral (still awaiting delivery) and I'd like to know more about it. Thanks!

I found the website that sells them, but I can't seem to find what the price is or if it's even available anymore. Would be cool to own.

I have one of his 1st generation ones (breathing adjustment is on the back of the unit). In the Red Sea our guides would not let me use it on any wreck dives in case of hose damage and wondered how well would the safe second work if you have a full freeflow from a cut mouthpiece hose (perhaps I should have never shown them episodes of Sea Hunt). At home in the UK the lack of EN250 approval also does not go down well and on RIB dives they can be more of a challenge getting back on the boat. I have not used my one since last Sunday for a 50 minute beach dive in the English Channel (DIN version of course).

Seeing as though Bryan has sadly passed, manufacturing has stopped and service kits from the scuba museum has sold out… is it worth the trouble of tracking one of these down in the used market? I work at a dive shop that services all manufacturers of regulators. Do these accept parts from modern part kits? I’d love to have one, but not sure it’s worth the time and money. Thank you Alec!!

Dear Alec, if you are using a dpv, does this regulator free flow? we are thinking about this for a project with the university and we would love your point of view =)

Wow awesome !! ... If you would advise someone on buying ... scubapro Mk25 /s600 or this kraken double hose ? im curious to know if it would compare to today reg and be better overall ? Thanks again for your vid !!

Ya it's nice but I like my Jet Air still..... I buy one of them Karkens sooner or later, I been looking at em,nice reg!

Hi Alec, are you able to obtain kraken first stage rebuild kits as it looks like he's gone. Thanks any chance you have one I could purchase ?

Hi Alec! I'm a big fan of your videos from Miami! I had a question regarding this really cool-looking double-hose regulator, are these the same as rebreathers?

Hey Alec, do you know of any full face masks that could be used in conjunction with the Kraken?

Do they make them in din and yoke fitting?

I’m starting to love this regulator. One concern though, does the two large hoses affect the visibility in comparison with the regular one hose regulator??

I love my kraken!

Hi Alec big fan! Just wondering would you ever sell your Kraken? Thanks John

Awesome video as always, is that your pool?

Maybe one day I am going to buy one. What I dislike about single hose regulators is the noise of the bubbles.

Just had visions of my youth days 😂🤣😂🤣😂 Bring back Sea Hunt 🤿

It looks to me the main functional benefit is the exhaust bubbles are vented behind the divers head (from the first stage) which would be a benefit to photographers and keen marine life observers as it would spook fish less and not interfere with vision. As the hoses are more bulky than standard ones, i would guess there would be a slight penalty moving through the water. Also no free-flows when diving in strong currents as no purge button.Other than that, is the benefit primarily esthetic...to rock a vintage scuba look?

The more I watch the Sea Hunt episodes (something I've started doing since watching your videos by the way), the more enticed I am to get a Kracken. It looks pretty cool. I just hope I'm not expected to flip the hoses and mouthpiece over my head like Mike Nelson does all the time on his show. :-)

Hello Mr Pierce... a great fan 😊😊 Can you please tell us your experience on best ways of underwater navigation specially in poor viz water... thank you Sir

How does the bubbles compare with a standard reg. Since the bubbles exit the rear, is it quitter or noiser? Also when upside down, how is the house routing?

Man I want one

I start PADI lessons in 4 days and I seriously want to get into double hose regulators, you do a very good job at making me want to buy a Craken :P , do you think I should start on double hose as soon as I am done with training, or should I first build good instinct with a single hose regulator? I will also ask my instructors, but there is a good chance they will turn out to be in their early 20s so i'm sure your opinion is a lot more valuable :)

Hi Alec I have a question for you: I want to start diving and I have two options the first one is that I get 4 hours in the pool and get Padi eLearning and then get certified in a lagoon, the other one is that I get 12 theoretical hours in presence classes and 8 in the pool, but without being certified in open waters. What option do you suggest to me to begin my journey in scuba diving? Edit: the option 2 costs the half of the first one Thank you.

Is it possible to use a dual hose with a jacket style bcd or do you need to use a wing bcd

Hi Alec greetings from Norway. Does this work with a twin sett? I Would love to have this. Safe diving😊

Alex how does a rebreather work?

Can you please let me know where to find one as they don't appear to be making them. Do you sell them, thanks.

Hose weights are they that necessary and what benefits do they offer? I have always enjoyed seeing movies with divers using double hose regulators.

Just wondering why is there no dust cap?

Hello, do you know where they sell them? I live in Canada. Thanks

Hi Alec, how did you manage without pressure (contents) guages?

Can these be adapted for use with any of the modern full face masks? For example an OTS or an AGA.

Hello Alec, I have just started diving and I love your videos and sense of humor. Great information. I am very intrigued by this regulator. I'm in the process of picking up my own gear. One of the features I disliked about the rental regulators I've used is the exhaled gas blasts my ears no matter how soft I exhale. This type of reg seems to alleviate that. Would you suggest this reg for a new diver who dives locally in cool, not cold, water, and travels to the tropics? Are they hard to service? Thanks for your thoughts. Oh, and despite it being secondary to function, they do look very cool. Very tech and vintage at the same time.

Do you have a preference which type of regulator you use?

I'm guessing the 1963 Jet Air is the forerunner to the Kraken. I like my Jet Air and would love to have a Kraken! But then I wouldn't use my Jet Air anymore.😑 I'm so confused on what to do!?🤔 Eh I stick with the Jet Air she's a beauty still today😘😘😘😉

I kind of want to install a pool now just to play with used scuba gear I buy and tool around with now 🤣

I'm honored to be in your video

What is the advantage over a normal regulator?

What are the benefits of this regulator? In what circumstances would this double be more ideal than a decent single house regulator?

Excuse my ignorance and lack of knowledge but how is this better than the new single house regulator? Mind u the new regulators they say r not way to freeze but how would i know.i don't dive the cold poles anyways , and im not planning to. So can sometime tel me what's the idea behind this invention ?

Does it come with a DIN fitting?