Regulator Flex Hoses - Good Or Bad? - Scuba Tech Tips: S04E04

Thinking of converting to light weight, highly flexible, nylon wrapped regulator hoses? Alec uses new flex hoses on his personal dive gear and shares the pros and cons of replacing rubber hoses for good.
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[@jaimevila8988]

Sir, I must say that as a Dive Instructor, certified gear maintainer and overall diving freak your videos are priceless! The candid way you explain everything, the unbiased nature of your comments and suggestions are a treasure to me. Thank you Sir for sharing all the knowledge, experiences and guidance. You are indeed a treasure to the diving world. Kind regards from Bogota, Colombia.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow, thanks Jamie. I'm sharing this with my wife, she has different views!

[@jaimevila8988]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter LOL! Too funny! Dont they all?

[@rodohara6215]

This guy is to scuba knowledge what Chuck Norris is to round house kicks.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm going to use this, its great.

[@Bluewave87]

Mr. Peirce, just wanted to shout out you are such an amazing human being. Nice, sincere, down-to-earth, unbiased, knowledgeable and wise. I'm a newbie PADI Open Water diver and I have gained so fking much from watching your videos. Much much respect sir. You now have an additional fan from Hong Kong, keep these up I'll be following you closely!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Wow! I'll have to show your comments to my kids. Maybe I'll finally get some respect! Thanks for watching. I hope you've picked up some good ideas. Alec

[@thomasbost703]

Absolutely brilliant. The best diving channel on KZbin by a wide margin. I am sure there are scenarios where rubber hoses are better or where a computer won't do without a backup spg. But in 99.99 % of the recreational scuba diving cases they will be perfectly fine.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's my suggestion. If you're looking for a light, flexible, compact regulator for recreational diving (which is still 90% of all divers), the flex hoses are perfect. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@scubasausage]

Well this video has convinced me to take my regs to my local shop tomorrow and get a brand new set of flex hoses. Got a crack in my primary hose anyway and needed a replacement. Thanks for the info, love your videos.

[@justsoicanfingcomment5814]

Just replace the one hose you need, no point in wasting money on all brand new hoses until you need them right? :)

[@karlmarx7450]

As always, super-great. Thanks a million, Karl.

[@stevetimman]

My god the information I get from watching your videos. I'm a gear freak and love to be up to date and check out old and new stuff alike. Thank You!!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for watching Steve. I have lots more coming. Have you looked at "Vintage Scuba"? If your an experienced (meaning very mature) diver, you may find lots to remember. Take care. Alec

[@3kgtlover]

Just found this while doing some searches... Dude, you are awesome. Thanks so much for making and posting these vids!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them!

[@SatanPlaysXbox]

Just replaced all my hoses with flex hoses, going diving this coming weekend and can't wait to try them out. Thanks for this video Alex. You're the man!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks, Cristopher. I hope all goes well. Take care. Alec

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, I enjoyed your Rubber vs Flex/Braided hose's. The upgrade is instantly noticed with it's many advantages. As always another fine scuba presentation. Regards

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again Mark. Alec

[@moclepocle]

Alec, thank for this independent educated information about hoses. Keep the good work!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks again for watching Miguel. Alec

[@calebchristopher9283]

Awesome! I'm upgrading asap! Thanks for the tech tip videos, Alec! I'm learning a ton from you as a new diver.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think you'll find they are really nice. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@djsplash2728]

thanks for all your videos Alec great content....

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you. Alec

[@superbock101]

Love your videos, great source of information and knowledge, keep them coming. Best regards from Lisbon, Portugal.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks. Diana and I have traveled the world several times to dive and sightsee but never to Portugal. It's one place we'd like to see. Ang good diving there? The Azores maybe? Alec

[@superbock101]

Hi Alec, yes Azores is a top site for scuba and whale watching (check the articles on Azores by X-Ray Mag) and near Lisbon, the capital city, you have a small town Sesimbra which is the Portuguese diving capital. In the Algarve region you have a few artificial reefs made by old navy boats and up country where the waters are colder you have a WWII German U-Boat (U-1277). Come and visit us you will feel most welcome.

[@macdiesel78]

Excellent informative videos! I've learned a ton! One caveat, that rubber or nylon outer layer isn't just there for looks. Its there to protect the nylon braided sheathing, as well as increase the pressure rating. Without the outer layer, the braid can bunch up and allow the inner tubing to blow out or bulge between the braids.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good points Brad. Thanks. Alec

[@JC-ip6lh]

Great info as always Sir!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Jude. Alec

[@jakelee937]

awesome product review. thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thank you Jake. Alec

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

I am 70 years old i have been diving sense u was 16 Good old Sea Hunt

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sea Hunt started me on my scuba career and passion for collecting SH items which I have the best in the world.

[@mrjlbarrett5556]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter i dive all over the Philippines I live in the Philippines 6 months and in Missouri near St Louis . I used dive and do pipeline inspections I have Kirby Morgan equipment But i use Scubapro I still use the Scubapro Pilot its old like me . They had a recall many years ago i service my own equipment . I trust no one but me . My BCP is Scubapro My cylinders are US Divers We have in the Philippines Whale Sharks Lots of wrecks Some Sharks

[@robbynatividad6857]

Thanks Alex, today I will have my Reg and want use flex hoses. 🌈

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Perfect!

[@timwilhelmson8707]

I enjoy your videos. you are very interesting. thinking about starting scuba keep up the good work thanks

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

So tell me Tim, I assume you're not a scuba diver now so what prompted you to watch my video at all? Just curious. My suggestion is to go ahead and 'dive in'. Scuba diving is wonderful. Take care. Alec

[@tiboveuchelen6112]

hey alec i wanted to say that these videos really help for these kind of things because i always wondered what the diference was between a 200 EUR regulator from scubapro or a 900 EUR limited edition one from aqua lung but these videos helped me going through the progres of buying a SCUBA set . P.S. i am starting my 1 star diving licence test wich allows you to go to 20 M with a dive budy PP.S. video idea :diference between a 100 $ wetsuit and a 1000$ wetsuit ? love all the way from Belgium thanks again

[@DevonDevas]

PADI OWSI and have recently changed to flexihoses, mainly because of the weight saving factor (more and more airlines in Europe and the Middle East are cutting back on weight allowances and/or the ability to carry sports equipment over and above standard baggage allowance). Nevertheless, there are a whole raft of other benefits, as highlighted so succinctly by Alec. So, many thanks, keep up the good work; as you said, we never stop learning . . . .

[@jakehbk]

I love your videos. Please keep making them. I will say this on the subject of flex hoses. They do seem to have an abrasive quality to them. I work on a charter scuba diving boat on the west coast so I see a lot of gear pass through. I know of at least two cases where customers have claimed their flex hoses rubbed through their BCs in spots. Of course this is just a couple out of hundreds, if not thousands of people who have been diving off our boat with flex hoses. And if it even was the case that the hoses did it, who can say? But I could see it being a possibility just from feeling the hoses.

[@alaind831]

more abrasive for sure - just rub your hand on them ! I did notice they tend to get snagged and catch on rocks as well while squeezing myself into small cave/opening trying to grab lobsters.

[@tayguarapereira5459]

Hello Alec. I've been following your Tech Tips and used them as guidelines to buy my diving equipment, so I congratulate you and Kevin(?) on the great job and hope you keep posting more vídeos. In this vídeo you mentioned to change the old hoses for the new flex ones. Great idea!! So, how about a Tech Tip on how to, 1st check your old rubber hose to see if its on good shape, 2nd how to change the hoses, what kind of tools do you need, torque, etc. Just one idea I would like to see. Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good ideas. I'll see what we can do. Thanks, Alec

[@Toob41]

Just watched Sea Hunt Episode 1 on KZbin. Oh nooo! Now I have to watch all of your videos AND all the Sea Hunt episodes. When am I gonna find the time to dive?

[@Cyjodev]

Will definitely check for flex hoses when I buy my first kit after certifications

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I think you'll love them Joel. Let me know what you think. Alec.

[@Cyjodev]

I really think so ;) not only for travel but love the new tech ... and I will let you know soon ;) will be beginning my certifications this weekend at Action Scuba in Pointe Claire to finish OW on June 3rd and 4th and if everything goes according to plan should be getting equipment soon after

[@drbrulefan]

There is one reason I like rubber. It is stiff. This makes it so I can easily thread it under my bc and hook it to my drysuit. The flex is limp and squirrley when you try to thread it. So I have rubber on my drysuit hose and flex everywhere else :p

[@UFOGEORGE]

BEST REGARDS FROM CRETE, GREECE ! :)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks George. I've dived in Greece but never in Crete yet. I've still got time - almost 70 and I still dive all the time. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@drone076]

Rubber hoses are not outdated. I still prefer them.over braided for many applications. I don't even sell.braided over 40 inches and don't use them on seconds I will be having around the back of my neck. They catch the little hairs back there and feel like.sandpaper on bare wet skin after a bit of time in the water. In addition they tend to take a set when coiled for storage. Their lightness also makes them very floaty. Ok for a 22-28 inch primary for some. Not for me and certainly not for a 5-7 ft hose. I have replaced a few of those with rubber ones for those who thought a braided 7 was a good idea and found out otherwise. I also have some rubber hoses that are almost ten years old and are just fine on my pool regs. Purely a personal opinion. BTW, Thank you Alec for such a great channel!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Manufacturers suggest that hoses ought to be changed every 3-5 years. You are quite right, they can last a long time. I get many old regulators in for service, Dacor, Voit, old USD, etc, and some hoses are 20 to 30 years old and still work. LP hoses cost about $40. I'm just not sure it's a good idea to try to make your hoses last until they blow. I know that's not what you said but, there's no reliable way to judge a hose by looking at it. It's good until it blows. And, rubber hoses are still the norm and a good one. For many divers it is the best choice but for the normal (?) recreational diver with a regular set-up, the flex hoses are really nice. Thanks for your comments and for watching. Alec

[@joshbarron4415]

Could you post a video on essential scuba gear/accessories

[@ts440s]

Hi Alec, have you been able to service any beuchat vs1 regulators. Thanks

[@IM35461]

Alec, the flex hoses look very nice but in the UK if we send regs to be serviced often they will be sent back serviced but left with the non OEM hoses left off the 1st stage as the combination invalidates their EN250 approval (a card explaining why enclosed with the regs). The same also if the combination of 1st and 2nd stage has not an approved as a EN250 tested combination.

[@terencecallaghan8719]

Thats very interesting, Ive never had my regs sent back to me like this after service.

[@klausschroiff4405]

I moved on to flex hoses and never looked back. It's a godsend on the primary 2nd - so flexible and so little resistance.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They are a great improvement over rubber hoses. The new tec flex hoses have a smooth coating to prevent neck rash. They really are the way forward for new or replacement hoses.

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

I find these flex hoses useful for rib diving. I usually tie a lose not on the 2nd stage etc to stop it sitting on the floor and people/equipment damaging them especially when space is tight and sea conditions rough!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good idea. Alec

[@markosalami2]

Hi Alec, excellent videos thank you! There is a wide range of prices out there for seemingly similar flex hoses. Given the history of failures many years ago that you mention, would you advise going for or avoiding a particular brand? Miflex seem the more expensive hoses, but metalsub offer much cheaper flex hoses for instance.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There is no brand name that is better or worse. The early problems with disintegration is long gone so take your pick. Of course, you can never go wrong choosing a big brand name like Miflex. Alec

[@clempple]

thanks Alec, enjoyed your videos. Was hoping if you could share your thoughts on Integrated Octopus. thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

My thoughts on that topic are well-known and can be found in the Tip about Safe Seconds. Alec

[@tkwood]

Just bought a backup reg set with all flex hoses. I am impressed with the weight and ease of transport. Apeks XTX50 with DS4. What is your opinion on long hose configurations? Longer hose primary so you can donate it and a shorter hose secondary hose on a necklace. I don't personally see the advantage and understand why you would want to donate your primary when you don't have too. I am in tec40 and trying to figure out why this config is popular. Thanks!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The long hose concept is based solely on extreme penetration diving where giving your Safe Second to a buddy would require handing it along your full body length to him either behind you or in front in a very confined space. In that circumstance, it's a good idea. For normal diving, and I used the word normal intentionally, the standard Safe Second set-up is the best. Having to remove your own mouthpiece from your mouth, your own source of air, especially in an emergency, is a stupid idea based on the false assumption that your buddy would grab it anyway. That idea is a hangover from the days of buddy breathing - long gone, thank the Lord! The long hose has a very specific, very narrow application. I hate it when proponents try to force it on divers who are either new to the sport and don't grasp the ramifications or on others to make them look 'cool'. It looks cool until you have to use it!! My opinion on this is well-known if you have read previous videos about Safe Seconds but, there it is in a nutshell. Take care. Alec

[@andygray]

I have had two HP flexi hoses burst on me underwater. When I cut them open to check, the plastic inside had hardened, corroded and crumbled under finger pressure.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

New Flex hoses do not have that problem. There was a short period when the hose liner from a particular manufacturer would break down. You should simply replace your hoses with new ones - no more problems. There's lots of information about this on the internet. Just be sure to check the date of the articles to ensure they are current. This situation, while potentially serious, is no more so than some scuba tanks that would break down and explode or regular rubber hoses that burst even when brand new and so on. It's part of the development process of scuba equipment or, in fact, the equipment used in any new sport. Alec

[@watercooled81]

I personally stay away from flexi hoses, over the last couple of years, I seen a number of them fail (2 of my own). The failure point seems to be at the ends where they connect rather than the hose themselves. In the same time I only seen one rubber hose fail. For travel they are great at weight saving, however if you are diving hog lop with no hood, they rub badly on the neck.

[@timwilhelmson8707]

I have always been interested in it but I am disabled and have bad arthritis don't know if I cant retch thing like I need to.

[@Yggdrasil42]

There's usually a way to adapt the equipment to the diver. Depending on your abilities you may need to find an instructor who has experience with adaptations but it's definitely possible. You could ask a local dive center, or perhaps contact Disabled Divers International www.ddivers.org/, who may be able to advice you. They also have a list of global dive centers that are experienced with even severely disabled divers.

[@donneybibb7646]

Hey Alec, nice video. I've been thinking about flex hoses for a while. Do you know if there are any companies that make flex hoses for QD computer hoses? I'm thinking that the QD ends are proprietary to each manufacturer and generic flex hose manufacturers don't have access to each QD fitting - or don't want to make various QD fittings.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hi Donney. Sorry for the delay. When I changed my gear to flex hoses I too wanted all or nothing and discovered the same problem. There are no flex hoses for Quick Detach (QD) hoses as used on many air integrated computers. I looked everywhere - no deal. So I made up the necessary adapter and now we offer to change any QD hose to a flex hose. Any decent, knowledgeable and dedicated service tech can do the same. It just requires him to take the time to find the necessary adapter from the QD female end to a HP flex hose swivel female end. I found them at a company called Omni-Swivel. Their fittings are marketed by Trident but Trident won't know about them. You need to call Omni-Swivel directly, explain what you're trying to do and they'll have them for you. Alec

[@zacharmy2011]

Imo the flex hose causes less fatigue on my jaw vs a rubber hose, it doesn't tend to push so much.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's one of their benefits. The old rubber hoses were quite stiff and they got more stiff with age. Some divers complain that the old hoses pull the reg from their mouth when they turn their head to the left. I always found the hose pushed the reg from my mouth when I turned to the right. Regardless, the flex hoses don't push or pull. Take care. Alec

[@Yggdrasil42]

I read that braided hoses have a tendency to float, that they're more buoyant than rubber hoses. In your opinion, is that a good or bad thing?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

There have been many opinions about flex hoses since they were first introduced and lots of negatives have been stated. Typically divers resist change, especially if it might cost them a dollar! I've no idea if flex hoses float. I never dropped one into the water that wasn't fastened securely to a regulator! I know they are lighter than the old rubber hoses and I know that's a good thing. It's particularly good if you travel to dive but also good to reduce jaw fatigue. Since more and more scuba gear manufacturers are using flex hoses on their new gear, it's a bit academic. Sooner or later all divers will be using them. Personally I love them. They're lighter, coil much more tightly for packing, tougher, don't crack or deteriorate, look better, come in 20 different colors, any length you could need, they don't need hose protectors, ... . How am I doing here? Thanks for watching. Alec

[@gee4526]

Alec, since I haven't yet used flex hoses I have a question. " Will using flex hoses eliminate the need for a swivel to reduce the pull"?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The flex hoses are so flexible that pull or push on the mouthpiece is almost entirely eliminated. In my experience, a swivel at the second stage hose end does little to eliminate pull. It MAY make it easier to lift or lower the head but the hose is still a solid line and pull/push still occurs. I also don't like my 2nd stage to flop down when I remove it as occurs with a swivel. And swivels are expensive, jam up with corrosion and are hard to service. I suppose my answer to your question is an unqualified YES! Alec

[@gee4526]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Looks like I'll be going to flex. Thank you.

[@billmuertos]

Alec, What are some good flex hose brands you could recommend that are high quality? Also would I have to get anything special to make these flex hoses work with Scubapro A700 primary, R195 octo and mk25? The fittings should work out of the box?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes. The Flex fittings are completely compatible with all regs. Flex hoses are made by a hose company - not a scuba gear manufacturer or distributor so you don't really choose a make of hose. MiFlex is a brand name that has been around for quite a while. I've had good success with the hoses from Innovative Scuba which any dive shop can get. Good luck. Ale

[@billmuertos]

Thank you for the speedy reply sir. Love the content!

[@divingmadd6219]

Billy Z stick to standard rubber hoses. Trust me.

[@billmuertos]

Already made the switch and gosh they were so much easier to travel with!

[@harringtonjohnr]

I've been diving in the Bay of Fundy with MiFlex hoses (60" primary, 22" secondary, 24" HP and a 22" LP BCD hose; my drysuit hose is still rubber) for about a year now and I love them! Any idea how these flex hoses standup in a pool?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I don't really know yet John. We don't use them in our training or rental gear yet and not enough divers show up in the pool with them to be able to judge. I do know that rubber hoses don't like pool water! We'll see. Alec

[@tooez7397]

if you don't mind me asking, how tall are you? I'm trying to get the same hoses are you.

[@5150norcal]

I just watched a video by 50ft below on flex hoses with an issue of crystals forming on the inside of the hose from rapid temperature change. Will you please comment on that?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

This is old news Michael. Some early flex hoses had the inner core break down in some situations but it was a slow process. It didn't happen in short time. The new Flex Hoses do NOT have that problem. That video is either old or based on old information. You can read more about that in some other comments below. Take care. Alec

[@5150norcal]

Alec Peirce Scuba - Thank you for your quick response sir.

[@adammoore251]

Seen alot of those skinny HP hose's fail around the crimp. I think the weight of the contents gauge pulls on the joint when out of water. Perhaps a hose protector for the joints would support it.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Maybe. We don't put hose protectors on mesh hoses but maybe one of the thin rubber ones would be a good idea. Underwater there ought not be too much pulling. On the surface you could try supporting the console. I'm currently using a wrist unit and transmitter so no console at all. Alec

[@adammoore251]

Alec Peirce Scuba im refering the the rubber parts used to cover the metal crimps, close to first stage and regulator.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yes. I know. But you can get nice light rubber ones which do the same job as the great big, heavy rubber or super-stiff plastic ones. I think they'd do as good a job without adding weight or stiffness to the hoses. Alec

[@user-fb2xl8zn5e]

Alec what about buoyancy on these hoses? Iv heard people say they tend to have a positive buoyancy

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Hmmm. If they do it's so minor that it would be inconsequential. Some people have to analyze everything until it's worn out. They are lighter than rubber hoses but also thinner so probably the same. Throw one into the pool to find out. Alec

[@owenjones6366]

Can be slightly floaty in comparison to a rubber hose... Only really makes any difference if you're using a long hose setup as it could technically be a bit more unwieldy to find, recover and stow... That said - I use flex hoses exclusively in my (long hose) set up, and love it. I'm a massive fan :)

[@therrienmichael08]

1962, I was born in 62...In the 3 years since this vid was produced there could be further advancements.

[@Corleony101]

I remember when I bought my xtx 50 Apeks regulator as a package ( 1st, 2nd and octo ), there was a flex hose in the box from the manufactory!! if they were not safe, I don't think apeks will sacrifice their reputation for a hose!! what makes any hose not safe is the fact that people don't replace them even after 5 or 10 years !!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! I agree. More and more regulators are arriving from the manufacturer with flex hoses - Oceanic, USD, Apeks, etc. And you're right about replacement too. The manufacturers of the hoses - rubber in particular, suggest you change them every 3 years. That may be a bit overly cautious because most divers don't use them as much as manufacturers might think but 5 years is certainly a good limit. Thanks. Alec

[@thomasbost703]

Bought a Mares Carbon set that came with flex hoses. My Axion BCD came with a flex inflator hose so they seem to be pretty standard equipment these days.

[@arandomperson2345]

I think it's worth mentioning that DAN has recently issued an urgent warning about systemic failures relating to these modern flex hoses which is still ongoing: " the discovery prompted a wider, global investigation, which is ongoing....DAN Research would normally wish to conduct more in-depth analysis with a wider sample of defective hoses, but because this is a potential hazard to regulator function we prefer to err on the side of caution and report this phenomenon now." Original warning June 2, 2016: dansa.org/blog/2016/06/02/newsflash-low-pressure-hose-deterioration Follow up article, Q1 Winter 2017: www.alertdiver.com/crystallized_hoses

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

This issue has been discussed a dozen times. I am a big fan of DAN but like a doctor, they always want to perform surgery when a Band Aid will do. The flex hoses that break down are gone. It was simply put, an issue with the material used in the inner hose. Once that problem was discovered (almost 5 years ago), manufacture and distribution of the offending brand was stopped. If you purchase new flex hoses from fresh stock they'll be fine. Alec

[@arandomperson2345]

Thank you Alec, by the way I'm a big fan and enjoy watching all your videos for useful tech tips! From what I have read on this issue, it is the tubes with polyester lining that are problematic, and polyether tubes have not had these problems. Miflex switched from polyester to polyether lining in 2008: www.50ftbelow.com/unsafe-regulator-flex-hoses/ However many other brands of flex hoses still use polyester lining. For example, after watching your video I almost bought these Blue Reef tubes from LeisurePro: www.leisurepro.com/p-blrlpfh/blue-reef-low-pressure-flex-hose Then I realized that the Blue Reef tubes have a Polyethylene (PE) lining, which is the technical term for "polyester"...so I think it is important to remember that not all flex hoses are equal and many of them being produced today are still subject to this danger!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good point. No matter how well publicized a problem is, it can still exist. If you can do so, check the hoses to be sure they are NOT polyester (polyethylene) (PE). Alec

[@jonnieinbangkok]

They still make service kits for those vintage regulators 😅

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Only a few models have approved (ie safe) service kits. Look in my Vintage Scuba to find the video on self service and which models can / cannot be serviced. A

[@Salticus66]

Poseidon started to manufacture Cyklon Junior in 1958.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Poseidon is a name well know today and one of the few not to still do scuba.

[@Salticus66]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter ?

[@kaeptenxy3569]

well there are also some negative facts about flex hoses so new ruler hoses a 210cm flex hose squiggles a lot more than a rubber one also a rubber hose is more smooth so its perfect fore a stage where you have to put it under rubber bands and with rubber hoses you can see when they are damaged and you have to change them with flex hoses you can't

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Quite right 356. Nothing's perfect and flex hoses fit right in there. Any damage to the outside of a flex hose usually shows as little hairs sticking out. If you are using anything other than a standard recreational rig - sidemount, 7' hoses, etc - you may find rubber hoses easier to set up. Thanks for watching. Alec

[@Violins_]

I'm only 10 and I've seen the sea hunt before

[@AlecPeirceAtTheRanch]

I'm always surprised by the excitement a Sea Hunt episode generates for young divers raised on i-things, X-boxes and internet. Very gratifying. Thanks for watching Elliot. Enjoy your diving career. Alec

[@Spacefish007]

Some people seem to have problems with older / worn flex hoses when they use a dry suit, as the fibers sticking out of the worn flex hose might puncture the dry suit. Guess this is not a problem with wet suits / new flex hoses.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Right Timo. There were some fraying/breakdown problems but they seem to have solved that. Any flex hose with little hairs sticking out should be replaced. Your dive store should give you new ones. Alec

[@jlbminestine698]

I'm 13 and I want to get into scuba diving, any tips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sure. I started at 12 in the 60's. Today you can take the course and become a diver at 10!! Call a local dive store. See if they offer a Free Scuba Intro where you can go to a pool and try diving. Then inquire about training. Most modern schools offer a scuba course over a weekend and you're ready to go diving. Where do you live? Alec

[@jlbminestine698]

OK thanks I live in UK unfortunately

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well, in terms of scuba diving, the UK may not be #1 but there's lots of divers there. One of our own divemasters works in Portsmouth. We've travelled to the UK several times. My Dad was from Bridge near Canterbury. Beautiful country you have. Search for and contact a couple of dive stores. It's of no matter to you but there are 2 main agencies that offer scuba training in the UK - BSAC and PADI. BSAC has been around a very long time. If you intend to travel internationally, Mediterranean, South Pacific, North America, etc, I suggest you look for a store that will give you a PADI course and card. Many stores offer both. Have fun. Alec

[@jlbminestine698]

Alec Peirce Scuba epic I've wanted to go scuba diving since I was 5

[@jlbminestine698]

what is the best scuba gear do a beginner like me to help me get my scuba license

[@austincrowe5194]

I cringe every time I hear you say the rubber on the outside serves no purpose. That is false. It is there as an abrasion preventative for the nylon or other polymer pressure bearing portion of the hose. It acts as a sacrificial barrier. Additionally preventing the hose from kinking and knotting prevents pinch points that are stress points that can create weak points that can ultimately lead to failures. Think of bending a straw for your drink in half at the same point multiple times. At some point the straw will develop a crack. That point would be much quicker than a straw that doesn’t allow that much flex. Traditional hoses, when the outside starts to crack and look like they are going to break, the interior hose is almost invariably still in functional condition. Flex hose, much more difficult to spot and the interior can be weakened without very visible damage to the outside sheath. Fire hoses have a very drivable sheath as well. It is a hose within a hose. Pneumatic air hoses for shops are the same way. Heck, the construction of a car tire is similar to that of a traditional hose. Even everyday garden hoses are constructed this way. So, there is a purpose and it sure as heck isn’t cosmetic. While flex hoses may well be safe and great hoses, it doesn’t mean you need to ignore the features of the other hose. Each hose has its trade offs and can serve a different purpose while still functioning well. As for me if I were to go with the flex hose for ease in packing, I would definitely consider replacing the hoses after a certain number of trips knowing that it had be flexed more and potentially created weak spots in the hose.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I may have been too simple in that comment. We both know the rubber coating is important for the reason you state and hose safety. I'll be more careful in future. A

[@davidsantiago2856]

These new flex hoses have a history of bursting underwater

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not now David. When they were first introduced about 10 years ago there were some problem with one brand. Now several scuba manufacturers are installing flex hoses at the factory. The benefits are tremendous. They should be more rugged that rubber hoses! Thanks for watching. Alec

[@davidsantiago2856]

Thank you for clearing that up. Excuse my ignorance. As a new diver I'm always researching everything. Your videos helped me out so much. Thank you

[@francklemeray5746]

j'ai rien compris !

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Pardon. J'ai essayé. Alec

[@giornogamer3618]

i wanny dive whith you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Well that's about the nicest compliment and old guy like me could receive Chris. I'm afraid you'd probably be unimpressed. I'm a good diver but very conservative now. I'm over all those "I can do it better than you" dives that just get you into trouble. I'm sure we could laugh and have a great talk though. Take care. Alec

[@divingmadd6219]

Mickey Mouse hoses. Don’t buy them. Expensive. Kink more. You can’t tell when they are ready to give up. They float which is annoying and makes your rig not streamlined and increased if snag hazard. Short story - stick to standard rubber hoses. Just like jet fins.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

OK Madd. It is 2018 you know. Still using a dial phone are we?? I've been using flex hoses for over 5 years and have sold hundreds to many very experienced divers. I've not heard those objections before but, good to hear your views. Alec

[@divingmadd6219]

Alec Peirce Scuba my post wasn’t meant to be disrespectful. I’m just spreading awareness that braided hoses aren’t optimal. I wasn’t trying trying to insult you or your channel personally. You made a great Video on it but the product isn’t a good product. PS I have several braided hoses. It’s just unfortunate you were the medium for the product. That said, I DO not like the fact that you didn’t list the cons. A lot of new divers watch your content and it good quality videos but please inform on both sides of a product. Pros and CONS. They have been known to give up underwater with no visual indication on the outside that it was obsolete. www.undercurrent.org/UCnow/dive_magazine/2017/BraidedRegulatorHoses201704.html

[@salemfotografy2938]

talks way too much....this video couldve been easily 5 min long!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Sorry ... ! Some viewers complain that they want more info. When I'm watching a U-Tube video I always have my cursor on the progress bar so I can skip the long-winded stuff. Alec

[@ronaldwright1053]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Great video!

[@Robert_H_Diver]

I enjoyed it. Good length, I like listening to him talk.

[@therrienmichael08]

Alec is a teacher/instructor, he gets that we cannot absorb a lot of information in a short amount of time.

[@ivoryjohnson4662]

Talk all you want

[@brianconsaul67]

Not everyone needs the entire history.. just give review not history back to beginning of diving

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Everyone is different Brian. I get lots of comments from viewers who love to hear how things started and developed. My Vintage Scuba playlist is ALL about history and it's very popular. Sorry if you were bored but there are lots of U-Tube videos out there for you. Thanks for watching. Take care. Alec

[@stevewoods81]

Love the vid alec keep them coming

[@Robert_H_Diver]

Brian Consaul 🖕🏼

[@lupusdeum3894]

Thanks! I was trying to figure out how to get all those hoses on my kitchen scale...👍🦈🤿

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

No problem 👍