Long hose, short hose rec. config

[cbope]

I've done a lot of reading here on ST and have been considering an upgrade from my current rec. standard configuration (octo on chest, donated to OOG diver), normal length primary (not donated).

Currerntly I'm rec. only, so I'm not after a tec configuration at this time, otherwise the choice would be clear (7 ft long hose primary, 22 in necklaced octo). I currently dive singles only and limited wreck penetrations, e.g. no constricted or deep penetrations or penetrations where the exit is not clearly in view at all times. I plan to move into tec. in the future, but I expect to reconfigure my gear for that. This concerns only my current rec. needs.

I want to donate my primay to an OOG diver, so I will have my octo necklaced on a 22" black hose. My main questions are about primary hose configuration. It seems to be the general consensus that I should go with a 40" black hose with a 90-elbow or swivel under the arm.

1. Is the length ok for my configuration and needs?

2. Is there a benefit to get a swivel over a simple 90-elbow?

A couple other questions regarding the marking of my primary for an OOG diver and the color of my secondary:

3. Several posts have mentioned changing the cover of the primary donated reg to yellow. Does this mean changing the purge valve cover, or is it a cover that goes over the reg?

4. My secondary is a yellow octo. Has anyone had problems with an OOG diver going for the yellow secondary on a necklace? Just wondering if this has been a problem for anyone, since many octo's are yellow.

My primary reg is a Mares Proton Metal and secondary is a Proton octo.

Since I will be buying new hoses, I will upgrade to Mi-flex at the same time.

Thanks in advance.

[Aquatrax]

IMHO, the primary length is fine, i personally went 24" on the octo for comfort, with the 22" i couldn't look down, the reg was under my chin.

I use just the 90 degree elbow, with the 40" primary routing and miflex hose, i don't believe a swivel adds ay benefit.

I never changed the color of the covers, i figure the OOG diver is going for the one i'm breathing from, no matter the color.

i really like this hose configuration for the singles rig, gets rid of all the halos.

[mitsuguy]

There is the general assumption that an oog diver goes for the one you are breathing from... But at the same time, that goes against everything they have ever been trained for, which is going for the yellow octo in the triangle on your chest... to assume that they want the one you are breathing from probably works 50% of the time... if it was me, I KNOW for a fact that I would go for the yellow octo, so, if I were ever to be in a state of panic, swimming towards someone, I would be locating whatever was yellow as I came up to you... But I am also experienced enough to know that if the octo is directly beneath your chin, that you are diving an alternate configuration...

the problem I think you could potentially run into is someone getting confused after having always been taught that the alternate is yellow and in the triangle, is them trying to go for the short hose... I say yellow for your primary and black for your alternate...

[chinacat46]

I've always found that regardless of colors and hose lengths the best solution is to discuss everything with your buddy beforehand thus leaving less to chance.

[Flatliner]

Originally Posted by chinacat46

I've always found that regardless of colors and hose lengths the best solution is to discuss everything with your buddy beforehand thus leaving less to chance.

I agree with you and this is what I do, even with instabuddies diving near me (same group/different buddy) BUT the yellow thing is a good point I had never considered. My octo is currently yellow (a zx on a 22" hose) I may consider changing the faceplate to black on my next service...

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by Flatliner

I agree with you and this is what I do, even with instabuddies diving near me (same group/different buddy) BUT the yellow thing is a good point I had never considered. My octo is currently yellow (a zx on a 22" hose) I may consider changing the faceplate to black on my next service...

This is one of the reasons that both of my seconds look identicle except for hose length. Giving the OOA diver the reg out of your mouth also insures that they're recieving a totally functional reg. I'd hate to try and breathe off of one that's been dragging under a diver in the sand!

[IndyDiver]

I agree 100%. If you are going to dive one yellow reg and one black reg, the yellow one should be the primary in your mouth and the black one should be the octo. If you do it the other way around, you are asking to have an OOA diver grab your bungied secondary and try to rip it off your neck. Even if you are holding your primary out to them, a paniced diver may fixate on the yellow reg and go for it. After all, everything they have read and every instructor they have had, has probably told them that the octo they need to go for will be yellow.

That aside, IMO, the best thing to do is have them both be the same black/gray color.

Originally Posted by mitsuguy

There is the general assumption that an oog diver goes for the one you are breathing from... But at the same time, that goes against everything they have ever been trained for, which is going for the yellow octo in the triangle on your chest... to assume that they want the one you are breathing from probably works 50% of the time... if it was me, I KNOW for a fact that I would go for the yellow octo, so, if I were ever to be in a state of panic, swimming towards someone, I would be locating whatever was yellow as I came up to you... But I am also experienced enough to know that if the octo is directly beneath your chin, that you are diving an alternate configuration...

the problem I think you could potentially run into is someone getting confused after having always been taught that the alternate is yellow and in the triangle, is them trying to go for the short hose... I say yellow for your primary and black for your alternate...

[IndyDiver]

Originally Posted by cbope

Currerntly I'm rec. only, so I'm not after a tec configuration at this time, otherwise the choice would be clear (7 ft long hose primary, 22 in necklaced octo). I currently dive singles only and limited wreck penetrations, e.g. no constricted or deep penetrations or penetrations where the exit is not clearly in view at all times. I plan to move into tec. in the future, but I expect to reconfigure my gear for that. This concerns only my current rec. needs.

I am not trying to get this thread off topic, but I just need to say - There is really no such thing as a rec dive with limited penetrations. If you go into an overhead environment where you don't have direct access to the surface, it then becomes a tec dive.

[Tassie Diver]

I used a 7' hose on my main reg, with my second reg necklaced under my chin, with singles before I went to twins. Didn't have any dramas with it.

If an OOG diver grabs the necklaced reg, they're not going to get far! Mine is NOT yellow, but it's an interesting proposition.

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by Tassie Diver

I used a 7' hose on my main reg, with my second reg necklaced under my chin, with singles before I went to twins. Didn't have any dramas with it.

If an OOG diver grabs the necklaced reg, they're not going to get far! Mine is NOT yellow, but it's an interesting proposition.

I dive the same config no matter if I'm in a cave or on a reef. The only difference would be the addition of another tank and first stage. Being consistent is the key and allows you to react instinctively.