LONG HOSE VS SHORT HOSE REGULATOR 2ND STAGE
🔵 Short Hose (Standard Recreational Setup)
Typical length
Primary: 70–80 cm (28–32 in)
Alternate (octopus): 90–100 cm (36–40 in)
✅ Pros
Simple, familiar, and taught in PADI / SSI Open Water
Easy hose routing
Comfortable for normal buddy distance
Less hose management
❌ Cons
In an emergency, divers are very close face-to-face
Limited movement when sharing air
Octopus may be poorly positioned or drag if not secured well
👍 Best for
Recreational open water diving
Guided dives, resorts, training environments
New divers
🟢 Long Hose (Primary Donate Setup)
Typical length
Primary: 150 cm (5 ft) or 210 cm (7 ft)
Backup (necklaced): 55–60 cm (22–24 in)
✅ Pros
Much better air-sharing control
Allows swimming single-file (important in overhead / current)
Donated reg is always known to be working (it’s the one you’re breathing)
Cleaner, streamlined setup
❌ Cons
Requires proper training and practice
Slightly more complex hose routing
Not standard in basic recreational courses
👍 Best for
Technical diving
Cave / wreck / penetration
Advanced recreational divers
Strong currents, narrow exits
🔄 Emergency Air-Sharing Comparison
| Feature | Short Hose | Long Hose |
|---|---|---|
| Donate | Octopus | Primary |
| Distance | Very close | Comfortable spacing |
| Movement | Limited | Excellent |
| Stress level | Higher | Lower |
| Training needed | Minimal | Moderate |
🧠 Which Should YOU Choose?
Choose SHORT hose if:
You dive occasionally
You follow standard recreational setups
You dive with random buddies
You want simplicity
Choose LONG hose if:
You want maximum safety and control
You dive in currents or low visibility
You plan tech, wreck, or cavern diving
You are comfortable with skill repetition
📌 Important Note (Standards & Training)
Long hose is allowed in recreational diving if the diver is trained
Many dive pros and instructors now use long hose even on recreational dives
Always brief your buddy before the dive if you use a primary-donate setup
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