Regulator Swivels, good or bad??

[Marty Bess]

I'm thinking about getting a regulator hose swivel, since I bite down hard unknowingly while diving as a way to keep my regulator straight in my mouth. Otherwise, it wants to push its way out. Like picture kind of shows. Anyway the question is I have read places that they have a tendency of failing, causing a free flow. Is this your option?

Thanks Marty

 

[Zef]

If you are experiencing this issue, my recommendation is to put a 90 or 70 degree elbow between your hose and 2nd stage, and then instead of routing the hose over your shoulder, route it down behind your shoulder and then up from underneath your right arm to your mouth.

DGX 90 Degree LP 2nd Stage Swivel: 9/16-Inch M = 9/16-Inch F

The 90 degree swivel attaches between the regulator second stage and its low pressure hose, routing the hose down the diver's chest and/or under the arm, which increases comfort and streamlining.

www.divegearexpress.com

DGX 70 Degree LP 2nd Stage Swivel: 9/16-Inch M = 9/16-Inch F

The 70 degree swivel attaches between the regulator second stage and its low pressure hose, routing the hose down the diver's chest and/or under the arm, which increases comfort and streamlining.

www.divegearexpress.com

Often when routing the 2nd stage this way, folks will switch to a 40-inch length hose as this is often used as a "primary donate" setup. If you are going to continue to dive with a standard octo donate setup and your current hose is long enough, you should be good to go.

(pictures swiped from google images)

-Z

 

[scrane]

I've had good luck with this :

Regulator Swivel Adapter 2nd Stage

Style regulator swivel adapter Great item for reducing jaw fatigued Stop fighting with your hose and dive in comfort with this swivel Standard regulator fitting on one end with the other fitting a standard low pressure hose

www.piranhadivemfg.com

 

[tursiops]

A slightly longer hose can help. also a hose of softer, more flexible material can help.
The fixed elbow is more reliable than the swivel. The 110-deg elbow is quite nice to use.

 

[lexvil]

As to good of bad, yes.

i use an Omni swivel on a 40” hose.

 

[Dan G]

I have tried swivels and tried a 90 degree elbow. I ended up with and have stuck with a miflex hose that is slightly longer with no swivel or elbow. The 90 degree was comfy. My concern is that donating my primary reg to someone would be awkward with a swivel or elbow, since I prefer to grab my reg by the hose. Perhaps this just takes practice to get used to and is not a big deal.

There's also some nice mouthpieces that help with jaw fatigue. This one is similar to what I use. It is primarily held in with the upper teeth with little to no need to bite down. Makes it very easy to relax one's jaw.

 

[tbone1004]

I use Omniswivel balls, I would not use the swivel hoses though. The balls are quite reliable so long as you actually service them properly, especially the dab of blue loctite on the retaining screw that is usually forgotten about. I have TMJ so I much prefer to have the reg rest in my mouth exactly where I put it and also use the Comfobite style mouthpieces that @Dan G linked and are easily available at @DiveGearExpress That combo is a very comfortable way to go through a long dive and I've tried damned near everything to stay comfortable for multi hour dives and I've found this is the best for me

 

[Zef]

I have tried swivels and tried a 90 degree elbow. I ended up with and have stuck with a miflex hose that is slightly longer with no swivel or elbow. The 90 degree was comfy. My concern is that donating my primary reg to someone would be awkward with a swivel or elbow, since I prefer to grab my reg by the hose. Perhaps this just takes practice to get used to and is not a big deal.

There's also some nice mouthpieces that help with jaw fatigue. This one is similar to what I use. It is primarily held in with the upper teeth with little to no need to bite down. Makes it very easy to relax one's jaw.
View attachment 814458

There was no recommendation for primary donate...it was just referenced as the usual reason folks (including myself) tend to migrate to the underarm reg hose routing.

This discussion thread is about how to relieve the issue the OP is experiencing. Further recommendations/discussions regarding "primary donate" should be made to the OP in direct message (DM) or discussed in a thread of its own.

-Z

 

[CD24]

I’d also recommend the Omni if you go the swivel route since they are serviceable. I think you’ll also get better customer care from DGX if you have an issue.

 

[CT-Rich]

I switched to a 40" Milflex hose (I have have been told by my LDS owner that the swivels haven't been holding up). Milflex hoses much more flexible than traditional hoses. If you are getting jaw fatigue I suggest a mouth piece that can mold to the shape of your mouth.