Hose material questions

[ChaosHokie]

I'm somewhat confused by the materials for the various hoses that are out there currently. :confused:

I'm reconfiguring my current regulator setup to have the long-hose, necklace backup configuration, so while shopping around for new hoses, I've come across:
* Rubber
* Miflex2
* DuoKev
* Generic double-braided

My questions are basically:
Is it worth it to make the long-hose Miflex2 or generic double-braided from a weight (think airline travel) perspective?
If yes, is it worth it to pay for the branded Miflex2 hoses or get a generic (from a reputable source, of course)?
If yes, what about the short hose?
Are there any sort of long-term maintenance issues with the flexible hoses?

Is it worth it to convert my drysuit hose, inflator hose, and SPG hose to the Miflex2 type hoses? At this point I don't need new hoses for any of those.

[nfarrar]

There is a reported issue with the MiFlex HP hoses. No issue I know of and nothing but praise for the low pressure hose from Miflex. The guy over at Dive Gear Express | Equipment for Experienced Divers (http://divegearexpress.com) sells a no name brand braided hose.

Double Braided Flexible Hoses for SCUBA - Dive Gear Express (http://www.divegearexpress.com/regulators/hoses_braided.shtml)

I have 2 of his high pressure hoses and have had no issue with them. Only had them this year and used a dozen or so times. His low pressure hoses are great too. Hes on the forum and cant remember his name but he was nice to do business with when I bought form him.

If you do get braided hoses of any brand dont throw away your old hoses. IMHO They are GREAT for a save a dive kit. Connect both ends together(closed loop) or seal up each end(straight) to keep clean and dry.

[beachnik]

As to weight savings, forget about it. There are other better ways to deal with airline weight limitations (leave something at home).

The bigger issue is how you'll feel about a long flexible hose once the air is turned on — some people don't care for it — they try the flexible hose and go back to the old fashioned hoses. Search the forums about this issue - plenty has been written.

If you still want some hoses - other than 'rubber'…

I've got Phantom LP, MiFlex LP, ProBlue braided LP, and non-braided Kevlar HP (mine looks the same as Xscuba DuoKev - hose appearance and markings are identical, I think the thickness specs are a little different? Mine came from EuroDivingZone). The braided hoses are not all the same.

From a 'brand' standpoint, I'd recommend Phantom for braided hoses and DuoKev for non braided (DuoKev are only HP hoses — no LP hoses).

[Fishpie]

I have to second not liking the super flexible long hose.