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XS Scuba MiFlex Braided Hoses - Brand New to US - Various Sizes and Colors
There has been some discussion about this new product and now you have an opportunity to give it a try! The XS Scuba MiFlex (pronounced me' flex) hoses are the most flexible, durable hoses you can use for scuba diving regulators. Available for LP regulator applications and as quick disconnect inflator and dry suit hoses, the XS Scuba MiFlex is a product that has to be held to understand the difference. Take a look at the link below......
The features of this hose are really too many to list. Just a sample of features would give you more flexibility than any regulator hose you have ever seen. The double braided cover provides for durability and safety not previously available in a regulator hose. The weight of these hoses is as much as 30%-35% less, depending on the hose length. We have a number of sizes and some sizes are available in blue and yellow.
We expect our inventory to arrive in the third or fourth week in March. We are now taking PRE-DELIVERY ORDERS for these hoses. Our initial supply will be limited and we really want to know just how well the market will receive this new product. If you place your order, your credit card will be authorized for the sale, but your card WILL NOT be charged until your order ships. Because this is a pre-delivery sale, we ask that you only put MiFlex hoses on this order. If you have other items, please place them as a new order so we can ship immediately.
If you have any questions about the XS Scuba MiFlex hose, please give us a call at (800) 601-DIVE. We will do what we can to help. Thank you.
The double braided cover provides for durability and safety not previously available in a regulator hose.
I am assuming that the braiding covers a rubber core? I would be worried that the braiding would make the hoses more difficult to rinse thoroughly, which would leave salt water trapped in the fabric. Once the water evaporated, that could leave salt crystals embedded in the fabric, which could then damage the hose. The current design of most hoses (smooth surfaces everywhere) would seem to make that less of an issue.
Maybe I need to see the hoses to understand better how they are constructed, but I am not convinced that the covering will make them more "durable". In fact, I am a little concerned that it might have the opposite effect. Have they been used elsewhere outside the US? Is there any independent data available on how well they hold up after repeated exposure to salt water?
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The XS Scuba MiFlex Hose Story. Real innovation and technological improvement does not often come to the scuba diving industry, but the XS Scuba MiFlex hose is one real exception. The XS Scuba MiFlex is an example of a real solution to a real problem. Standard rubber hoses are often stiff and do not provide the flexibility necessary for completely comfortable diving. The XS Scuba MiFlex high performance double-braided hose solves this problem. The XS Scuba MiFlex hose is made in Italy from a patented process that begins with a polyester inner hose, wound tightly with a polyester braided inner liner. An outer layer of nylon is braided for durability and flexibility. The result is a hose that is stronger than standard rubber, much more flexible than standard rubber, and as much as 30% to 40% lighter that standard rubber scuba hoses. The extreme abrasion resistance of this hose needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. This unique combination of materials also results in a hose that is kink resistant. In fact, you can tie the XS Scuba MiFlex hose in a tight knot and the flow of air is not impeded. Available in a variety of lengths and colors, the XS Scuba MiFlex high performance double braided hose will add real comfort and durability to your diving regulator.
And not that this is necessarily a huge selling point for you, but IIRC, Aqualung is using these hoses as standard on at least one of it's new regulators (Micra?). I realize that's no guarantee, but they much have at least some confidence in the durability of the product.
Have they been used elsewhere outside the US? Is there any independent data available on how well they hold up after repeated exposure to salt water?
I have got a shedload of dives on a full set of these hoses (black 1/2" fitting on my primary Apeks reg, day-glo yellow on the octo, and blue on the BCD whip), in both UK waters (between 3-6°C) and in the Red Sea and Caribbean (25-32°C) and they are standing up well to the usual abuse I put my kit through.
This includes five liveaboard trips, where they basically sat in salt water between the usual four or five dives a day for a week, only getting a thorough rinse at the end of the week. No signs of wear and tear yet, and look just like new.
Mark
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Drinking and diving do mix... I grab a beer as soon as the last dive of the day is over, as it is the best form of deco available – alcohol thins your blood, which means the nitrogen bubbles can get out easier! Believe me, DAN will be promoting this in a few years, I am just ahead of my time...
How true to size are these? I know rubber hoses tend to vary a bit.
I'm measuring my OxyCheq Mach V's wing, and the hose is 23"... I wonder if the 22" hose would cut it, or should I bump up to the 25"?
Finally, how "floppy" are these compared to rubber hoses. Is there any chance, for instance, it would make it harder to find your DS inflator hose in the event of a bonehead move where you forget to hook up?
Okay, I've ordered one in the same length as my pony reg's rubber hose. The pony reg is somewhat less than comfortable to use with its current hose, so it ought to be a good test for the Miflex hose's apparent flexibility.
(I'll let everyone know as soon as I've tried it, since I should be one of the first. I *have* put my order in already, of course. )
I just put in my order for an 84" long primary reg hose, a 22" secondary reg hose, a 22" LP inflator hose for my Mach V (gambling that works out ok, since the OEM hose appears to be 23"), and 32" LP hose for my drysuit. Full set of hoses other than the HP hose, which doesn't have a MiFlex option yet.
I'm taking a gamble, and I'll be the test monkey here.
Once I get it all hooked up, I'll have to get some idea of how they route and otherwise perform on land, since it looks like I can't return them once they get wet.
I am assuming that the braiding covers a rubber core? I would be worried that the braiding would make the hoses more difficult to rinse thoroughly, which would leave salt water trapped in the fabric. Once the water evaporated, that could leave salt crystals embedded in the fabric, which could then damage the hose. The current design of most hoses (smooth surfaces everywhere) would seem to make that less of an issue.
Maybe I need to see the hoses to understand better how they are constructed, but I am not convinced that the covering will make them more "durable". In fact, I am a little concerned that it might have the opposite effect. Have they been used elsewhere outside the US? Is there any independent data available on how well they hold up after repeated exposure to salt water?
Thanks for your comments. I can only respond from what I know about the product, and my historical knowledge of this particular type of hose and manufacturing method.
There are two layers of braided covering on the polyurethane inner hose....one layer of polyester thread and an outer layer of nylon thread. Both of these layers are braided VERY tightly on the polyurethane inner hose. This particular type of manufacturing method for hoses (using different inner layers and different outer layers) is typically used for hoses exposed to the harshest of environments. While a double braided exterior doesn't guarantee that there will not be water intrusion, neither does the rubber coating on your current hose. In fact, if your current hose is a high-quality US made hose, the rubber coating likely has perforations that could allow moisture to get between the rubber outer coating and the reinforced rubber inner hose. I can personally tell you from doing many autopsies on used hoses that salt crystals do get between the layers. I have seen it many, many times.
MiFlex hoses have been used for some considerable period of time in the UK and other places. No users report any particular issues with durability. The accelerated wear/weatherometer testing done by the manufacturer apparently shows no evidence of early wear, since they plainly make the statement that the hoses will last 3 times longer than a standard rubber hose. I would assume they have evidence, though it is possible they are just blowing smoke.
The XS Scuba MiFlex hose does actually solve a real problem from some real divers....the improved flexibility provides greater comfort and less "pulling" of the second stage regulator. This, I think, is a real issue for some divers. Also, they look cool.....not important to all divers, but important to some. Thanks for your comments.
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