Express Tech corrugated inflator hose keeper

[hazmat]

The velcro hose keeper on my Express Tech, the one with the "Express" logo on it, won't stay in one place. It slides freely and will sometimes go so low as to open as I'm trying to lift the hose. How are these things supposed to stay put?

Thanks.

 

[divad]

Maybe it's supposed to slide? Replace it with bungie so it doesn't open @ velcro?

 

[mi000ke]

I don't use the velcro keeper strap when using the hose to dump air (e.g., when at the surface before going down) as it constricts the range of motion on the hose when dumping air. I use almost no air at depth and if needed dump with the bottom valves, so I'll usually use the keeper only at depth and will hook it up at that point. Also I'll disconnect the keeper strap again before surfacing to make it easier to dump as I ascend. And mine seems to stay put in the same (mid-high) location but if it slipped down it would be even more inconvenient.

 

[Key Largo Dive Center]

We use the Express Tech in our rental department and we haven't noticed the sliding to be a big problem. You can try sliding a zip tie or thick rubber band between the shoulder strap of the BCD and the back of the hose keeper and cinch it down to keep it from sliding. A second option is to mount a slide bar for a d-ring onto the 2" shoulder strap and zip tie the keeper to the bar.
Due to the one size fits all design feature it precludes any simple way for the manufacturer to design a different design.
Remember the BCD is designed to pull the hose free from the keeper and over your head to dump so that you get all of the air at the top of the bladder out. Merely lifting the corrugated hose while still being retained by the keeper still leaves a lot of air trapped in the top of the bladder. Of course you can pull down on the hose to dump from the top dump and that shouldn't cause the keeper to move around.

Key Largo Dive Center
www.KeyLargoDiveCenter.com
(305) 451-5844
scuba@KeyLargoDiveCenter.com

 

[hazmat]

Thanks. Good info.