METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex tek Braided

The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is immediately striking with its sleek, black finish and braided stainless steel jacket. This isn't just for aesthetics; it serves a critical purpose protection against abrasions and damage that can occur in harsh underwater environments. The braiding also adds to the overall strength of the hose, making it more resistant to kinking and twisting. The hose itself is constructed from EPDM rubber, a material known for its excellent resistance to ozone, UV light, saltwater, and extreme temperatures. This ensures longevity even with repeated use in challenging conditions. It features a smooth interior bore that minimizes flow restriction, allowing for efficient gas transfer between first stage regulators and the diver's second stage or drysuit inflator/deflator valves. The fittings are robust and well-designed. They utilize O-ring seals to prevent leaks and feature hex heads for easy tightening with a wrench. These connections are compatible with both standard 3/8" NPT threads, making them versatile and adaptable across various regulator systems.

Durability is paramount in technical diving equipment. The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided excels in this area thanks to its robust construction. Here's a breakdown of what makes it so durable:

• Stainless Steel Braid: The braided stainless steel jacket provides exceptional protection against abrasions, cuts, and punctures from rocks, coral reefs, or other hazards encountered during dives.
• EPDM Rubber Core: The EPDM rubber core is highly resistant to ozone cracking, UV degradation, saltwater corrosion, and extreme temperature fluctuations all common factors that can compromise the integrity of hoses over time.
• Reinforced Fittings: The fittings are reinforced with brass nuts for added strength and security. This prevents them from stripping or breaking under pressure, even during demanding dives.
• High-Pressure Rating: The hose is rated to withstand a maximum pressure of 300 bar (4350 psi), far exceeding the typical operating pressures encountered in technical diving environments. Many users have reported that their METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided has held up exceptionally well after hundreds, if not thousands, of dives. This level of durability is crucial for divers who rely on their equipment to perform flawlessly and consistently over extended periods of time.

Comfort often gets overlooked in technical diving gear reviews, but it's a critical factor that can impact overall performance and enjoyment during dives. The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is designed with comfort in mind, addressing common issues associated with standard hoses.

• Flexibility: The EPDM rubber core provides excellent flexibility, reducing kinking and allowing the hose to follow natural movements of the divers body without hindering mobility. This helps minimize stress on joints and muscles, especially during prolonged or repetitive fin kicks.
• Lightweight Design: Compared to other braided hoses, the METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is relatively lightweight, which contributes to overall rig buoyancy control and reduces fatigue from carrying heavier equipment.
• Minimal Bulkiness: The smooth exterior of the hose prevents snagging on gear or obstacles underwater, reducing the risk of entanglement and potential injuries. Users consistently praise the comfort provided by this hose, noting that it allows for a more natural range of motion during dives without sacrificing performance.

The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is designed to meet the specific needs of technical divers and deliver optimal functionality across various applications. Here's how it performs:

• Gas Transfer Efficiency: The smooth interior bore minimizes flow restriction, ensuring a consistent and efficient gas supply to second stages or drysuit inflators/deflators. This contributes to improved breathing performance and temperature regulation.
• Kink Resistance: The braided stainless steel jacket provides excellent resistance against kinking, even when the hose is sharply bent during dives. This helps prevent sudden loss of gas flow and potential regulator free-flow issues.
• Pressure Stability: The high-pressure rating ensures that the hose can handle the increased pressures associated with technical diving systems without compromising safety or performance.
• Versatility: The 3/8" NPT fittings are compatible with a wide range of regulators and drysuit valves, making it easy to integrate into existing rigs. Divers have reported consistent and reliable gas delivery when using this hose for various applications, including breathing air supply, drysuit inflation/deflation, and pony bottle connections.

The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided has garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from technical divers worldwide. Here's a summary of what users are saying:

• Durability: Many reviewers highlight the hose's exceptional durability, noting that it shows minimal wear and tear even after hundreds of dives in challenging environments.
• Kink Resistance: Users appreciate the braided stainless steel jacket for its ability to resist kinking, which helps maintain consistent gas flow during dives.
• Comfort: Divers praise the hose's flexibility and lightweight design for enhancing comfort and range of motion during technical diving operations.
• Value for Money: While the METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is a premium product, users generally agree that it offers excellent value for money given its superior quality and durability compared to other braided hoses on the market. However, some users have reported occasional issues with O-ring seals leaking after prolonged use or exposure to extreme temperatures. This can be easily addressed by replacing the O-rings as needed, but it's something to keep in mind when considering this hose for your rig.

The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is priced at around $120-$150 depending on length and retailer. This places it firmly within the premium category of diving hoses, but its exceptional quality and durability justify the higher price tag. While there are cheaper braided hose options available, they often compromise on materials or construction methods to reduce costs. The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided prioritizes performance and longevity over affordability, making it a worthwhile investment for serious technical divers who demand the best from their equipment.

The METALSUB Jacket Hose Flex Tek Braided is an excellent choice for technical divers seeking a durable, comfortable, and high-performing hose that can withstand the rigors of demanding dives. Its robust construction, kink resistance, and efficient gas transfer capabilities make it a standout option in its category. While its price point may be higher than some alternatives, the quality and longevity offered by this hose justify the investment for those who rely on their gear to perform flawlessly under pressure.

Braided hoses offer several advantages: they are more robust, less prone to kinking, resist abrasion better, and typically have a longer lifespan compared to standard rubber hoses. The Flex Tek braiding provides extra flexibility without sacrificing strength.

Yes, it is designed to be universally compatible with most scuba diving regulators and octopus setups. It features standard DIN/Yoke fittings. However, always double-check your regulator's specifications before purchasing.

The ideal hose length depends on your personal preference and the configuration of your jacket. A 30-inch (75cm) hose is a good starting point for most divers, but longer hoses are available to accommodate specific needs or setups.

The Flex Tek braiding allows for a greater range of movement compared to traditional braided hoses while maintaining strength and durability. This reduces strain on your regulator connections and improves overall comfort during dives.

The inner hose is constructed from high-quality, low permeability polyurethane, which minimizes gas diffusion and maximizes performance. The outer braiding is a durable stainless steel material that resists corrosion and abrasion.

Yes, it's designed for use in harsh marine environments including salt water, chlorinated pools, and freshwater lakes. Proper rinsing with fresh water after each dive will prolong its lifespan.

Installation is straightforward: simply connect one end to your regulator's LP (Low Pressure) port using a standard DIN/Yoke fitting and the other end to the jacket hose connection. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before diving.

Regular rinsing with fresh water after each dive is recommended to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. Inspect for any signs of wear or damage before each use, especially around fittings. Replace if necessary.

With proper care and maintenance, this hose can provide years of reliable service. The braided construction offers superior durability compared to standard rubber hoses, significantly extending its lifespan.

Yes, METALSUB typically provides a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Please refer to the manufacturer's website or your retailer for specific warranty details.

You can find it online at various scuba diving equipment retailers and marketplaces that specialize in technical dive gear.

Using a premium hose ensures reliable gas delivery, minimizes regulator drag, enhances comfort during dives, and reduces the risk of leaks or failures underwater. Investing in quality diving gear is essential for safety and performance.

The Flex Tek braiding offers superior flexibility compared to some of their standard braided models while maintaining strength and durability. It's a great choice for divers who prioritize comfort and ease of movement during dives.

DIN (5mm) is a threaded connection that offers a more secure fit than Yoke (3/4 inch). Yoke uses an o-ring to create the seal. Choose based on your regulator's specifications; most regulators can accommodate both.

Yes, it is suitable for use in technical diving scenarios where durability and reliability are critical. Its robust construction and flexibility make it a good choice for demanding conditions.

You may need an adjustable wrench to tighten fittings securely during installation. For maintenance purposes, rinsing with fresh water after each dive is sufficient. Inspecting the hose visually will reveal most issues.