Hogarthian style equipment configuration – or the Hog loop - is founded in simplicity and minimalism. In essence, you remove potential failure points and what you do carry is kept as streamlined as possible. The man who pioneered the configuration is William Hogarth Main, co-founder of the Woodville Karst Plain Project (WKPP) deep cave diving team. His first cave dive was in 1969 and he is still diving them safely today.
To briefly explain the configuration, a long hose regulator remains in the mouth of the diver, while a second short hose regulator is bungeed under their chin. In an out of air emergency, the long hose is passed to an out of air diver while the donor switches to the regulator under his/her chin. This is how the dive ends, for the journey out of the cave and subsequent ascent (or to decompression). The out of air diver would be in front of the diver donating gas, to ensure they would be the first to exit.
When kitting up, the long hose (usually 2.1 metres in length) comes across the chest and around the back of the neck. Many divers tuck the excess hose under their harness or use the light cannister on their hip - or a hose retainer - to keep it from floating up in the water. In the event of an emergency, it must be easily deployed away from these items to the diver in trouble. It is essential that divers choosing to wear this configuration practice long hose deployment and check it is not entangled, prior to any descent.
You can choose to dive this configuration with either a single tank or twin manifold. Some manufacturers have made the system available with one first stage and two second stages for recreational diving. This has become more popular since training agencies like RAID have allowed wing and long hose configurations for training at entry level. The single tank rig can then be adapted for deeper/ decompression dives and twin manifolds by adding a first stage (and tweaking the position of low pressure hoses). Many technical divers use their standard rig on shallow recreational dives to remain familiar with it and maintain something called Muscle Memory. This is effectively carrying out tasks and doing skills flawlessly, as if they were second nature.
Today the DIR (Doing It Right) approach to diving uses the Hogarth configuration at the forefront of their approach, as well as simplicity, standardised equipment and fitness.
Single Tank Long Hose sets
Apeks MTX-RC Single Cylinder Regulator Set
The MTX-RC Single Cylinder Long Hose set is designed for the diver that prefers a long hose configuration on a single cylinder. It is also the perfect set-up for the recreational diver looking to transition into twinset diving in the future, as the addition of another first stage creates a twinset regulator configuration.
Combining rugged, military grade engineering with the super-smooth breathing experience that Apeks regulators are renowned for, the MTX-RC single cylinder set dives your way. Featuring the same freeze-resistant technology enjoyed by the whole MTX-R range, the MTX-RC resists freeflows in even the coldest temperatures, while offering the user the additional flexibility to dial it out for a comfortable breathe in less extreme environments.
All this is achieved using an innovative first stage design that protects the regulator from freezing and a full set of user controls on the second stage to adjust the breathing performance based on the diver’s individual needs. The package includes 2 x MTX-RC primary second stages, 1 x MTX-RC first stage, 1x 2.1m hose, 1x 49cm hose (both double swivel hoses), a HP hose and a TEK SPG.
Twin Tank Long Hose Sets
Apeks has developed unique first stages specifically for use on a twin set. Each first stage has three medium pressure ports and one high pressure port. They are hydrostatically over-balanced, cold water compatible and extremely robust. The TEK3 1st stage is equally suitable for single cylinder or stage cylinder configurations, offering perfect snag-free hose positioning.
This set includes two XTX50 second stages with double swivel hoses (the set can be used with all XTX second stages). The TEK3 utilises all of the proven technology contained within the Apeks range of first stage regulators. It incorporates three medium pressure 3/8" UNF ports and one high pressure 7/16” UNF port. The ports are arranged to give a neat, streamlined hose configuration. This allows maximum unrestricted accessibility to the cylinder valves when using a twin cylinder set up. The set now includes Bungee Connector System.
The Apeks TEK Regulator Set with Gauge is also available.
The Mares XR DR Regulator (Deep Regulator) is a complete technical diving regulator set from the Extended Range (XR) of Mares. It is compact and heavy duty and is made for strong resistance and maximum performance even when diving at greater depths. The body of the DR second stage is full metal - high-impact chrome and nickel-plated brass - making it incredibly tough for wear and tear and cold waters. The high thermal conductivity of metal reduces also the dry mouth feeling during the dive.
The regulator has outstanding performance for serious deep diving. There is no need for user adjustments as the Dynamic Flow Control minimizes intermediate pressure drop during inhalation. This maximizes gas delivery, especially under extreme conditions. The hose ports are rationally positioned to make an enhanced and easier breathing. The XR 25X DR set is ideal for scootering, deep, cold and wreck diving!
As part of the complete technical set you will receive 2 x DR Second Stages, 2 x 25XR First Stages, 2 x hoses (1 x 56cm and 1 x 210cm) and 1 x Neck Regulator Bungee.
If you prefer another brand of regulator or wish to adapt your existing equipment to the Hogarthian style, please contact our experienced team who can recommend the right hose lengths and first and second stages that would be appropriate for you.
