APValves inflation adaptor hose connector

[Stevex]

Thinking about getting a Buddy Commando/TD but have read that the inflation adaptor hose connector is a size that will not fit hoses other than specific APValves hoses from fitting, is this correct? If so, is it possible to fit a 'normal' connector so that other regs can be used without the faff of changing hoses?

[TerryH]

Thinking about getting a Buddy Commando/TD but have read that the inflation adaptor hose connector is a size that will not fit hoses other than specific APValves hoses from fitting, is this correct? If so, is it possible to fit a 'normal' connector so that other regs can be used without the faff of changing hoses?


The short awnser is no.

You can change most other makes of BC to the AP fitting by swapping the
nipple on the inflator, but cant do it the other way, because the AP one
is an intergral part.

TBH though I have a range of BC's/wings and some buddy's, it only takes
seconds to swap.

[Richard Whitcombe]

Thinking about getting a Buddy Commando/TD but have read that the inflation adaptor hose connector is a size that will not fit hoses other than specific APValves hoses from fitting, is this correct? If so, is it possible to fit a 'normal' connector so that other regs can be used without the faff of changing hoses?

Basically no. Its probably the most irritating thing about the AP Valves range of products of the lot.
A problem is a standard hose will FIT but wont depress the valve enough for air to flow so it looks ok but wont work. The opposite problem encountered using an AP hose on a normal BCD too.

AP have also made it impossible to swap the connector nipple.

The only sensible option is to change out the entire inflation unit for a standard one. Then you can use standard hoses and not worry when travelling ih a hose goes, borrow regs and so on.

[TerryH]

Our only problem with AP, is the lack of an XS size, forcing us to use
some Mares ones with the nipple changed to an AP one.

Much rather have all the same, but as they dont make them, we dont
exactly have a choice.

[Richard Whitcombe]

We did the opposite, moved away from AP purely for standardisation with regs, students possible own regs, dive shop rental regs and so on.

[Stevex]

The only sensible option is to change out the entire inflation unit for a standard one.

Have just bought a secondhand Commando; is there anywhere I can find out which inflator would be compatible with this bcd, bearing in mind the elbow dump on the left hand shoulder is operated via a cable running through the hose by pulling the inflator?
Infact having just read the Commando manual online it looks like this option may require the elbow dump and convoluted inflation/deflation hose to be replaced as well; the Commando convoluted hose connections appear special to type too!

[Nigel Hewitt]

Conversely the AP one will deliver enough gas to breathe through at depth while the usual BCD inflater definitely won't. If you use one of their reg/inflator things it's great kit but if all you are doing is inflating the jacket it's a bit of a comparability problem.

You pays you're money and makes your choice...

[TerryH]

Have just bought a secondhand Commando; is there anywhere I can find out which inflator would be compatible with this bcd, bearing in mind the elbow dump on the left hand shoulder is operated via a cable running through the hose by pulling the inflator?
Infact having just read the Commando manual online it looks like this option may require the elbow dump and convoluted inflation/deflation hose to be replaced as well; the Commando convoluted hose connections appear special to type too!

The pull hose makes no difference, the elbow can be fitted to any hose,
what does is the type of inflator you have and again its an easy choice.

Really old buddies with a black column type inflator, the most common
AP200 and the new sexy version all take the same bog standard AP hose.

The only one that is different is the auto-air which is much larger.

So if you have three buttons to press its an auto-air and the larger one,
if you've got two, then its a standard inflator.

Just make sure its made by AP, then you cant go wrong :D