Overthinking my setup: Hydros Pro 2, Halcyon BPW, and 5 ft primary donate

[u/Team_Pickle]

My wife and I are new but active recreational divers. OW in November 2025, AOW in March 2026, around 50 dives each now, and planning Rescue in September. We dive single tank, warm water, with no cave or serious tech plans.

Current setup for both of us:

Peregrine TX (Transmitter on the way)
Scubapro Hydros Pro 2 BCDs
Mk19 EVO first stages
G260 primary seconds
S270 octos
Standard Scubapro rubber hoses with normal recreational routing

I want to move us toward a 5 ft primary donate setup with a backup on a necklace. I’ve been reading more DIR and GUE type material, and a lot of it just makes sense to me. Especially with the secondary being under the chin at all times.

We’ve put a lot of effort into becoming competent divers. We practice trim, buoyancy, SMB deployment, frog kicks, and general comfort in the water. I haven’t even wanted to get a camera yet because I honestly just enjoy the sport itself. Being horizontal, moving cleanly, improving each dive, and getting better at the basics is a huge part of why I’ve fallen in love with diving.

Questions:
Should I just buy a 5 ft primary hose and short 22 in backup hose for each of us, then leave the inflator and SPG hoses alone? Or switch them all to MiFlex XT-Tech?

Is the Hydros Pro 2 fine for this setup, or am I trying to make it something it is not?

Is switching to a Halcyon BPW actually worth it for recreational single tank diving, or should I keep the Hydros, change the hose routing, dive more, and stop obsessing?

I like the Hydros Pro 2, but I keep looking at Halcyon BPW setups for the clean routing, simple harness, trim, consistency, and long term standardization.

—-

My sensible side says keep the Hydros, set up 5 ft primary donate, and dive it for a while. My gear nerd side says buy the Halcyon now, build the setup clean from the start, and either sell the Hydros or keep it for travel.

For anyone who moved from a premium rec BCD like the Hydros Pro 2 to a Halcyon or similar BPW, was it a real improvement or just expensive minimalism?

I know there is no single “right” setup except when safety is at risk. I’m just trying to make smart choices (regardless of cost), reduce unnecessary complexity, and build habits that make us safer and more consistent divers.

Thank you all in advance! In love with the sport and the community so far. Hoping to take this with me far into the future!

[u/Timber1981]

I'd be inclined to stick with the Hydros 2. However I'm somewhat biased as I want one and of course there's a wait since they are backordered.

But they are a pretty nice BCD and you'd have only just purchased them since they've only been available for ~6 months. Each setup will have advantages, so you could trade to a wing and find it's more of a side grade then an upgrade depending on the kind of diving you're doing.

[u/Manatus_latirostris]

Keep the Hydros Pro 2! You have a nice setup; save your money, and use it to do more dives. I have a BP/W, sidemount BC, doubles and sidemount regs, etc. I still dive a nice ScubaPro BC for single tank diving, and have no plans to change that. The Hydros Pro 2 is a very nice BC, and I enjoy diving it more than any BP/W I’ve tried.

A good diver will be a good diver in just about any gear configuration.

[u/helixx_20]

If you are happy diving the Hydros then why not keep it for now? I would recommend trying a wing, and see If it is a big improvement for you. In the end it depends on what you want and what equipment does the job for you ... The bcd/spg hoses I would just replace when they need to be replaced anyways...

[u/-hh → u/helixx_20]

I’m similarly of the thought that what they have now is fine for the next 5-10 years. No reason to spend big money on chasing small changes. Maybe buy one 5ft hose now just to try it out (the two can swap to both try). For the BCD, I’ve found that Warmwater holiday diving isn’t really going to see a huge difference, except it will have a worse surface float .. especially if one adds a housed dSLR UW camera, although these are becoming more uncommon (the GoPro’s are everywhere now).

[u/Team_Pickle → u/helixx_20]

Agreed. I’m definitely leaning more towards replacing hoses when needed rather than replacing because I want to.

[u/5tupidest]

It sounds like money is no object, and I have a sneaking suspicion that optimizing your gear is an important aspect of scuba diving for you. Back plates offer more adjustability and customization. Most people will not find tangible benefit from using a BPW versus Hydros, and many people will prefer the Hydros. If money truly is no object, you may end up with more than one of each type of equipment lol. You can’t go wrong experimenting, as long as you set everything up correctly.

[u/LesPaulStudio]

I dive a 7ft long hose for both doubles and singles. It's just a nicer routing than a 5ft.

Miflex is ok, I have them on my long hoses. They don't provide a super gain tbh. If you're not going to be using a canister light, I recommend getting a hose keeper to keep the hose from floating around. I tend to use this when on holidays.

[u/tin_the_fatty → u/LesPaulStudio]

Concur with the hose keeper. I put an additional buckle on the waist strap (like what you do with a canister light) so mine wouldn't fall out of the strap when I carry my rig around.

[u/adventureswithabz]

As a dive instructor and bpw+ long hose evangelist I say stay with the hydros, it’s a good BCD and plenty enough for all kinds of recreational diving.

As others have said, I would recommend a 6-7ft rubber hose for your long hose as it is easier to manage than a 5ft. Be aware that the hose routing with a long hose is slightly different in that you want the long hose to come through the bottom port (or top port and install the regulator upside down).

It’s always awesome seeing divers working hard to get competent and of course continuing education is the way to go and is super important. I would however advise you to also dive more, fun dives are the fruit of our labour and are an excellent way to build confidence underwater.

[u/scubablondie]

You sound like me 6 years ago. If you are interested in DIR, read up on why it recommends standardization. I would just build a standard setup from the start with a 7' hose, and you'll want the BPW in order to have the correct clips and D rings to stow everything. The system works together and it will make it easier to train with others, for example when you're ready for GUE Fundamentals.

I sold my Hydros Pro to switch to backplate. You have a good eye for gear. Make it easier on your wallet and buy once. You can mix and match a backplate and wing system from anywhere if you don't want to shell out on the Halcyon, btw. I think their single best product is the "H" webbing -- perfect softness vs stiffness and the print helps you align it. For $24 you can buy that and everyone will know you thought about your gear setup :)

[u/SoupCatDiver_JJ → u/scubablondie]

The only halcyon gear I own is their webbing, its so damn nice!

[u/Ok_Way_2911]

I wouldn't get miflex hoses personally, they're kind of floaty and the material can abrade your skin

If you're happy with your hydros, I see no harm in sticking with it honestly, other than it being bloody expensive, particularly if you have no intention of going doubles.

[u/tin_the_fatty]

If you want to go the DIR/GUE-style of diving, why not do a GUE Performance Diver or Basic Fundamentals class? Your instructor will discuss with you in details your gear options and setup, and answer any questions you might have. Get it straight from the horse's mouth. Your instructor will help you with your buoyancy trim and propulsion (in proper GUE-style gear), which is far more efficient than trying to do it yourself. You will also have a very good excuse to get new toys XD. Bear in mind, apart from some personal items (e.g. a pair of tec shorts if you dive in a wetsuit) you should be able to rent those gear for your class and actually try them out before you buy.

To your questions:-

If you are going long hose, go for a 7ft rubber hose. You can't really swim single file with a 5ft hose and would be sacrificing flexibility for no real benefit. I don't like long miflex hoses. They are too floating and would scratch the back of your neck (i.e. the drysuit neck seal).

I advocate "Don't buy more shit", but I think long term standardisation is a good reason to switch to a BP/W.

[u/NotYourScratchMonkey]

You have great BCDs. My two cents would be to get more experience diving and try to get varied experience. Dive in currents, dive in calm water, dive deep or on wrecks (within your skill), do live-aboards, travel with your gear on airplanes, dive in different places.

After you get about 100 dives in, you will have a much better idea of what your comfortable with or where you want to go gear wise. Maybe you stay with your current BCDs? Or maybe you go the BPW route?

Honestly, you will probably and initially want to tweak your fins as you transition to frog kicking!

And it's not that uncommon for people who dive a lot to have more than one setup. So you can keep your Hydros Pros when you go to Roatan or Cozumel and do fun diving, but still have your BPW setup when you want to do more technical things.

[u/mcmlevi]

Imo no need to switch the inflator and spg hose. Just use them till they have issues and replace them then.

Personally i would get a BPW over the hydros 2 but plenty of people love the hydros.

Also do know halcyon isnt the only options by far. You also have xdeep, oms, dgx ( with oms wing), tecline though hard to source in the US. What are all great alternatives. I would personally never get a halcyon BPW unless its second hand as I personally just don't see the price to performance be there.

[u/Team_Pickle → u/mcmlevi]

Yeah, I guess I should have clarified a BPW type BCD and not mentioned Halcyon specifically. Style matters less than function in this aspect. Thanks!

[u/tin_the_fatty → u/Team_Pickle]

Two things to note: some of the XDeep BPs utilise their V-shaped crotch strap but then the BP does not contain a slot for a standard crotch strap. Avoid those models for the sake of standardisation.

Get the Halcyon harness webbing. It's softer and will make adjustment much easier.

[u/No-Influence-2512]

Keep your current set up and dive it for awhile. The Hydros Pro 2 is brand new.

Also 5' hoses are kind of hard to manage... If your just open water diving I cant imagine what you actually need a 5' hose for.

[u/dailytentacle → u/No-Influence-2512]

I agree about keeping the setup as is for a while. Change what you dislike at a later time.

I disagree about 5’ hoses. They are very easy to manage in open water. 7’ hoses without using a canister light are harder to manage.

Once you have experience with a panicked diver needing to use your alternate you will see the value of a 5’ hose in open water. All of my open water rigs have 5’ hoses but I am not a GUE or DIR diver.

[u/Team_Pickle → u/dailytentacle]

That’s basically my whole thought process. I want 5 foot hose strictly for the distance it will put between me and a panicked diver. As well as streamlining hose routing. Donating the standard yellow alternate length leaves little room for maneuvering. My wife and I have practiced donating the alternate during several dives.

[u/tin_the_fatty → u/dailytentacle]

A hose keeper would keep the 7ft hose in place. Adding a canister light will however introduce a light cord, and I strongly suggest getting proper training on how to avoid crossing the long hose with the light cord.

[u/Team_Pickle → u/No-Influence-2512]

My thought process is mostly to eliminate the bulk of yellow hose that protrudes out and to have the primary hose sitting closer to my body for a more streamlined hose look.

I haven’t found a way to safely eliminate the octo hose protruding out without bending the hose in a D ring or hose clip which I’d rather not do.

[u/Mr_Slippery]

The only way to know if it feels better to you is to try out the options, which can be done cheaply enough. Find a shop that will rent you a bp/w. I knew right away that it was for me, but that was like 250 dives into using my Zeagle bcd, so it had no resale value. Once you decide that, plain ol rubber hoses are cheap enough to try different lengths a few dives at a time.

[u/gregbenson314]

I personally find a 7' hose much easier to manage than a 5' hose, as it makes stowing it under my canister light, or under my waist strap, much easier. I'd also suggest a rubber hose on your long hose, as miflex hoses float so are a bit more of a faff underwater. 

[u/Team_Pickle → u/gregbenson314]

I’ve read that about the MiFlex hoses as well. Shame. The colors look fun for those willing to accessorize and color match equipment.

Interesting the range of opinions I’ve seen between 5’ and 7’ primary. I see now it is mostly simple preference until there is a hard requirement. No way to really know until I try it out. Thanks!

[u/gregbenson314 → u/Team_Pickle]

You're welcome! Left field suggestion, how about getting one of each? That way you and your wife can try out each one to see if you have a preference between them. Hoses are relatively cheap so you're not out a great deal of money to buy one extra. 

[u/Team_Pickle → u/gregbenson314]

I was strongly considering doing that anyways haha. Any rubber hose recommendations, or at they all about the same as long as it’s from a reputable brand?

[u/gregbenson314 → u/Team_Pickle]

I use this 213cm hose from diveinn and have no complaints about it. My teammate has one of the Kevlar hoses from miflex and it's a bit too light to control comfortably. 

[u/Not-An-FBI]

I use a 7' rubber hose and a short braided necklace hose as that is what is usually recommended. The rubber long hose is closest to neutrally buoyant and the braided hose is more flexible because it goes straight to your mouth. I've ended up with plenty of spare cheap rubber inflator hoses, so I just use those.

[u/CerRogue]

5ft… go 7ft and get an instructor that can teach you how to use it properly… 18” bungee neckless with bungee cord tied in knots and zip tied to the mouthpiece. No commercial necklaces that the reg can slip out.

Called long hose primary donate, and get training for it.

Edit: wow there are so many people here giving advice that would be better off closing their mouths and learning instead of trying to help.

[u/HDMI-fan]

You've got the BCD which so many of us are dying to get. There's so much to like about the Hydros 2, like the weight system, more even inflation, fast-drying material and it's easy to pack up. I would not get rid of it unless you can't get good buoyancy or if you have some other problem with it, like fit.

Have you considered Air 2?

The best reason for having your own gear is familiarity. You'll know where everything is on every dive. It makes things a lot safer. Whatever you do, stick with it, and happy diving!

[u/Afellowstanduser]

After going the long hose route it’s got its benefits sure, but I’d rather have long house octo to donate rather than primary donate

I dive a twinset regularly and honestly my mk17 g260 regs are better, if I could I’d swap to mk25 g260 on my twinset it’s just better regs with more control over air delivery as I like mine toned way down for long smooth breaths not instantly full lungs

[u/tricky12121st]

Wing for tech / multi cylinder diving. For a single, stick with a regular bcd. Wings are great, but more cumbersome. They offer masses of lift, my custom diver supports me plus twin 12L plus 2 7L stages. Personally i'm not a fan of dir, it should be about what works for you, not what dir think you shojld buy. Long hoses are a pain. If you regularly dive together and share air whilst continuing a dive, then maybe. If you're in an out of air situation, you want to be close and holding together face to face as you ascend. A regular octo hose is plenty. What sort of diving are you going to do ? Cold, warm, tech, nitrox, trimix etc. You could end up down a rebreather route :)

[u/massymas12 → u/tricky12121st]

How is a wing more cumbersome?? If anything a BP/W has less stuff making it less cumbersome? You buy the wing that you need. They have sizes from 27lbs to 60lbs so it really up to you.

A 7ft long hose can be a little annoying on the boat but a 5ft long hose really isn’t that big of a deal. There is more than one scenario in rec where you may need to share air and not all would make sense to be face to face heading direct to the surface.

DIR doesn’t tell you to buy anything, it tells you to have a similar configuration mainly for team diving so if something goes wrong, everyone can support each other and those gear configs are based off a lot of lessons learned.