Hookah diving is also known as scuba diving. It is ideal for someone who wants to explore underwater without the cumbersome gear of traditional scuba diving. You can discover with minimal interference in your range of motion with a hookah diving system. A hookah diving system, also known as surfaced, supplied air. It is a great way to move up to traditional scuba diving after you have mastered snorkeling. It enhances the ease and freedom of snorkeling with the underwater breathing capabilities of scuba. And also, when purchasing a hookah diving system, you should present proof of your scuba certification.
Scuba diving can be more fun than other diving, but only if you have the right equipment and, of course, relevant skills and accreditation. There is a way to breathe while diving underwater without going through the usual diving courses.
How Hookah Diving Works?
Modern hookah diving systems consist of five main parts: air reservoir tank, breathing hose, harness air filter, and regulator. Drawing air from the surrounding environment, usually via an inlet particle filter, compressors for hookah systems use a flexible membrane-like rubber diaphragm to compress the air. Usually pressures range from 30 to 50 pounds per square inch, which is sufficient for a single diver functioning no deeper than 33 feet. If there are multiple divers and they are breathing from the same system or divers, and this works at greater depth or under exertion. They need a higher pressure of air within the system. When there are higher-pressure compressors, use pistons to press air to about 100 psi.
Although the air pressure in hookah diving is much less than in a scuba cylinder, every hookah air-compressor system owns a relief valve to stop over-pressuring the reservoir tank. Hookah compressors can be mounted on boats; it helps clean boat hulls. They can be floated, allowing for divers’ increased mobility and identification from the surface. The compressor’s location, newly pressured air, goes to a reservoir tank. It is the place where the air cools and releases moisture. Hookah systems carry out air to divers through long, colorful hoses, which connect directly to the reservoir tank. The hoses are typically made out of durable 3/8-inch-diameter vinyl plastic, so that it does not twist, and is positively floatable to reduce complications.
The opposite end of each breathing hose attaches to a one-way valve located on the back of a hookah diver’s harness.
This valve blocks air from back-flowing and prevents the hose from sucking the air out of the diver’s lungs and in the infrequent occurrence of an air-hose breach. At the other end of this one-way valve has a connecting point for a regulator hose. Hookah regulators take air to the diver on demand, but they are not replaceable with scuba regulators. The 30-50 psi of pressure provided by a hookah system is insufficient to operate a downstream valve in a second-stage scuba regulator. There is no problem with hookah regulators, which have a more sensitive tilt or pin valve. All hookah systems are open circuits, and the divers exhale bubbles into the environment whether the regulator has a mouthpiece or is attached to a full-face mask.
How much weight do you need for hookah diving?
Hookah diving is not something to take lightly. Hookah training and scuba training are coming in just short of getting a cert. That included training in a high school diving well with a scuba instructor on site.
Proper practice with your equipment is a must; removing the mask and regulator and clearing these must be practiced. You should be comfortable with them before you start your diving. Dumping your wts and replacing them underwater is also part of the training. And again, you should study water depths and the effect this has on your body. Boots vs. fins: So far, boots seem to be more comfortable, but this may differ from one to the other with experience. The ankle wts were added from the training experience.
What is the hookah dive system?
A diving hookah diving system uses a compressor to help divers when they dive into the waters. The diving unit stays above the water with hoses feeding down to regulators worn by the divers. That means you do not have to wear any tank or other diving equipment when hookah diving, but wear only the mask and regulator are required. Hookahs are increasingly becoming famous for boat owners because it allows friends and family. For the customers in a commercial setting, to start diving without the need for formal training.
The things that are a must to look for when buying a hookah dive system?
As hookahs are becoming more popular, more and more diving systems are entering the market. When shopping for hookahs, there are several things to be considered.
Design
A sound hookah system should always be compact and lightweight. It is essential to ensure as they remain portable.
Run time
It describes the maximum time it should support divers. Gasoline hookahs carry a run time of approximately 3 hours on average. Now there are electric hookahs also that can run continuously as long as there is power.
Marine-friendliness
You should go for a hookah and a minimal impact on marine and aquatic life. It describes in terms of emissions and operation noise.
Certification
It needs to have been certified to use a hookah. So, it is essential to purchase a hookah from a well-known brand as a guarantee and be approved by the relevant authorities.
What are the top 5 best diving hookah systems reviewed?
What you should look out for when buying a hookah diving system now, it is essential to get to know the best diving hookah systems. These are the best hookah dive kits available today.
1 Airline RThe260-4 Hookah System
The AirLine R260-4 hookah system is a lightweight kit that enables you to scuba dive without heavy gear pressure.
It has a 4.0HP Honda engine and can hold up to 50 lbs. You can go anywhere, with this scuba diving kit, from the shallow waters to deep trenches.
The manufacturer
Jsink has manufactured this scuba diving kit. It is a renowned manufacturer of marine diving equipment. These include commercial dive equipment, scuba dive kits, dive gear, and so on. The company offers scuba diving and a great downloadable hookah training-home study guide to the buyers.
Compact and lightweight design of the system.
This kit supports a compact and lightweight design for a significant diving experience. It measures that 19.5 by 25 by 17 inches and weighs only 46 lbs. It has a free case with a lid and a deluxe gear bag for convenient storage and portability.
Superb performance
The AirLine R260-4 diving system is among the best there is when we discuss the performance. It consists of a 4.0HP Honda engine that can support up to 2 divers for a depth of 70 ft. or three divers to 40 ft.
The compressor has a direct drive, oil-free, and single-head Wobble piston. It has been optimized for maximum output. The compressor is cooled with the help of a fan. It is well vented for internal wash-out without necessarily disassembling the unit.
Maintenance and warranty
Not like many other kits, this particular one is straightforward to maintain and handle. First, the compressor is marine-friendly. It has a 400-500-hour service interval. It also carries out an internal wash-out vent system. So, there is nothing to worry about more about this.
The diving kit comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on the compressor and three years on the Honda motor, and one year on other components.
Pros of the Airline R260-4 Hookah System.
- This kit can be taken anywhere, as there are no limitations. You can take it anywhere, courtesy of its portable design, including in airlines and packaging equipment.
- It can support up to 3 divers.
- Easy to maintain.
- High performance
- Extended run time
The AirLine 260-4 Hookah is a great scuba diving kit for hookah divers. It offers unequaled performance and can support up to 3 divers. The system consists of full gear for two divers. It needs little maintenance and is easy to set up and get started. It can say that this is the best hookah dive system on the market today.
2 Brownie’s Third Lung Explorer F285x Hookah Kit
It is the lightest hookah system that Brownie has produced. This hookah diving system has been created with top-notch features that revolutionize scuba diving. It also has a high-performance gasoline engine that guarantees a run time of up to 3 hours. You can get an incredible diving experience with the Brownie’s F285X and enjoy scuba diving is on another level.
The Manufacturer
Brownies have manufactured this diving kit. With its establishment, it has slowly risen within the ranks of a global brand in the market. The company is popular for the manufacture of world-class diving equipment.
Compact and Lightweight Design of The System.
The Explorer F285X diving system is constructed in a compact and lightweight design. It quantifies 17 by 24 by 14 inches and weighs only 44 lbs. This diving system makes it easy for divers to carry it even by boat. For easy packaging and portability, this comes with an impact-resistant HDPE cover and duffle gear bag.
Best in Class Performance
This hookah system has been produced with a Robins Subaru 4 stroke motor engine that can deliver an impressive 4.5 HP. It is driven by using gasoline. It can last divers for approximately 3 hours. The compressor of this system is an oil-less single-head direct drive. This hookah kit is possible to support two divers at a depth of 70-80 ft. and three divers at 30-45 ft. depending on the divers breathing.
Pros.
- Developed with a lightweight design
- Supports up to two to 3 divers
- Easy to use and handle.
- Maintenance is free
- Extended run time
- Developed according to an oil-free design
The Third Lung Explorer F285X Scuba Hookah diving kit can be an excellent purchase for any diving individual. It would support up to 3 divers. It has an impressive run time. Maintenance of the system requirements is minimal, and the price is affordable than others considering its features. It is the best choice if you are looking for a reliable hookah kit.
3 IORMAN Original Electric Vacuum – Third Lung Surface Hookah
The IORMAN Original electric vacuum third lung surface hookah is another great hookah system with a hose regulator for instant diving. It is an electric hookah system, and it has a powerful 12V motor for optimum performance.
This system offers low noise operation and also marine-friendly.
The manufacturer
This electric surface hookah is designed and manufactured by IORMAN. It is a growing brand that is known to offer affordable and reliable diving solutions. This company emphasizes R&D to ensure it stays ahead of the sport constantly.
The sturdy and robust build of the system.
The IORMAN Original Diaphragm Vacuum Pump is a sturdy and robust design. It is lightweight and easily portable. The pump’s made of aluminum, while the valves have been crafted from stainless steel.
Best-In-Class Performance
It is best in performance, and It has a 12V DC, 160 Watts Motor that delivers an impressive 1900 RPM when at its climax. Furthermore, it can assist one diver to a maximum depth of 82 feet with a Max Flow Rate of136L/Min. On the other hand, it also contains an FNPT Inlet and FNPT Outlet, and it measures 0.25-inches and comes with a hose regulator.
Marine-Friendly Diving System.
It is not like many other hookahs that cause a lot of disturbance to sea ecology. This hookah is a marine-friendly system. It has an oil-less design, so you do not need to worry about oil spillage effects. It is also resistant to seawater corrosion, something that might end up in contaminated water.
The motor is optimized to ensure it emits very little noise when working.
All-Day Operation
We can use this surface hooker for 24 hours. It is not like the gasoline hookahs that frequently need cooling and refilling. This diving system will be operational for as long as you have power.
Pros.
- It consists of corrosion-resistant parts.
- Low noise when operating.
- 24-hour operation
- Enhanced performance
- Easy to setup
- Fewer oil designs
Although this hookah has been designed especially for a personal PCP paintball game, this is limitless and highly versatile. It can also use it for recreational diving. And again, for the maintenance of underwater equipment and other recreational activities. It consists of optimum performance, and the price is justifiable by all means and can be affordable too.
4 Nardi Esprit 3t 24 Volt 3 Litri Hookah – With Hose & Regulator
The Esprit 3T diving hookah system is a top performer in the market of Air Compressors and Diving Hookahs. This hookah is the best one for both professional and recreational use. It has high rankings in performance, reliability, and durability.
The Manufacturer
Nardi Compressors manufacture the Esprit 3T diving hookah system. They are a successful Italian company in the world market of oil-less and piston compressors. It was established in 1980, and the company has grown exponentially into a world leader courtesy of its innovative designs that combine the latest technologies and concepts.
Nowadays, this is among the trusted brands in compressors and other related solutions in the market.
Sturdy and Compact
The Nardi Esprit 3T consists of a sturdy and compact design, making operation and portability easy. It measures approximately 45 x 24 x 28 and weighs only 27 lbs. The compressor has a cast aluminum case, and it complements the overall design. The main component of this is housed in a strong frame that has been engineered to reduce vibrations. It produces only 58 DB. It makes it among the quietest hookah kits.
Easily Portable
The Esprit 3T is produced in a design that makes it easily portable. And also, it is compact and lightweight. It measures 45 x 24 x 28 and weighs only 27 lbs. And it has ergonomic handles that guarantee a tight grip. Also, it consists of wheels for easy movement.
Superb Performance
This diving hookah is powered by a two-cylinder 500 Watts compressor that can hit 2800 RPM comfortably. The system’s motors are super-efficient, and the compressor features an oil-less approach in its design, making it easy to maintain hookah.
Supports Up to Two Divers
The Esprit has a large 3-liter tank, and it supports up to two divers. The 210 lpm air intake and 10 Bar (145 psi) pressure make the perfect hookah system for deep dives.
This unit of the diving system comes with a 50 -inch diver hose with quick disconnect fittings.
Highly Versatile
Unlike many diving hookahs designed explicitly for a specific task, the Nardi Esprit 3T can be used for a wide range of activities. It is popularly used in swimming pool maintenance, boat maintenance, training, and recreational diving, among other purposes. Notably, it is even used for spearfishing.
Pros.
- Highly portable diving system.
- Low noise operation is available.
- Super-efficient performance.
- Supports up to two divers
- It comes with a hose and regulator.
- It can be used for a wide range of applications.
The Nardi Esprit 3T system is reliable, and it is an efficient surface-supplied air unit. It has a muscular build and challenging design that does not compromise portability. The price of this diving system is very reasonable when you factor in its benefits.
5 Brownie’s Third Lung E150b Electric Hookah
The Brownie’s E150B electric hookah is a great hookah that has been built for recreational as well as commercial use. It is powered by a 75 HP engine that enables the compressor to serve even two divers. Here is an in-depth review of the Third Lung E150B.
The Manufacturer
This Hookah diving system is manufactured by Brownie’s, a successful diving solutions provider. With the company’s establishment, it has risen within the ranks into a global brand. The company is popular for the manufacture of world-class diving equipment and services in the market.
Simple and Easily Portable Design
The Brownie’s Third Lung E150B electric hookah has been crafted in a simple and portable design. The materials used here were studied well to guarantee efficiency and, most considerably, durability. Apart from this, it comes with a free protective storage case with an HDPE cover for carrying it with you anywhere.
Superior Performance
This electric hookah diving system offers impressive performance when compared to other similar hookahs in its price range.
It boasts a 1.0 HP TEFC motor with a sealed switch, and the compressor is a Single Head Direct Drive system. This system serves one diver to a depth of 50 – 55 feet and two divers 25 – 30 feet.
It comes with Regulator And Hose.
The compressor comes with a 10 ft. hose and another 60 ft—diver hose with fully equipped QRS fittings. There is also the Patented Brownie’s second stage hookah regulator, and it delivers exceptional performance.
Continuous Run Time
The Brownie’s E150B electric diving hookah offers continuous operation as long as power is available. The motors of this system have been designed to ensure long hours of use without heating up. This setup makes it an excellent hookah for research, in-depth water maintenance, recreation, and more.
Pros
- Can support up to two divers
- There is a continuous run time.
- Easily portable
- Setup is very easy.
This diving system offers unrivaled performance. It is the reason that it is among the best sellers on many retail platforms.
This electric diving hookah system can run continuously, unlike gasoline-powered hookers with an average 3-hour run time. It will be the perfect sale for you. If you want a hookah, it will surely guarantee you more hours underwater.
Risks of Hookah Diving
As recreational hookah diving does not need diving certification, it may cause many of the same scuba diving risks. Some hookah divers forget that they are still breathing compressed air and abandon the safety protocols while scuba diving, without a cylinder on their backs, such as ascending slowly, considering their time spent at depth. The limited length of breathing hoses restrains divers from exceeding their prescribed limited depths. But DAN supported research shows that hookah divers may be at risk of decompression sickness. It is also called DCS. It is not surprising that the commercial harvesters in many areas had a higher prevalence of DCS. They dive to earn money and likely push their limits to harvest as much as possible. DCS persists as a concern, however, for recreational hookah divers who do not adhere to appropriate limits.
As the certification is not a prerequisite for hookah diving, many hookah divers have not had training and can experience life-threatening issues while diving. It may be dangerous if they do not receive proper safety guidelines before they dive. Along with the risk of DCS, people are not familiar with basic scuba diving physiology. It may also be unaware that holding their breath can affect a lung overexpansion injury or a gas embolism. That may cause significant damage if they forget to exhale while ascending. Proper coaching before the dive is essential for safe recreational hookah diving operations.
Risks continued…
Although there are enough training or pre-dive coaching, hookah diving systems also present some unique risks for divers using them. The most common and severe threat is carbon monoxide poisoning from boat exhaust. Recreational hookah diving usually takes place from boats. If a system’s compressor intakes any exhaust from the boat’s engine, it can directly deliver carbon monoxide to the divers below the surface. Breathing this colorless, odorless and tasteless gas prompts hypoxia, avoiding adequate oxygen delivery to tissues, the brain, and other organs. Starting it first as a dull headache, and then the dizziness or weakness, carbon monoxide poisoning may progress to loss of consciousness and irreversible brain damage or even death. It is necessary that the air intake on a compressor is placed upwind and as far as possible from the engine’s exhaust.
Hookah diving can be a safe and exciting way to explore people in the underwater world. They might don a bulky dive helmet and walk a predetermined path at a resort or explore the marine life on a shallow-water excursion. Even hookah divers will have a safer and more enjoyable diving experience if they know how hookah systems work and manage the associated risks.
Hookah Diver Training
Hookah is more advanced than scuba diving, and it requires both basic open-water training and specialty hookah training. When considering Hookah divers, they always need to be very familiar with diving table calculations due to continuous air supply. And also, they are very capable of exceeding table limits. In addition to those, whoever supervises the hookah in the boat needs to know its operation in detail, including preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, etc.
Hookah Maintenance and performance
Due to some of the reasons outlined above, hookah’s failure rate is higher than modern scuba regulators. And the hookah divers are also personally responsible for something with the scuba divers who take for granted their air supply.
Dive shops in Tasmania and around test their air and maintain their filling station equipment to ensure air quality meets Australian Standards. The owner of the hookah system apparatus is responsible for the purity of the air they breathe. Very few hookah owners can quote the results of their last air test. Whenever you are invited to dive with a friend who owns a hookah, you should always ask what air filters are in the apparatus. When they last changed, you must ask when it was prior serviced and how often they test their air. Whenever a hookah is placed on your boat by others, these questions should be asked, as it may be carrying a death trap on your boat. Eventually, you will now become partially responsible for it.
Knowledge of Hookah diving and its performance is essential if more than one diver uses the equipment.
Hookah provides low-pressure air at a line pressure of around 6-8 atmospheres, and some are as low as 4 atmospheres. The line pressures are often not stated and should be measured and reported at the time of service. Usually, a differential of 5 atmospheres is needed for comfortable breathing. The product of pressure and volume is essential for evaluating actual performance. In general, hookah use should be restricted to less than 18 meters in depth because of its low-pressure output. If two divers are working from the hookah, there can be added complexity due to extra hose connections. And the depth may reduce accordingly.
It is better to operate two divers’ hoses directly off the hookah pump reservoir, and it will cause a minimum reduction in flow and pressure. Exercising divers may use up to 50 liters per minute. And it must be multiplied by the depth in the atmosphere to calculate their air requirements when diving.
Emergency Procedures
Hookah diving is ideal for diving in remote locations. You just pull the cord, and there is continuous air for you! It is easier than carrying heavy scuba cylinders with you and then requiring air fills after each dive. However, with this flexibility comes responsibility also. The greater distance may cause accidents. Proper planning and practice of Emergency procedures is a must before diving. Diver Alert Network’s recent study showed that first aid oxygen makes a significant difference in injured divers’ outcomes.
Wrapping up…
If you are ready to have an excellent and safe diving experience, a good diving hookah kit is essential. These diving kits come with several types of equipment that are necessary for a complete and safe dive. Compared to traditional scuba diving kits, hookahs are easy to use, secure, and offer longer dive hours. So, you can go with the above kits whenever you have been looking for a reliable hookah system. It will help you to have a revolutionary diving experience anywhere at any time. Safe diving, and make sure that all your bubbles are silent ones underwater.
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