by micropedes1 » Wed May 02, 2012 8:59 am
I have used all of those discussed. Kanaflex's major drawback is its relative stiffness in cold water. Yet it is the most resistant to collapse of all those that I have used. Tigerflex made 10 years ago has had more resistance to collapse than hose made today. Nothing more discouraging than getting a rock across the nozzle and having your entire hose get sucked flat! To make the best of both worlds, use Kanaflex for your main hose and use a short 5' section of the lighter, more flexible Tigerflex near your suction nozzle.
I spent some time arguing with Pacific Echo sales last week about their resistance to collapse under higher vacuum. They indicated that their posted vacuum rating was under-rated and that their hose would indeed resist 30# of suction. This was for their 12" , #125 hose. Their recommendation was to step up to their #126 hose as it is made with an extra layer of re-inforcing material and therefore more resistant to collapse. And it was cheaper than either of the major brands listed above. The only drawback with the #126 hose is that it has a reverse helix that might not be compatible with some "threaded bullet" hose attachments.