> >> Of course, there are things men place too much emphasis on as well, but
> >> that's a different topic, one that even real men rarely feel comfortable
> >> discussing.
>
> No wonder it was so easy to covert you to the 7ft hose. And I'll talk to
> you about it next weekend, if it makes you feel better.
>
> Mine's only 6 feet, but so far, it's gotten the job done for me.

5' is even acceptable in the openwater.  The difference is if
you wear a waist mounted canister light - the 7' hose tucks
neatly underneath the canister which holds it against your
body.  Without the canister a 5' (or 6') hose wraps nicely,
although many people who are used to a 7' hose (myself included)
simply stick with it.

Carl