Air Line Model R260XL Hookah

EXceL. eXceLlent. No matter how you spell it, the unequalled, un-copied leader of the pack! The RX260XL is the bad boy that gives the competition nightmares. A Thomas large, single-head direct drive, oil-free, wobble piston compressor that equals, or betters in delivered air, the other guy's double-head. The RX260XL can be serviced by you---in the field---in 15 minutes, with just three common hand tools and then only after hundreds and hundreds of hours of faithful service are you too water-logged to service yourself? Not to worry there are about 1,000 Thomas service facilities in North America alone. The owner's manual, however, is quite specific in the care and feeding of baby.

A very tough (but caring) single-head compressor, cut from a solid block of aluminum, and featuring a prominent, 6" (15.25cm) cooling fan. There is no restriction in its ability to disburse heat. The fan also has the effect of deflecting splash while it is pushing out heated air. Further, the large vent affords the possibility of washing off the bearing/piston assembly after the dive day, to rid critical working parts of the destructive effects of salt. There is absolutely no disassembly involved. Salt will enter the interior of any compressor as it cannot be hermetically sealed, as some circulation of hot air is needed. As with all Air Line compressors it is marineized inside and out for long, l-o-n-g service life.

In the Pre Airolinean-Geologic period, a single-head compressor could be counted on to supply air for two to a depth of about 30' (9m). R260XL will see that and raise (actually, lower) it 55' (16.75m). No kidding; two to 85' (26m), three to 60' (18.3m), four to 40' (12.2m). (Real numbers, not the hoped-for numbers you would get with a single, down hose system that additionally must run slower)

. The way this works is quite simple: The XL provides 12.5 CFM/FAD (354L). That's a lot of air and Air Line promises it's not hot air, figuratively, or literally. The cylinder is an impressive 3" (7.6cm) inside diameter with 1-7/8" (47.4 mm) stroke at 3,600 RPM. Getting back on track, the XL is powered by Honda's 4 HP, 4-cycle (no mixing), motor, one of the most popular motors in the world, with thousands of service facilities. With a capacity of just 2-1/2 quarts (2.36L) of gas, it will run continually for three hours. Put four people on the system and you've effectively eliminated 12, count'em, 12 scuba tanks. Breathing is smooth and easy with Air Lines adjustable Hookah-specific second stage regulators. Regulators have diver adjustment knobs to fine tune the breathing resistance, and a fully rotational 360 Degree swivel to eliminate any regulator pulling like with a standard Scuba system.

Breathing is made comfortable with the 5' (1.5m) US Navy heat hose which will cool the compressed air delivered to the two 60' (18.3m) fully swiveled dive hoses. Included are tow belts to tether the umbilical hoses to your body and two weight belts to maintain proper buoyancy. Maintenance is a breeze with the washable, stainless steel particle filter. Both the compressor and the gas engine come with owner manuals for proper use and periodic maintenance.

The best part is it floats on the surface directly above you when you dive. A strong long life agricultural-grade 38" (96.5cm) inner tube, covered by a 1,000-Denier U/V stabilized Cordura float cover, keeps the compressor high and dry. With a diver down flag and an air intake staff and filter add only your personal gear, a little gas, oil a body of water (not included), and the fun and friends will be forthcoming. Maybe more friends than you knew you had. For a third diver, order the optional Add A Diver package (see SKU: ALHAAD). The unit measures 19.5 x 25 x 17" (49.5 x 63.5 x 43.2cm) in its polypropylene case, weighs 55 lbs (25kg) and comes with a traditional red and white diver down flag. Compressor air rating meets Grade-E Compressed Gas Association of America.