Pi X Radius squared. The Pis cancel out so just compared the radius squared. Each 2 inch hose is one for a total of two. The 2.5 is 1.25 squared which is around 1.5. So in theory the 2 2 inches deliver more if you've got the machine to deliver it. With a 4005 blower I've only got a 2.5 inch port so any more would be a waste.
then add to that math the "flex ducting" variable, if it were pvc it would be a different story, but it's not, flex ducting has a lot to do with the frictional loss of two hoses vs: a single larger hose.
Has any one done side by side comparison of the standard vacuum hose vrs the "smooth bore" type? Seems there would be less friction with the smooth bore as there are no ribs inside but maybe its insignificant.
The area of a circle is calculated by: 3.14 x (radius x radius).
2" hose would be 3.14 sq inches of area for each hose,
this means two 2" hose would be 6.28sq" of area.
A 2.5" hose would be 4.91sq" of area.
I agree with Greenie that there is something to be said for the frictional loss due to the walls of each setup.
While the 2.5" hose has 7.85 inches of wall circumference
two 2" hoses would have a combined 12.56" of wall circumference.
All the air that passes through each setup will have to deal with the friction from the inner wall of the hose.
While the 2.5" hose has 22% less surface area it also has 38% less frictional area.
While I have never ran the two 2" hose setup I can honestly say the 2.5" hose was one of the best improvements I have made to my system.
I think the above math would explain the mixed results and opinions from the different hose combinations. I believe they are so very close in performance it is 6 to 1/2 dozen in opinions.
The reason I went with the 2.5" is I only have to deal with one hose all the way from the truck to the wand shortening my setup and tear down time.
Reel space was also a consideration 2.5" hose takes up less space on the reel compared to two 2" hoses in the same length.
John, I have a high profile reel. The diameter is 44" and the circular tubes are 12" apart. It would just barely hold 200' of 2" hose. I mounted the reel upside down and just today I received a 50' section of 2 1/2" and am now able to roll up 150' of 2" and 50' of 2 1/2". Being upside down it can't fall off the top. It worked great.
I had 275 feet of 2" crammed on my reel and when I added the 50' section of 2.5" hose I had to remove 75' of 2" hose (it is still crammed on the reel). 1.5 feet of 2" hose should be about the same as 1 foot of 2.5" hose