Gear Keepers?

[jtivat]

Who uses these for lights, computers and such? Also how well do they hold up to underwater use?
Thanks

 

[roakey]

There's absolutely no need for gear keepers if you think through your configuration and get the right gear.

Many "technical" divers have two cylinders (and sometimes a stage or two), two complete regulators, seven foot hose, three lights, a sausage, wet notes, reel and/or spool, and a computer (really a bottom timer) and not a single keeper.

Do a search on "DIR" and see how they configure.

Roak

 

[pdoege]

They do tend to cause drag, so you probably want to minimise their use.

I know some photographers who keep their cameras on retractors attached to their chest D-rings. Keeps the camera attached and out of the way.

Peter

 

[Stone]

When spearfishing, a flashlight is a "must have" for peering under ledges and into wrecks. I have not found a better solution than a retractable lanyard for the flashlight. As soon a fish is shot, the light can be released without a second thought. Both hands are free to string the fish and reload the gun. The light is retracted out of the way to the chest. I use a loop of bike innertube to secure the light to my harness to enter and exit the water.

 

[SDAnderson]

Be prepared for them to break - sooner or later they will. If you aren't careful you can lose an expensive doodad.

For regular open water diving they have a limited place, but resist the urge to put every piece of gear on a retractor. In the long run they usually just get in the way and cause problems.

Steven

 

[CuriousMe]

I have a retractor on my compass and my computer. They allow me to keep them close to my chest but grab them when I need them.

Peace,
Cathie

 

[Grajan]

I just use a magnaclip on my (AI) computer and on a flashlight - only when night diving.

They are great - you just have to keep them away from your compass (wrist mounted).....

much more robust (and less painful....) than those spooling wire thingies.