Lift Bags

[ericfine50]

I am curious to see what people are using for lift bags? I use the Carter bags for deco and stuff. Anyone using the closed style or the SMB (Surface Marker) style?


Thanks
Eric

 

[Green_Manelishi]

Hi Eric,

i have 3 that i use depending on the dive:

1) a 'noname' open bag with about 100 pounds lift
2) an OMS "smb"
3) a Halcyon SUPER-LARGE 'sausage'

 

[ericfine50]

GM,

Nice. I am picking up a Halcyon Super Big SMB. Do you use your DR or BC inflator hose to inflate it? Have you seen the 9 Ft. OMS SMB? That is huge! Way to big in my opinion.

Eric

 

[Warhammer]

I have a Halcyon Big Diver Alert, it's the mid-sized one with 40Lbs of lift. Have yet to deploy it from depth though. Planning on doing that the first chance I get.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

the Halcyon is inflated with my suit LP hose. this hose is
left in place even if wet suit diving so it can still be
used. i place the hose under my harness in either case so
it is not loose.

for open bottom i hold the bag open and over the exhaust
"t" on my primary. i am loathe to remove the second from
mouth unless ABSOLTULY necessary (sharing) and in any case
i do not want to risk a free-flow activated by pushing and
holding a purge button in cold water.

 

[ericfine50]

That is how I do as well.

Eric

 

[Mario S Caner]

I use a small no-name obnoxiously orange lift bag that I use for open water deco stops with the help of my Manta reel. On the surface it's impossible to miss, and it doesn't fill up my pocket too much either.

 

[Atomox]

I use 2 Dive Rite 50 lb bags. I threw out the nylon carry bag that the lift bags come with and had my wife make a dual pocket lift bag sleeve. It has an opening for one bag on the left and one on the right so I can't pull both of them out at the same time and it carries a lot cleaner than the supplied ones. I attach it to the bottom of the back plate with surgical tubing.

Brad

 

[ericfine50]

I also have found stowing the bags under the plate to be the best place for them. I made up a leash from shock cord and have two Bolt snaps on it. I connect one end to my D-ring on the crotch strap and the other end to the bag, that way I can pull the bag out and if I drop it, it will fall between my legs.

Eric

 

[Marine801]

Hey,

I've had a chance to use a lot of different bags and I found that none of them are really flawless in design so it has kind of become a personal preference thing. I like the pillow-type sealed bags. they're a little higher maintenance but I prefer the stability they offer at the surface. Try 'em all!