Marker buoy and spool

[Sbiriguda]

Good afternoon,
I would like to buy an inflatable marker buoy and a spool
I know there are different kinds of marker buoys, which can vary
I have been told to search one with the following features:

1) balloon 1 meter long with capacity of lifting a weight of about 3 kg
2) closed (in order to prevent it from becoming empty in the surface and sink)
3) mouth inflatable
4) line 30 mt
5) valve to avoid eccessive pressure when the balloon goes out of the water

These suggestions have been given to me based on the experience of an instructor with beginners, the main idea is to keep it as simple as possible and to reduce the weight

Anyway this is just a starting point, I am open to any suggestions
Thanks

 

[dlofting]

Some people prefer a 2m SMB (surface marker buoy). It's bulkier but can be seen from farther away. Points 2,3,4 look good. A pressure relief valve is nice to have but you can allow for expansion by only partially inflating the marker.

 

[rongoodman]

My current favorite is the Halcyon 6' Big Slim.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

People complain about the cost of Halcyon products, but I recommend their DSMBs. They are nicely made.

 

[Centrals]

If you want to be seen than size does matter.

Buy Rebreathers, BCDs & SCUBA Accessories EN | AP Diving
Have been using one of those(seal sealing) for nearly 20yrs.
Learn how to shoot the bag under water and make sure you stow the bag and the spool securely.

 

[snowdog61]

If you are diving open ocean and there is a chance of swell, bigger IS better. You really do want to be seen. Flat calm, sure, a little sausage is fine. Lots of YouTube video on setting up and shooting your bag. I prefer to launch deep as it takes much less air to have it full by the time it reaches the surface and you have an easy way to judge your ascent rate. Boat also gets an early indicator of where you are and that you are in fact on the way up - especially helpful in drift dives. I don't use my little sausage anymore other than as a lift bag for my stringer

 

[Sbiriguda]

Thank you for the feedback
I noticed that there are DSMBs with 3 different kinds of inflation, like this one
Cressi Buoy Deco Pro comprare e offerta su Scubastore
Then I will buy a spool with 15 meters line and a double ended bolt snap

 

[Sbiriguda]

If you are diving open ocean and there is a chance of swell, bigger IS better. You really do want to be seen. Flat calm, sure, a little sausage is fine. Lots of YouTube video on setting up and shooting your bag. I prefer to launch deep as it takes much less air to have it full by the time it reaches the surface and you have an easy way to judge your ascent rate. Boat also gets an early indicator of where you are and that you are in fact on the way up - especially helpful in drift dives. I don't use my little sausage anymore other than as a lift bag for my stringer

Snowdog, yes I am aware of the importance of the size
Still, provided my level (still beginner) and the fact I will use it mostly in the mediterranean sea a small one could be sufficient
I also have been told that the larger ones require more skills, otherwise they can even become dangerous

 

[snowdog61]

Nice looking bag - seems to have everything you will want/need. Do like the built-in bungee over the typical velcro closure and it has an included boltsnap. Not sure of the price but it certainly fits the bill. and yes, spool over a reel always.

 

[snowdog61]

I also have been told that the larger ones require more skills, otherwise they can even become dangerous[/QUOTE]

yes, line can get wrapped on fingers/gear or fouled on the spool and it will drag you to the surface. Yet another reason to launch deeper as the lift is less. As with everything - practice if you haven't done it in a while