Part 2 - Advanced DSMB Deployment Techniques

[Wibble]

All my CO2 bags can be inflated by hose or orally if so inclined.

CO2 SMBs are more compact than crack bottle ones.

 

[Celt]

Never bothered with a SMB much prefer a good lifting bag with a dedicated air supply and dump. Plenty lift and full control. A small one makes a great SMB and you can send the loot to the surface.

 

[Wibble]

The obvious one that comes to mind is not being able to take them [CO2 cartridge SMB] on a plane.

You can, just can't take the cartridges. But you could buy them 'there'.

The CO2 cartridges are widely available as whipped cream generators or bicycle tyre inflators for not a lot per piece when bought in bulk.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Water temperature?

I have one. Used it in 10 C water. Don't see water temperature as an issue. These are quite bulky.

 

[TravelGas]

Wibble, I like the design and construction of your Reel.
Do you have a link for that ? It looks diesel.

 

[Wibble]

It's a Kent Tooling reel. Very popular on UK dive boats. There's two versions; one with the composite back (see above for photo) and the stainless steel back which is colloquially known as the Crab Smasher!

RHW 100 Metre Line Narrow Composite Ratchet Reel + 25mm Single Handle

www.divingproducts.co.uk

They also do SMBs (the one in my photo above)

1.5m Low Pressure Spigot Sealed SMB

www.divingproducts.co.uk

 

[TravelGas]

Thanks Wibble. I like that.

I wonder how much a pound is in US $ and how much shipping to US would be. I have a similar reel made from anodized aluminum made in low quantities in the 1990’s with at least 400’ of line on it.

 

[PfcAJ]

Woe unto thee who has a "crack bottle" inadvertently deploy their SMB.

 

[O-ring]

The obvious one that comes to mind is not being able to take them on a plane.

This and reuse/availability. I think I shot my SMB half a dozen times or more in Socorro last month. Get on boat, deflate, restow and back in business for the next dive. Dunno where I would have gotten a box of co2 or tiny tank fills in Mexico, but maybe it's possible in some destinations. Maybe bring a whip and refill from your primary tank?

 

[Wibble]

This and reuse/availability. I think I shot my SMB half a dozen times or more in Socorro last month. Get on boat, deflate, restow and back in business for the next dive. Dunno where I would have gotten a box of co2 or tiny tank fills in Mexico, but maybe it's possible in some destinations. Maybe bring a whip and refill from your primary tank?

That's where the crack bottle bags come into their own. Find an open circuit diver and fill the crack bottle off of their gas