PLBs Can Save Your Life

[JohnnyC]

and if possible, carry one of those locator devices.

We need to change this attitude. It shouldn't be a question of "if possible," it should be something that every diver sees as vital to their safety, and a necessary part of their kit if they are planning on diving in open water, regardless of how benign they may think conditions are. We spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on all sorts of gear for our sport, this should be part of that expenditure.

 

[JohnnyC]

Because they are brand new.

 

[pepperbelly]

We need to change this attitude. It shouldn't be a question of "if possible," it should be something that every diver sees as vital to their safety, and a necessary part of their kit if they are planning on diving in open water, regardless of how benign they may think conditions are. We spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on all sorts of gear for our sport, this should be part of that expenditure.

Like seatbelts. They aren’t needed until they are really needed.

 

[DandyDon]

Anyone know why the 400 is unavailable?

Brand new to be released in weeks.

So why does it go by ACR ResQLink 400 PLB and ACR 2921, both? Confusing to have two names. I use the shorter one. Easier to remember.

 

[Tug]

Per @seeker242 it has been released but there is currently a 1-2 week lead time.

 

[DuTemplar]

Like seatbelts. They aren’t needed until they are really needed.

Which is ubiquitous, and standard and not just easily accessible but .. standard. I won't even talk about those who refuse seatbelts because they could be trapped by them and burn or drown (millions to one odds) instead of the normal death and disability (two to one odds.)

As a recreational noob, I shouldn't be looking at a device on Amazon to ship to me, register, and special/ custom order a case for it or maybe find an underwater camera housing which will fit it, or...

The industry needs to man the heck up and actually put a product out that's functional and readily available. The community is more than big enough, technology is cheaper enough, and there's hundreds of chinese factories easily able to push out 10,000 PLB scuba cases/eggs/canisters.

I cannot fathom that there isn't an easily available product. Or, frankly, an integrated one.

 

[scubafanatic]

Which is ubiquitous, and standard and not just easily accessible but .. standard. I won't even talk about those who refuse seatbelts because they could be trapped by them and burn or drown (millions to one odds) instead of the normal death and disability (two to one odds.)

As a recreational noob, I shouldn't be looking at a device on Amazon to ship to me, register, and special/ custom order a case for it or maybe find an underwater camera housing which will fit it, or...

The industry needs to man the heck up and actually put a product out that's functional and readily available. The community is more than big enough, technology is cheaper enough, and there's hundreds of chinese factories easily able to push out 10,000 PLB scuba cases/eggs/canisters.

I cannot fathom that there isn't an easily available product. Or, frankly, an integrated one.

I agree with all but the 'Chinese supplier' bit, I'd much rather buy from Light Monkey, minimize Chinese involvement in what MUST be quality/reliable survival gear! I'm pretty sure I know the reason the Aqualungs/Scubapros/dive shops of the world aren't in this market, it represents 'negative thinking/possible dangerous outcomes' in an industry where 'see no evil/speak no evil/hear no evil' are considered vital to business sales/growth. It's also possible dive businesses are scared of potential legal liability in providing such gear.

 

[seeker242]

Per @seeker242 it has been released but there is currently a 1-2 week lead time.

They are available now. We have to place our order Monday and lead time from the factory 1-2 weeks.

 

[Dan]

I agree with all but the 'Chinese supplier' bit, I'd much rather buy from Light Monkey, minimize Chinese involvement in what MUST be quality/reliable survival gear! I'm pretty sure I know the reason the Aqualungs/Scubapros/dive shops of the world aren't in this market, it represents 'negative thinking/possible dangerous outcomes' in an industry where 'see no evil/speak no evil/hear no evil' are considered vital to business sales/growth. It's also possible dive businesses are scared of potential legal liability in providing such gear.

The $10 40m waterproof rated Sony camera case that I have been using for my PLB1 may not be the high quality, bulky, heavy & expensive Light Monkey canister, but it has served me well for 2 years, ~ 200 dives and up to 44m depth.

 

[bada3003]

We need to change this attitude. It shouldn't be a question of "if possible," it should be something that every diver sees as vital to their safety, and a necessary part of their kit if they are planning on diving in open water, regardless of how benign they may think conditions are. We spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on all sorts of gear for our sport, this should be part of that expenditure.

That’s overkill and not a practical solution. Diving, as with most activities, entails effective risk management not elimination. Chances are that you’ll get hit by a distracted driver before getting lost at sea. It is a rare event.

But if it does happen, make sure that the essential equipment you carry will help save the day. An SMB at least 5 ft, not a lift bag. A strobe light. A primary reel with at least 250 ft of line. Even if you’re shooting from well below 100 ft because of deco obligation, strong currents push an SMB sideways, sometimes 45 degrees or more, and you don’t want to run out of reel. Practice shooting SMBs. These equipment have multiple uses and will help protect you when Murphy comes calling. These are your seat belt, airbags, and helmet. The locating device is a blindspot detector which is useful to have but not essential for save driving.