Preferred DSMB length and width

[MasterMindDiver]

Hello Scubaboard,
I am planning to buy DSMB , heard that Halcyon DSMB is the best in the market .. but they have several shapes and lengths .. they have the thin and the thick .. also they have them in 3' , 4.5' and 6' ..
So far I dive in Seattle,WA and in red sea in Egypt .. not sure which one fits my needs.

I know that it is better to have it as big when i dive in ocean/ rough sea and smaller in lakes/quite sea.. but don't know how to translate that to numbers..
also I got to know from the dive shop that thick DSMB is getting sold more compared to thinner ones .. in 25:1 ratio .. is that can be counted as an indicator ?

Regards

 

[Scott]

I originally purchased the DAN 6' DSMB kit, which I really liked. When I changed BC's it became a bit bulky in the pocket on my plate. I use a pocket that acts as a backpad.
I opted for a 4.5' for space only. When I dive were rough conditions will be present I 'suffer" and carry the 6 footer.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

I think it depends on the dive. When it comes to the Diamond Knot (for the non-locals, a very current sensitive spot with a narrow diveable window in the Strait of Juan de Fuca), I don't screw around and use a 4.5' DSMB that has it's own inflator tank. Just crack it open and let her rip. It is bulky, but I attach it to my butt D-ring along with a Manta Junior reel.

If I'm in really calm water, a 3' DSMB is sufficient.

It all depends. I don't think that some gear will be appropriate for all conditions.

 

[rongoodman]

I like the Halcyon SMB too. In the Caribbean I carry the 4.5' version, but I will be taking the 6' to Cocos Island in May. I have an extra, longish, BC hose tucked behind my tank for inflating it, rather than unplugging the short inflator hose on my wing. Being able to keep everything in front of and a little away from my body when inflating it is a good thing.

 

[BoltSnap]

6' DSMB that has it's own inflator tank

What brand/model please?

 

[MasterMindDiver]

What brand/model please?

Was planning to ask the same question

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

What brand/model please?

AP Diving: AP Self-sealing SMB with Inflation Cylinder | AP Diving

I bought it years ago. Price has gone up a bit, but it is a good product.

 

[BoltSnap]

AP Diving: AP Self-sealing SMB with Inflation Cylinder | AP Diving

I bought it years ago. Price has gone up a bit, but it is a good product.

That is one expensive DSMB for sure, ouch!!

Is it bulky?

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

That is one expensive DSMB for sure, ouch!!

Is it bulky?

Yes, it is definitely bulky, hence placed on my butt D-ring.

 

[Lorenzoid]

For calm conditions, which is essentially all I dive in, I'm looking for a smaller SMB than the 6' DAN one I have been using for years--it's unwieldy and overkill for me. Anyone have any firsthand experience with the 1m Deep Sea Supply SMB, especially as it compares with the Halcyon of the same size? I asked this in another thread recently, but no replies other than to note some old threads in which someone had mentioned the DSS. The Halcyon is tried and true, while the DSS has an innovative tapered shape.