Preferred DSMB length and width

[CuzzA]

I carry two. A Hog closed bottom 4 footer I store in a pocket or clipped off if I know I'll need it and a Promate baffled 8 footer clipped to my butt d ring. The 8 footer is my "I'm a tiny little spec in the ocean lost at sea, I'm right here, come get me now!" dsmb.

Both were purchased at Piranha Dive Mfg for the best price I've seen anywhere. They are both great quality and can be inflated a number of ways and both have over pressure relief valves.

 

[snowdog61]

Look at the conditions you are diving in. That little sausage is fine for a dead calm sea state (I only use mine for my stringer lift bag these days) but with any kind of swell, bigger is always better. Like Cuzza said - little speck in the ocean. Sea state can change in that 60 minutes you are down. An old CD (reflector) and a surface screamer (DiveAlert) are other good items as is a PLB if you think stuff can possibly go really south

 

[boulderjohn]

As some have said, it depends upon your purpose. For drifting decompression diving in South Florida, pretty much everyone is using enormous DSMBs that can be seen at a very big distance as the diver stays a little negatively buoyant to keep it upright. If you are jsut using it to create an upine in an area where there is no fear of being run over by a boat or being lost by yours, then the smaller the better.

 

[Centrals]

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

I prefer those without inflation tank. Tough and long lasting.
I normally carry three(two orange and one yellow) for REAL open water dive otherwise just two for tec dive.

Size does matter!!

 

[USMC CPL.]

As some have said, it depends upon your purpose. For drifting decompression diving in South Florida, pretty much everyone is using enormous DSMBs that can be seen at a very big distance as the diver stays a little negatively buoyant to keep it upright. If you are jsut using it to create an upine in an area where there is no fear of being run over by a boat or being lost by yours, then the smaller the better.

Question for you if you don't mind. I am starting to get equipment together to start tec training. Part of the gear is a secondary bcd/wing in the event of a wing failure. I know you can have that backup in your primary wing if it was made that way. Mine was not. So my question is what size of dsmb would provide enough lift in the event of a wing failure. hope this makes sense. Thanks. Neil

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Question for you if you don't mind. I am starting to get equipment together to start tec training. Part of the gear is a secondary bcd/wing in the event of a wing failure. I know you can have that backup in your primary wing if it was made that way. Mine was not. So my question is what size of dsmb would provide enough lift in the event of a wing failure. hope this makes sense. Thanks. Neil

How much lift do you have in your wing? Should match that.

 

[Centrals]

A lift bag(50lbs) with a dump valve on the top. But do practice the skill because it is not easy for myself at least.

 

[boulderjohn]

Question for you if you don't mind. I am starting to get equipment together to start tec training. Part of the gear is a secondary bcd/wing in the event of a wing failure. I know you can have that backup in your primary wing if it was made that way. Mine was not. So my question is what size of dsmb would provide enough lift in the event of a wing failure. hope this makes sense. Thanks. Neil

Talk to your tech instructor. I had several instructors with several agencies and got several messages along those lines. I once had to demonstrate an ascent using a lift bag for buoyancy. In another agency, it was recommended that I use a dual bladder wing. In another agency, a dual bladder wing was the spawn of the devil.

 

[USMC CPL.]

How much lift do you have in your wing? Should match that.

Right now I have a 25 pound wing. I am going to try for the Padi tec 40 cert and was told this would be fine for a single tank. Hp100. If I go further then then I will upgrade to a 40 pound wing for doubles. Thanks for the help. Neil

 

[USMC CPL.]

A lift bag(50lbs) with a dump valve on the top. But do practice the skill because it is not easy for myself at least.

Ty. Was planning on practice in shallow water. I.e. 25 feet. Will practice deploying deeper after I get use to it.