Retractors/Gear-Keepers

[DSR-3]

They look like an interesting accessory, but I still see lots of pic's with dangling consoles, etc. I'm interested in them for console and maybe camera (PT010). Any feedback on their use, suggested mfg/models, etc?
Thanks - Eric

 

[The Chairman]

I dove withthem breifly... but they are an entanglement hazard. Better to just use a simple clip to keep things close.

 

[android]

I have a retractor for my console so that I can grab, look and let go.

I don't think they're reliable enough to use for a "single point" attachment such as an expensive camera. If the retractor on my console breaks, the console's still attached to my reg by the hose. If the retractor attached to the camera breaks, bye-bye camera.

 

[Scot M]

I tried a retractor on my console before I switched to a wrist computer. I found that the console still dangled 8 or 10 inches below me due to the length of the retractor and the clips on each end. It was better than nothing, but not a great solution.

I currently use a small retractor on my compass/slate. When not in use, the compass stays tucked away behind a BC strap so it doesn't dangle.

 

[brssmnky]

I use a retractor for my light (it's part of my regular config.) it's attached at the butt end to a shoulder D-ring and then the front of the light is held to my BC with small rubber tubing. I like it, no clips to mess with. Also, a guy I dive with has his computer on a retractor and it works well for him. It stays streamlined closely to his BC, no dangling. I'm probably gonna do it too, no fiddling with clips or anything. I give it two thumbs up. Probably not good for a camera, though. :scubadive

 

[Charlie99]

The standard "scuba PC" response is to bash retractors. Many divers can find a spot to clip off the console where it can be read without unclipping it. Other divers don't mind unclipping then reclipping the console each time they wish to check SPG, computer or compass. I'm not one of those divers.

1. Use a high retraction force device, otherwise when you are in a stiff current or are scootering the retractor will let the console flop.

2. As others have noted, if you use a lower d-ring then the 6" length of the retractor + a boltsnap clip will let the console hang too low. OTOH, the shoulder D-ring is too high. So I put a pin-mount high force Cetacea retractor on the BC strap in location where the console is tucked up to to my chest. The retractor can be moved anywhere along the strap that works best for you.

 

[metaldector]

Love that retractor. "Cetacea retractor on the BC strap in location where the console is tucked up to to my chest. The retractor can be moved anywhere along the strap that works best for you." per Charlie99 It's there when I don't need it, and easy to access when I do. Never had "an entanglement hazard." as suggested by NetDoc but then I only have a few hundred dives using it. If it works for you, that's all that really matters.

 

[diversteve]

They look like an interesting accessory, but I still see lots of pic's with dangling consoles, etc. I'm interested in them for console and maybe camera (PT010). Any feedback on their use, suggested mfg/models, etc?
Thanks - Eric

I have a Princeton Tec that I use for my console, keeps it tucked right up against my BC when not in use. I clip it to the pull ring on my lower BC retaining strap. I've used it on three different Scooter dives with no problem. I replaced the original ring with a smaller one.

It's also got a cable locking feature so I've considered using it with my camera, but I'm not sure that the cable is strong enough (it probably is, especially under water when the housing is neutrally buoyant) Not sure I'd trust only it when getting out though.

my .02

 

[Kestrell]

I use bolt snaps. My wife uses retractors. We are both happy.

 

[DSR-3]

Thanks for all of the responses.
-Eric