OMATICH
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Haha erryboy got trolled. You can do it how you like, but I do insist that this way is the best.
SMB Line Shortening Trick
- Thread starter emorrow
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Interesting, complex solution to using an SMB...only problem is, it assumes that one is only going to deploy one from 5 meters. Reels are used because they are simple, allow an SMB to be sent up from any depth one has line for and don't take much space.
If you are using a large smb (ocean, big waves, currents, etc), then it is neither practical nor advised to send one up when shallow. Deeper allows more air expansion, which means you can fill it quicker, with less gas pulling you up during the fill process (talking over 2 meter smbs).
What if you are doing a mid water safety stop?
What if conditions at 15 ft are not suited to deploying an smb? (we tend to have major surface currents, but calm at depth)?
From what I can tell, your solution would work for deploying a small smb, in calm conditions, on a simple dive with no extra stops. I would guess that would represent about 20% of the dives I make.
If you are using a large smb (ocean, big waves, currents, etc), then it is neither practical nor advised to send one up when shallow. Deeper allows more air expansion, which means you can fill it quicker, with less gas pulling you up during the fill process (talking over 2 meter smbs).
What if you are doing a mid water safety stop?
What if conditions at 15 ft are not suited to deploying an smb? (we tend to have major surface currents, but calm at depth)?
From what I can tell, your solution would work for deploying a small smb, in calm conditions, on a simple dive with no extra stops. I would guess that would represent about 20% of the dives I make.
GrumpyOldGuy
Contributor
Funny thing, when I think of SMB line shortening I am cutting the excess line on the thumb spool to 65' (my max deep stop depth), checking the line is tied to the spool (being somewhat anal retentive) and adding knots at 10, 15, 20 and 25' so I don't have to bother watching my depth gauge. I find its just plain easier to deploy at depth.
The knot however is really neat, nice thing to learn about even if I don't need it for an SMB. I can think of a few uses on my boat though.
The knot however is really neat, nice thing to learn about even if I don't need it for an SMB. I can think of a few uses on my boat though.
bergersau
Contributor
I use the chain sinnet for rapid drying of my finger spool line. Dry's for long term storage in only a couple of hours instead of a having a soggy spool laying around for a week.
I also use it on my long electrical extension lead.
See How To: No Tangle Extension Cord Storage - YouTube for how it works.
I start the chain with a 'larks head' instead of the simple 'thumb knot' shown in the video, that way there is no knot needing to be untied in the center of the lead once the sinnet is unraveled. The larks head just unravels too. Provided I don't pull the loops tight it doesn't hurt the cable.
I also use it on my long electrical extension lead.
See How To: No Tangle Extension Cord Storage - YouTube for how it works.
I start the chain with a 'larks head' instead of the simple 'thumb knot' shown in the video, that way there is no knot needing to be untied in the center of the lead once the sinnet is unraveled. The larks head just unravels too. Provided I don't pull the loops tight it doesn't hurt the cable.
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