SMB recommendations?

[jonnythan]

I don't think it's a good idea to, as a matter of course, disconnect your only buoyancy device regularly. Too much potential hazard.

Nothing wrong with a semi-closed.

 

[mempilot]

I'm sure the scuba gods will strike me down, but I actually have an extra lp inflator just for this purpose. I don't like disconnecting either. That being said, I'm going to put it on the 13cf drysuit tank.

I don't think it's a good idea to, as a matter of course, disconnect your only buoyancy device regularly. Too much potential hazard.


Nothing wrong with a semi-closed.

 

[Tom Winters]

Get at least a 6' like the Dive Rite. I use a 6' Abyss - those little "safety sausages" are fine for pools and clipping off speared fish, but they sure don't look like much when you're on the ocean.
AP Hill in the UK makes a really cool self-inflating SMB that you can refill yourself. It can get a little dicey in a current while you're trying to get enough air into a big float and not get all snarled up.
This is something that you're going to want to practice so you look cool when you do it.
Also, on the surface, bending the sausage into a triangle shape makes it easier for the captain to see you, especially if you're upsun from the boat.
Some people use a lift bag, but that can be a little hard to pick up if the seas get choppy.

 

[Charlie99]

I don't think it's a good idea to, as a matter of course, disconnect your only buoyancy device regularly. Too much potential hazard.

Nothing wrong with a semi-closed.

Tradeoffs, tradeoffs. Like most things in life, diving is a balancing of various advantages and disadvantages.

I'm not taking disconnecting my BC or wing and taking it off, I'm just temporarily disconnecting ONE of TWO methods of inflating it. I fail to see the hazard.

OTOH, semi-closed bags have been known to get blown over and dump gas.

 

[Scuba-Quebec]

And what about the OMS 5'2 SMB ??? is it good?

 

[r37691]

I have a few of the OMS Items, and they work great. Flame away, but I like OMS products. The 9'7" is really hard to miss. The 5'2" emergency & 9'7" works well for us in training. Easy to deploy in zero vis by feel, with their EDS system. Yes, I know I sound like a commercial. But if it works, it works. JMHO.

 

[Tom Winters]

The 5'2" OMS SMB is ok - although I think 6' is the mininum to consider - but the 9'7" is like a telephone pole - I dived with a guy who had one, and you could see that one from outer space. It was the yellow one - VERY visible. Get it if you have the money - it rolls up pretty well.
I don't have much OMS stuff, but it's ok. I don't go out of my way to buy it since I get other stuff for way cheaper.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Shaka, how do you like your purchase?
Have you practiced deploying it? How'd it go?

I'm looking to buy the SMB now, too, and am leaning toward the Dive Rite, so I'm interested in your experience with it.

Thanks.

Michael

My dive buddy Sean was nice enought to take this video.......

http://www.scubapost.net/videos/roybagshot038.avi

Will need this to view the video, install the decoder only.

http://www.divx.com/divx/download/

 

[PacNWdiver]

Carter makes a great bag.

Very visible, tough construction and easy to use.

http://discountdivers.com/fx/acc1.html

Get someone to help you practice. It's a little tricky to learn.

 

[Scubaroo]

FWIW the semi-closed bags don't "tip over and dump air". They self seal when full inflated.