SMB Stowage

[b1gcountry]

So normally, I have two bungee loops tied to the bottom of my BP, and I stow the SMB under these loops. I found that the bungees interfere with my tanks when I put my doubles together. Any suggestions on a better way to store the SMB and Spool when diving with doubles? I just stuffed it in my hip pocket for the time being, but I can't fit anything else in there, and it is pretty hard to get out from there during a dive.

Tom

 

[dkatchalov]

Hmm, I just stow mine in my DS pocket. Fits fine on the evo 2.

On a similar topic - is there any real advantage of storing the smb on the plate vs. pocket?

 

[texdiveguy]

I always carry a 25lbs. lift bag folded with the spring clip hanging outside the closed end of a Dive Rite mesh lift bag pouch zip tied the the bottom of my plate. I also have stowed in a pocket a 50lbs. bag attached to a 150ft. spool for easy deployment....the rear mounted bag can be deployed quickly also though i do have to attach a spool or reel.

 

[texdiveguy]

opps double post..sorry

 

[b1gcountry]

Hmm, I just stow mine in my DS pocket. Fits fine on the evo 2.

On a similar topic - is there any real advantage of storing the smb on the plate vs. pocket?

The only benefit I'm trying to get is to free up some room in the pocket. I also find it somewhat difficult to get the SMB out of my Bellows Pocket; especially when wearing thick gloves. Some of this will be solved when my new Drysuit comes in since I'm having larger pockets installed.

Tom

 

[texdiveguy]

The only benefit I'm trying to get is to free up some room in the pocket. I also find it somewhat difficult to get the SMB out of my Bellows Pocket; especially when wearing thick gloves. Some of this will be solved when my new Drysuit comes in since I'm having larger pockets installed.

Tom

Bungee to your back tank(s)....bungee to a pony bottle....clip off on your bc rigging....stow in a bag pouch....get your buddy to carry it for you.

 

[Rick Inman]

Some of this will be solved when my new Drysuit comes in since I'm having larger pockets installed.

Actually, if you have a nice big bellows pocket and a nice tightly rolled sausage with a 150' or less spool pre-rigged, I think you'll not only fine it easy to remove and stow, but that there is plenty of room for other junk if you want, too.

I keep the pre-rigged smb/spool in my left pocket and a lift bag on the bungee loops on my BP.

 

[robertarak]

I just shot a bag in my drysuit for the fist time New Years day. I was a mess. The double ender somehow unclipped from the spool as I took it out of my left pocket, and off it went for a little roll on the sea floor. The bag shoot and recovery went fine. Then trying to stow it back in my pocket and maintain bouyancy and trim...forget it! I eneded up having my buddy stow it in my pocket for me. I just could not feel that bungie loop to clip it off in my pocket. There either has to be a better way, or it is just practice, practice, practice.

 

[Rick Inman]

There either has to be a better way, or it is just practice, practice, practice.

You're right, practice.

I was having trouble clipping my wetnotes back into my pocket with the big blue dry gloves in clod water using the smaller double-ender. So, one day during the 20' stop I just kept clipping and unclipping the thing over and over, and not it's easy.

These things take muscle memory, which you can not build up with just one try.

Do not be discouraged. It will come easy with time.

 

[dkatchalov]

First time I shot my bag I took my reg out of my mouth to inflate the bag, hesitated and gulped down sea water. After hurriedly stuffing the reg back in my mouth I lost my buoyancy and blew the rest of my stop.

Practise, practise, practise.