Snap ring vs retractors

[lowwall]

How do you prevent accidental droppages? Yes, we're all very careful but things happen... another diver brushes your hand, their hose grabs your strobe, etc. What's your backup plan?

Bolt snap user here. I've got a bungee or livestrong-style cause bracelet on my right hand. I unclip my light or action cam with my left hand from the left d-ring, clip it onto the bracelet and then hold it in my right hand. If I need to use my right hand for something quick, I can let the light or camera dangle.

I don't use a full-size camera rig, so I don't know if it would work for that.

 

[ColoDale]

I have used both. The retractor, many years ago, was only for a console. It was convenient to just let it go to retract. However the cord was small diameter and did wear. Ultimately the spring inside rusted out. I use bolt snaps now and a coil lanyard for my camera. I moved away from the solid plastic coil to plastic wrapped metal cable though water can get into it and it will eventually rust.
The bolt snaps are lighter, last longer over retractors, and I think more robust. If a retractor works for you, great. I would not use a retractor for large cameras (two handle, tray, etc). For me the cord is not long enough, I would be working against the spring and, for that much weight, I would not trust the small diameter cord.