Snap ring vs retractors

[1070man]

Retractors can be mounted directly to the BCD either using a pin that goes through webbing or a removable backplate that traps the strap in between the retractor and the backplate, resulting in it being firmly attached not dangling at all and many retractors including the ones I use have all metal clips on them.

This is how I've got some of my retractors now. I've got them placed in the pocket of my BCD with the end coming through a stainless steel grommet in the bottom. I use it to hold a flashlight and my second dive computer I use. It works pretty good, but been seeing alot about the clips and wondering what everyone else thought.

And I figure the retractor is like all other pieces of equipment. It will eventually break down. Luckily their cheap, so I'm not too worried, but this discussion has given me some ideas on how to mount my accessories.

Don't believe everything you hear, don't be afraid to try things out for yourself rather than heed the warnings of others. I've had several retractors on my gear for hundreds of dives over decades with no issues. Besides how do you know a spring reel in salt water has a limited lifetime since you are afraid to use a retractor based on what somebody told you?

 

[fred32176]

Don't believe everything you hear, don't be afraid to try things out for yourself rather than heed the warnings of others. I've had several retractors on my gear for hundreds of dives over decades with no issues. Besides how do you know a spring reel in salt water has a limited lifetime since you are afraid to use a retractor based on what somebody told you?

I live less than 1000' from the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. Salt corrodes all metal and especially likes to turn steel to rust. I have watched springs in Webber BBQs and sliding glass doors turn to powder. I've seen what salt does to AC units, truss hangers, outdoor lights, metal doors, door handles, locks, eye hooks, deck nails... Springs tend to be steel and exposure to salt will eventually make a spring fail.

 

[tursiops]

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?

My strobe is attached to my camera, which is attached to me by a big coiled lanyard...NOT a retractor.

 

[Brian Pasic]

I’ve found it also depends on how comfortable I feel reaching for my gear underwater. Sometimes, in low visibility or current, having a retractor makes it easier to grab what I need without unclipping anything. But I still like using snap rings for things I don’t use often, just so they stay put. Mixing both has helped me stay more organized and less distracted during a dive.

 

[Brian Pasic]

Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on snap rings vs retractors. Wondering what everyone uses for attaching equipment to BCD. Example, flashlights, secondary computer, camera, etc…

I know everyone will have their own presences but was wondering why a preference for one over the other.

Thanks in advance.
Brian

Choosing between snap rings (bolt snaps) and retractors for BCD attachments depends on trim and convenience. Snap rings keep gear like flashlights, backup computers, or cameras close to your body, reducing drag and preventing snagging in tight spaces. This stability helps maintain consistent buoyancy. Retractors let you pull out gear easily when needed, but the extra cord can disrupt weight distribution, especially when shooting photos or shining lights. I always try to stow unused gear against my body.

Psychologically, snap rings feel more secure because the solid connection rarely fails, so you can focus on the dive without worrying about swinging or lost gear. Retractors may jam over time due to salt and grit, creating doubt about their reliability. I mainly use snap rings for minimal drag and perfect trim, and sometimes retractors when I need quick access.

 

[happy-diver]

I have watched springs in Webber BBQs and sliding glass doors turn to powder. I've seen what salt does to AC units, truss hangers, outdoor lights, metal doors, door handles, locks, eye hooks, deck nails...

Dude you'll be in real trouble then if you clip any of that stuff to your retractor, you'll need heaps more retractors

 

[atestani]

I have retractors for two specific functions: 1) the handle used over the point end of a spear when I am cocking my pneumatic speargun and 2) on a net used for lobster hunting. Everything else is a bolt snap.

The point is (and what others have said) each attachment method has a use/benefit.

 

[halocline]

Wondering what everyone’s thoughts are on snap rings vs retractors. Wondering what everyone uses for attaching equipment to BCD. Example, flashlights, secondary computer, camera, etc…

I know everyone will have their own presences but was wondering why a preference for one over the other.

Thanks in advance.
Brian

What are you wanting to attach? It makes a difference.

I don’t know what you mean by ‘snap ring’, sorry. I use bolt snaps that are attached to the gear with either inner tube, cave line, or zip ties (depends) and I use double enders for things that I don’t want a bolt snaps attached to, like reels and spools, SMB. I’ve never used a retractor for anything.

Re: your examples, lights are either in my hand or clipped to a D ring, computers are always on my wrist, I don’t use a camera. I’m a big believer in not bringing unnecessary gear on a dive, and emergency stuff that I don’t plan to use but need to bring is in a pouch.

 

[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.
Btw, I don't dive with gloves