The perfect float for open water dives

[2airishuman]

In another thread, I shared my opinion that floats are an overlooked piece of safety gear. In an emergency, a float may provide needed extra buoyancy, either in rough water, or when it may be quite some time before rescue arrives, or in the event of a BCD rupture.

The extra buoyancy may be particularly critical for warm water dives in fresh water where little or no flotation is provided by exposure suits.

I haven't found the perfect float. Here's my wish list:

1. Hydrodynamic shape, like a torpedo, to provide minimum drag.
2. Handles.
3. 50 state compliant flag. (Most torpedo floats have Florida legal flags that are too close to the water for some other jurisdications)
4. Inflatable, so the float can be deflated and folded for transportation and storage.
5. Use of standard dive weights for ballast.
   
6. Two air cells, for redundancy.
7. Rugged construction, e.g. nylon shell.
8. A pocket or two above the waterline.

 

[icechip]

I use this type, have had it about three years. Lots of rugged use. Holds a good amount of gear and/or gatorades, easy to hang on to with its handles, wicked sturdy. Looks like it meets most of your requirements except #1 and #6.
(Dive Float Assembly. Includes Inner Tube, 14x18 Flag & Staff)