the pros and cons of retractors...

[rcohn]

I'm very happy with my retractor. it is a Cetacea High Force model attached to the BC waist belt on the left side holding my SPG. http://www.cetaceacorp.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?store=products&product=rc001-hf It directly fastens to the belt using the backplate so that the mounting is very compact. Used for around 350 dives with no problems or entanglements and it shows only slight wear.

Ralph

 

[String]

I keep my D8R torch on a retractor attached to shoulder D-ring. Very handy as i can tuck it out of the way and locked off when not in use and only extend a little bit if i need to use it. If i suddenly need my hand for something i can let go and wont lose it.

That said my retractor (Cetacea) snapped near the steel loop connection resulting in me losing the torch - it got snagged when someone lifting my kit onto the boat. Took the remains of the clip apart and all that stops it loosing the equipment is a small nylon knot bigger than the hole in 2 bits of plastic. Needless to say im altering this design...

 

[krick]

Remember, when you think somthing is streamlined because it is on a retractor, take a step back from the problem and look at the total length from the D-Ring on your BC all the way to the end of whatever you are putting on the retractor. Do this with the retractor fully "in" I will bet it is still several inches. That is not streamlined.

Actually, my BC (Sea Quest Pro QD+) has a grommet for an "internal" retractor. The entire retractor is actually inside my BC. The cord comes out through the grommet. Then there's a clip to attach it to my computer.

Here's the retractor kit from Deep See...
http://www.deepseeinc.com/products/bc_instrument_retractor.html

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Actually, my BC (Sea Quest Pro QD+) has a grommet for an "internal" retractor. The entire retractor is actually inside my BC. The cord comes out through the grommet. Then there's a clip to attach it to my computer.

Here's the retractor kit from Deep See...
http://www.deepseeinc.com/products/bc_instrument_retractor.html

Hi,

That sounds like a better setup than the standard way. If it works for you that is the best! Just because I have decided to no longer use retractors does not mean that they are evil, it only means that I have decided to no longer use them. But do remember that the computer will still dangle a bit, if this does not present a problem then go for it.

Mark Vlahos

 

[Allison Finch]

My first retractor quickly found its way into the closet. I later found one that mounts directly to my waist belt. It holds my console up tight to my body, but is easy to pull out for a guage look, or compass run. I hated having to untuck and then retuck the console every time I referred to my guages.