Using a retractable cable with a GoPro?

[stanw]

I'd like to find a way to strap a GoPro to a retractable cable to either my wrist or my BC. Does anyone know of some sort of way to do this? Is this a bad idea for any reason?

Thanks.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

I did just that with this retractable lanyard Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT4-5913 Compact Console Retractor Large Heavy Duty Snap Clip Mount with Q/C-II Split Ring and Lanyard Accessory: Sports & Outdoors

Now this lanyard has some pretty strong return force. It retracts my gopro while attached to my GoPole together with ease. It's length is a little shorter than I would have liked though.

Maybe one with less force like this one would be good if the camera is solo. Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT3-0092 Locking Large Flashlight and Camera Retractor Stainless Steel Snap Clip Mount with Q/C-II Split Ring Accessory: Sports & Outdoors

 

[AdventurePlus]

Keep an eye on the wear on the retractor cable. I periodically snap retractor cables from normal wear and tear, both the cable and chord types. I like to use use a two handle tray to keep the video stable attached to my bc with a snappy coil.

 

[diversteve]

Cetacea makes a few different strength models also. Scuba Diving Accessories

As well as this although it seems "dangly" - 2 FT. Camera Tether

 

[stanw]

How are you attaching this to your GoPro?

I did just that with this retractable lanyard Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT4-5913 Compact Console Retractor Large Heavy Duty Snap Clip Mount with Q/C-II Split Ring and Lanyard Accessory: Sports & Outdoors

Now this lanyard has some pretty strong return force. It retracts my gopro while attached to my GoPole together with ease. It's length is a little shorter than I would have liked though.

Maybe one with less force like this one would be good if the camera is solo. Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT3-0092 Locking Large Flashlight and Camera Retractor Stainless Steel Snap Clip Mount with Q/C-II Split Ring Accessory: Sports & Outdoors

 

[ronscuba]

How are you attaching this to your GoPro?

The bottom of the GoPro housing has a "neck" for the tilt/base connection. The split ring on the lanyard/retractor fits around the "neck". Take out the screw on the tilt/base connection, put the split ring around the "neck", re-install the screw tilt/base connection.

 

[EL Pistoffo]

The bottom of the GoPro housing has a "neck" for the tilt/base connection. The split ring on the lanyard/retractor fits around the "neck". Take out the screw on the tilt/base connection, put the split ring around the "neck", re-install the screw tilt/base connection.

I actually use these to quickly connect and disconnect any of my lanyards to the split rings: Nite Ize SB2-03-01 Size-2 S-Biner, Black - Amazon.com in various sizes.

I've zip-tied split rings to all of my mounts, I don't trust the some of the thin, cheesy lanyards they come with.

 

[stanw]

I'm looking at different retractors and am trying to decide between the type the clips to a loop on a BC like one suggested earlier Amazon.com: Gear Keeper RT4-5913 Compact Console Retractor Large Heavy Duty Snap Clip Mount with Q/C-II Split Ring and Lanyard Accessory: Sports & Outdoors

and one that pokes through a BC in case it does not have loops, like this one
Amazon.com: Gear Keeper Retractable Mic Keeper: Electronics

I will be using it on a trip and since I will be renting a BC I have no way of knowing if the BC has loops to hook one to or if they will even be OK with my poking a small hole through their BC....

1. Do you think using the one that pokes through a BC would support the weight of a GoPro and a GoPole?
2. I think all of the BCs that I have used have had loops, is it common that some do not?

Thanks.

 

[ronscuba]

Go with the clip retractor. Much more secure than the other one you listed.

Every BC will have some kind of loop to clip to.

 

[fishstix]

What do you guys think of this type? 36" (91.4 cm) Quick Release Coil Lanyard with Brass Clip and SS Split Ring