The requirements for IANTD, NAUI and GUE all state one of two things. They state "An SMB or Lift bag", or simply "an smb". None of them state only lift bag or smb and lift bag.
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The requirements for IANTD, NAUI and GUE all state one of two things. They state "An SMB or Lift bag", or simply "an smb". None of them state only lift bag or smb and lift bag.
Also, a lift bag tends to be designed so that you can dump air on ascent. This makes it suitable for use as an alternative bouyancy source in the event that your bladder fails.
I carry a 50# most often, although I own a 100# as well. With double steel 120s and SS BP, I am diving a 55 lb Halcyon wing (with a drysuit), and that provides plenty of lift. So, in a pinch (wing failure), a 50# bag should do fine. I have not had a wing failure requiring lift bag deployment as alternative buoyancy, therefore cannot say I have tested that theory other than in the pool.Was wondering what pound size lift bag you all carry, not talking about a SMB but a lift bag in case wing failure or strong current and need to use Lift bag to get to surface (climbing not as a shot to the surface), a #50 seems a little small in choppy conditions doesn't it, I also want the boat to be ables to see it as well, does a 150lb store as easy as a 50lb ?
Can't speak for a 150lb, but a 100# stows as easily as the 50#. Yes, it is a bit larger when rolled up, but the difference, at least to me is negligible. I carry the bag either rolled up and bungeed at the bottom of my backplate, or in a DR sleeve (clipped to the bottom of the plate, or inverted on the left side of the plate). It is my impression that a 6' SMB would be equally effective for alternative buoyancy, and would probably be more visible in open water where there are any swells. I carry a SMB as a secondary back-up / surface marker when ocean diving. As far as 'why' I carry the lift bag as my primary alternative buoyancy - habit, mostly. It is how I was trained (DSAT) and I continue to do it that way.does a 150lb store as easy as a 50lb ?