I love my halcyon SMB's. I've tried a few other SMB's, cuz they weren't overpriced H stuff, only to ditch them after a few dives because they just totally blew. I do tropical reef dives, and carry two SMBs. A large 6' one bungled to my plate, and a small 3.3' one pre-rigged on spool in my thigh pocket, both oral inflate with OPV. The small one is the one I use the most, as I frequently launch it from 10 meters or less, its easy to stow, easy to launch, and works fine for the diving I do. I'm now teaching my GF how to use an SMB and spool and ordered a new 3.3' SMB for her. But the oral inflate is different. Mine is this stainless steel inflator with a built in check valve. Its idiot proof, just blow into it. It has a big flange that you can press your lips against, the stem is thin and making a seal is easy and inflating easier. The new one has this big black thing with a cap you have to press to inflate, and its much fatter stem. I tried it in my pool, it required me to jam it against my teeth to open the valve and blow. Not as idiot proof as maintaining a seal and opening the valve required some effort. Not a lot of effort, but more than the old one. But the worst is that the cap also has a twist lock to it. To me, thats an additional step to a launch an SMB "check that cap is unlocked before inflating".
Dunno why they made the change, but I don't like it. Anyone know where I can get the older style? My local dealer says he can't get them for me.
Dunno why they made the change, but I don't like it. Anyone know where I can get the older style? My local dealer says he can't get them for me.