Anyone own the DAN SMB?

[stuartv]

Also, I had been contemplating using some bungee loops through the holes on my BP to hold the SMB, instead of a carry pouch. Do you think the carry pouch is better? It seems like getting that Velcro closure open when reaching behind you with one hand would be challenging.

 

[iamrushman]

i have one and every time i have used it.... it work well.....

 

[Diving Dubai]

Roll it, shove it into a pocket. No pockets? Bungee (shock cord) wrapped around DSMB and or around a strap on your gear.

I have 1 in a butt pocket, 1 behind my backplate and 1 in a side pocket. Reels (2) are clipped off separately. Whistle mirror attached to shoulder strap, tucked away. Air horn on LP inflator hose.

It's not rocket science. What ever works best for the individuals where they can access it and it doesn't get in the way during the dive

 

[tkaelin]

I have two. Easy to use, easy to clean, drain, dry. Easy to roll up again and reset for next use. Would recommend.

 

[packrat12]

I put a SS quick link through the SMB loop. I then used 2 bungees through the quick link to hold the SMB wrapped on each side of the purge. I removed the manufacturer clips and Velcro. I also put a double dog clip on the quick link and attach this to my crotch strap.

 

[captio2000]

Yep, love mine. I take it on every ocean dive. It is a bit big though and you may not have every storage option - won't fit in a Dive Rite pouch mounted on bottom of my wing. I usually connect to waist D-ring with bolt snap or tuck in my dry suit pocket, depending on the gear I need. I keep my spool separate, not pre-attached to SMB, because you might find other uses for your spool and detaching would be a pain. That also gives me the option of using my wreck reel instead of the finger spool.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Also, I had been contemplating using some bungee loops through the holes on my BP to hold the SMB, instead of a carry pouch. Do you think the carry pouch is better? It seems like getting that Velcro closure open when reaching behind you with one hand would be challenging.

The reason I bought the pouch was that I had an incident where my SMB got loose from the bungee loops that I had been using and disappeared. I don't know if the pouch is "better"--certainly plenty of divers use the bungee loops method--but the incident was enough to prompt me to look for a more secure way to stow the SMB.

I stow the SMB with its D-ring protruding from the pouch. It is not difficult to reach back and find the D-ring, pull it like a ripcord, and unfurl the SMB. The Velcro closure gives way relatively easily--it doesn't need to be that strong, since the SMB would be held pretty securely by its tight fit in the pouch even if there were no Velcro closure. The spool is stowed elsewhere--in a pocket if I've got one, or clipped to a harness D-ring.

 

[Hatul]

I use the Zeagle one in a pouch with the finger spool attached.

Zeagle SMB Quick Deploy Deluxe Signal Marker Kit - BCD Accessories - Scuba Equipment Dive Gear Best Prices

 

[Zeagle Eagle]

I have been using the the DAN SMB since forever. I like the fact that when fully inflated I can stick my foot in the bottom strap and wrap my arms around the SMB and be half way out of the water.(sans 1 fin of course). I have never had an "orange dye problem" although I have never looked for it. I have a place to put a light stick on the SMB. There is a loop at the top that fits it nice.I like that a lot. I did replace the cord with something a little beefier and then marked it every 10 feet. I have a loop at 15 feet for my safety stop. I have two DANS and 3 ScubaPro's. I bought them all around the same time. The ScubaPro's are shredding apart. I won't buy them again. I am going to replace my DAN SMB with another new one with the radar strips. Mine is so old it doesn't have them. It may be awhile at this rate. They seem to last forever. Oh yeah, I can inflate my SMB from my Dive alert. The Dive alert air outlet fits on the DAN valve perfectly. No it doesn't make any noise while filling. The mesh pouch at the bottom comes with a storm whistle, a cyalume stick and a mirror.

I wonder if I can buy some radar reflective tape as it may be years before I have to replace it.

 

[dmaziuk]

I wonder if I can buy some radar reflective tape as it may be years before I have to replace it.

I hear the only way to make it practically useful is "sail made of tinfoil" -- that way when it doesn't register on radar you can at least use it as a sail.