snipes287 once bubbled...
hey, Ive been swimming around with my conslole just dangling around and was wandering what everyone else used to keep it close to you. do you use retractors or what?
The main thing is to get rid of that "danglie". It can easily snag on something and give you a real surprize.
I've generally used 2-3 setups:
1) clipped on left, low on BC
2) clipped onto a retractor that's on a right chest D ring.
3) Number 1, with the console then stuffed into the BC's cummerbund.
Pro's/Cons & Comments:
#1 can be set up before the dive; #2 cannot be clipped on until you're putting the gear on. I consider #1 to be better than #2 because minimizing the number of time-sensitive tasks (here, things that have to be done just prior to jumping in the water) is a good thing.
#1's gages can't be seen without lifting the gages up; #2's gages can be seen with no hands once the console has been turned (by hand). As such, #2 represents a slightly lower work taskloading.
If the clipping of #1 is via a hose clip, this provides some play and the length of the console as the dangly. The play allows #1 to be read without having to unclip anything, which results in less work taskloading than the DIR setup. The setup in #2 is similar in that it also does not require unclipping for reading, and while the retractor could be eliminated, it is present predominantly to allow the use of an integrated compass on the console.
#3 is a "much tighter" in-water modification to #1: it stays attached as before, but the console is stuffed, to eliminate even a 6" long dangle, to navigate through tight restrictions, or when snorkling back to shore in extremely shallow water (such as in places where you cannot choose to stand up).
Overall, what works best for you & your gear will depend on specifics. In general, #1 works better when the console has a short HP hose, and #2 facilitates a longer HP hose. Just remember that HP hoses can be replaced ;-)
-hh
