SMB to fit in Dive rite quick draw sleeve?

[scubadobadoo]

I have a dive rite quick draw sleeve. That's where I want to put my smb, not with surgical tubing but, thanks for the suggestion.;)

I wanted to use the DAN smb but it wouldn't fit in the DR sleeve. Huge. I don't feel like building my own larger sleeve as has been suggested in other threads. SO, Does anyone know if the scuba toys smb pictured here and called "large self sealing" http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=SelfSealingSafetyTube will fit in the diverite sleeve? It (the ST version) is a tiny bit bigger according to the ST and DR web pages. One foot longer and a little wider actually.

I would buy the diverite smb but according to this thread...http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=165752..it's not exactly what I am looking for.

Also, anyone using the cheaper version of the ST smb at 39.99 instead of the self sealing one at 89? Is it worth the extra 40 bucks for the self sealing version?

Thanks. :D Some very specific questions here.

Just noticed that compudude posted the same question some time last year and those responses answered my questions for the most part....but still wondering if the 89 dollar version is better than the 39 dollar version...?

[Peter_C]

Not sure of either of those, but D.A.N. will be holding a safety sale through the month of June on their SMB package, for $60.00, if you are a member. They have the duck bill check valve and over pressure valve. They also come with a storm whistle, light stick, and a signal mirror.

[Cheekymonkey]

I ahve the OMS Thick Sausage style one with the dump valve and the semi closed opening... I love it and it fits great...

[scubadobadoo]

...and it fits great...

In the Dive Rite quick sleeve?

Where did you get it from? Thanks.

I had the DAN one and it was HUGE. I liked it very much, super high quality, but the darn thing is MASSIVE! I don't want to carry a log around while I dive.;)

[Tom Winters]

I can get an Abyss 6' DSMB in a Dive Rite sleeve. It's not easy, but it gets in there.

[Jim Lapenta]

I just bought the sleeve and bag that comes with it. I also have the DAN smb kit. I got mine when they first came out for 47 bucks. Can't believe how much they went up. I just carry the bag when doing local lake stuff and the smb in my pocket or clipped to the butt dring of the harness with my reel. It's out of the way, protected by the tank as far as drag and snagging goes, yet easy to get to.

[Splitlip]

I carry(ied) a 35# Carter in mine. No problems

http://www.carterbag.com/personalfloat.html

[mike_s]

Also, anyone using the cheaper version of the ST smb at 39.99 instead of the self sealing one at 89? Is it worth the extra 40 bucks for the self sealing version?




I've got the "cheaper version" of the Scuba Toys sausage at $39 bucks. I haven't used it yet, but it's got a diaphram in it to keep air in if that's what you mean by self-sealing. Someone else I know bought one also and said it held air.

As for the safety sleeve, I've been meaning to take it to my LDS to see if it will fit in the Dive Rite sleeve, but I'm afraid it will not.

I tried to fit the XS SCuba 50lb lift bag in it at the LDS last weekend and it won't fit, so I'm doubtfull the ST SMB will fit.

[SteveFass]

I carry(ied) a 35# Carter in mine. No problems

Me too. It is harder to put into the sleeve than to take it out. I don't know your diving conditions, but there's something to be said for tall and sturdy. However it would be nice if it didn't take so much air to fill it. Never mind.

[Fish_Whisperer]

Anyone have a photo of the sleeve? I've never heard of this, before.

[mike_s]

Anyone have a photo of the sleeve? I've never heard of this, before.


http://www.diveriteexpress.com/tools/img/ac2753.jpg
(have to click on pic for image. For some stupid reason SB won't let you post an image in the thread here)


It's a good idea, but too small for use.

[Fish_Whisperer]

Hrmmm... I guess I'm just as happy with clipping mine on a D-ring.

[scubadobadoo]

I think I have given up on using the sleeve.:( I love the idea os the sleeve, bur as has been stated, the thing is just too small...unless you use the DR smb...I guess.

I'm just gonna try using surgical tubing and bungy my currrent and very large smb (similiar to to the DAN smb) to the bottom of my plate where the sleeve would be anyway. I would just buy the DR smb but it doesn't get the most glowing reviews in some other threads and the price is a bit high for what it is imho. Thanks all.;)

[CompuDude]

I've got the "cheaper version" of the Scuba Toys sausage at $39 bucks. I haven't used it yet, but it's got a diaphram in it to keep air in if that's what you mean by self-sealing. Someone else I know bought one also and said it held air.

As for the safety sleeve, I've been meaning to take it to my LDS to see if it will fit in the Dive Rite sleeve, but I'm afraid it will not.

I tried to fit the XS SCuba 50lb lift bag in it at the LDS last weekend and it won't fit, so I'm doubtfull the ST SMB will fit.
I don't know about the newer, larger ST SMB, but I have the original one (~$40) and it fits fine in the DiveRite sleeve. I leave it in there on every dive. Very handy, out of the way, fairly easy to deploy, and helps protect the bag from getting holes rubbed into it.

The "cheaper" ScubaToys bag is very nice. It won't keep air fully in it at the surface if you let it fully go up with zero tension on the string, but it doesn't take much to keep the open end under water. And if you're doing it right (don't read that wrong!), you would always have some tension on the line anyway. There is not a full duckbill, but a partial one, so it's quite reliable. (and that's how most open end devices have worked for years anyway before the duckbill enhancement became popular). The newer one is nice, but if you want it in the QuickDraw sleeve and it won't fit, I don't see that it offers that much advantage over the original version. And if you don't want it in the sleeve, the XS Scuba SMB DiveSportsOnline is selling is cheaper and better, IMO.

[mike_s]

Ok... This might a solution to the issue here of getting a "larger" SMB to fit in a sleeve.


This is the Zeagle SMB & Sleeve system. I think it will hold the ST SMB. (maybe)

http://www.scubatoys.com/store/accessories/pics/ZeagleQDMarkerKit.jpg


Scuba Toys has it on their site, but the only down side is that it's $150 bucks, which includes the sleeve, SMB, and reel.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=ZeagleDeployMarkerKit

I'll check with Joe/Larry to see if it's sold seperately.


EDIT: Thanks to El Orans for turning on the [IMG] feature for this forum!

[mike_s]

So the other day I checked to see if the Scuba Toys SBM ($39) would fit into the Dive Rite sleeve ($14)

The answer is yes.... and no....

I was able to get it to fit in, but it was a tight roll on the SMB to make it fit. So it was a snug fit and might be hard to remove from behind you underwater with gloves on. I also found the velcro on the sleeve trying to "grab" the velcro on the SMB, which would make an underwater removal more difficult. (in my opinion)

But the SMB wouldn't go all the way inside because of the lenth of the "roll".
It came to about the end of the outside of the sleeve where there is velcro to close the sleeve. (sleeve would not close because of this).

However in looking at the websites afterwards, the dimensions don't "add up" to why it didn't fit. (I didn't think to measure the sleeve at the store)

The SMB is 8-3/4" across according to ST website.
but the Dive Rite sleeve internal dimensions are 10" long according to DR Express website. (Dive Rites corporate website doesn't give crap in details/dimensions).

So it should have easily fit if you use the above dimensions... but of course it doesn't

I verified the measurement of the ST SMB. It's 8-3/4" as it says.
Maybe the DR sleeve is really 10", but I didn't measure it at the store. But once the sleeve "bulks out" to fit the diameter of the rolled up SMB, it won't perfectly fit the SMB inside the sleeve and allow you to close the velcro. It sure doesn't fit in the pic as shown above in post #11.

If you up to "cramming" in the last 2" of the SMB, you could get the velcro to close.

The LDS employee told me he thinks that Dive Rite might be making those bags smaller now, but he wasn't sure. (Not something that one would really have a need to keep on top of a small measurement change on a single prodcut).

Oh well. Hope this is usefull information for you.

So it might work... or might not.. depending on how much patience you have.

Now... take a SMB that has a sealed diaphram along the bottom and has a little air left in it when rolled up, all bets are off on getting to fit I'm sure.

[scubadobadoo]

So the other day I checked to see if the Scuba Toys SBM ($39) would fit into the Dive Rite sleeve ($14)

The answer is yes.... and no....

I was able to get it to fit in, but it was a tight roll on the SMB to make it fit. So it was a snug fit and might be hard to remove from behind you underwater with gloves on. I also found the velcro on the sleeve trying to "grab" the velcro on the SMB, which would make an underwater removal more difficult. (in my opinion)

But the SMB wouldn't go all the way inside because of the lenth of the "roll".
It came to about the end of the outside of the sleeve where there is velcro to close the sleeve. (sleeve would not close because of this).

However in looking at the websites afterwards, the dimensions don't "add up" to why it didn't fit. (I didn't think to measure the sleeve at the store)

The SMB is 8-3/4" across according to ST website.
but the Dive Rite sleeve internal dimensions are 10" long according to DR Express website. (Dive Rites corporate website doesn't give crap in details/dimensions).

So it should have easily fit if you use the above dimensions... but of course it doesn't

I verified the measurement of the ST SMB. It's 8-3/4" as it says.
Maybe the DR sleeve is really 10", but I didn't measure it at the store. But once the sleeve "bulks out" to fit the diameter of the rolled up SMB, it won't perfectly fit the SMB inside the sleeve and allow you to close the velcro. It sure doesn't fit in the pic as shown above in post #11.

If you up to "cramming" in the last 2" of the SMB, you could get the velcro to close.

The LDS employee told me he thinks that Dive Rite might be making those bags smaller now, but he wasn't sure. (Not something that one would really have a need to keep on top of a small measurement change on a single prodcut).

Oh well. Hope this is usefull information for you.

So it might work... or might not.. depending on how much patience you have.

Now... take a SMB that has a sealed diaphram along the bottom and has a little air left in it when rolled up, all bets are off on getting to fit I'm sure.

Great info Mike, THANKS.

I have personally decided to bungie mine under my back plate for warm water diving and use my dry suit pocket in colder water. I sure would love to use my DR sleeve though but, I am not willing to pay 100 bucks for a DR DSMB that gets just OKreviews.

[mike_s]

Great info Mike, THANKS.

I have personally decided to bungie mine under my back plate for warm water diving and use my dry suit pocket in colder water. I sure would love to use my DR sleeve though but, I am not willing to pay 100 bucks for a DR DSMB that gets just OKreviews.

I actually planned to use the DR Sleeve, but the fit just wasn't that great.
It also won't fit my lift bag at all.

So I'm going to go the bungee route also.... (or just snap bolt to D-ring)

[CompuDude]

Dunno what to tell y'all. Perhaps one or the other design has changed from when I bought mine late last year, but my $40 ScubaToys SMB fits perfectly (if somewhat snugly) in my DR QuickDraw sleeve.

I'll try to remember to take some photos tonight.

[lishen]

mike_s beat me to it. i have that same DR quick draw sleeve and ST smb. i've managed to get mine in but the velcro doesn't seal up, though its such a tight fit that it doesn't move. the only problem would be if you need to stow it underwater. i'd say it would be impossible.

[scubadobadoo]

Anyone want to buy a DR sleeve?:rofl3:

[CompuDude]

mike_s beat me to it. i have that same DR quick draw sleeve and ST smb. i've managed to get mine in but the velcro doesn't seal up, though its such a tight fit that it doesn't move. the only problem would be if you need to stow it underwater. i'd say it would be impossible.
Out of curiosity, why would you need to restow it underwater? Generally you take it out to send it up, and then restow on the surface. I suppose if I needed to abort deploying it once started, I could always just stick it in my pocket.

[Fish_Whisperer]

I'm honestly curious: What is the purpose of this thing? (I mean, other than being another widget that dive shops can make money on...) Why is simply clipping the SMB to a D-ring not good enough? Clipped to a D-ring, it's ready for rapid deployment, it's easily rolled up and re-attached and ready for the next dive... What's up with these "quick-draw" pockets?
:confused:

[mike_s]

Dunno what to tell y'all. Perhaps one or the other design has changed from when I bought mine late last year, but my $40 ScubaToys SMB fits perfectly (if somewhat snugly) in my DR QuickDraw sleeve.

I'll try to remember to take some photos tonight.


If you do, take some measurements (inside and out). If your's fits, it might verify the statement that the sleeve used to be bigger.





I'm honestly curious: What is the purpose of this thing? (I mean, other than being another widget that dive shops can make money on...) Why is simply clipping the SMB to a D-ring not good enough? Clipped to a D-ring, it's ready for rapid deployment, it's easily rolled up and re-attached and ready for the next dive... What's up with these "quick-draw" pockets?
:confused:

its purpose is just like the bungee's, which is to move it up to a space against the BC, out of the way. Some divers just don't want a SMB to "dangle" from a D-ring on a clip. It's just to remove stuff from dangling which might get caught on something. Overall it's personal preference, so if you prefer to clip to your D-ring then that's ok also....

[Fish_Whisperer]

I see... I can see how this would especially be useful for wreck diving, but in that case, I'd just put it in my pocket...

[CompuDude]

I'm honestly curious: What is the purpose of this thing? (I mean, other than being another widget that dive shops can make money on...) Why is simply clipping the SMB to a D-ring not good enough? Clipped to a D-ring, it's ready for rapid deployment, it's easily rolled up and re-attached and ready for the next dive... What's up with these "quick-draw" pockets?
:confused:
Actually, it has a genuine benefit as well: It prevents wear on the SMB from rubbing, since it entirely covers it. Any wear would hit the sleeve, and not the SMB, potentially saving the bag from holes. Since I leave mine on my plate at all times, wear was a concern for me, and I found the DR sleeve addressed the issue nicely, as well as giving and overall neater appearance.

[Splitlip]

I'm honestly curious: What is the purpose of this thing? (I mean, other than being another widget that dive shops can make money on...) Why is simply clipping the SMB to a D-ring not good enough? Clipped to a D-ring, it's ready for rapid deployment, it's easily rolled up and re-attached and ready for the next dive... What's up with these "quick-draw" pockets?
:confused:

I think the sleeves are really handy. I like them better than bungied loops and I damn sure wouldn't want anything 8" long 3" thick flopping around my chest (as on a D-ring).
As for restowing, the hardest part is not putting it back in the sleeve, but getting gas and water out.
And if a dive shop can make money on something someone wants to buy, I say salute. That is why they are in buisness, and if they go out of buisiness..........(pleas see another thread)

[CompuDude]

I'm honestly curious: What is the purpose of this thing? (I mean, other than being another widget that dive shops can make money on...) Why is simply clipping the SMB to a D-ring not good enough? Clipped to a D-ring, it's ready for rapid deployment, it's easily rolled up and re-attached and ready for the next dive... What's up with these "quick-draw" pockets?
:confused:
You know, now that I re-read your post, I wonder if you aren't thinking about a different product than we are.

A safety sausage is a small inflatable tube around 4' and a few inches wide, that rolls up into a nice, compact little 3"x2" roll, and clips nicely from any available D-ring.

Compare that to the SMB (surface marker buoy), which is generally about 6' tall and 6-8" wide when inflated, and when deflated and rolled it's still a fairly substantial package that's a tube 6-8" long and 2-3" diameter... far larger than you'd probably want hanging freely from a D ring. One of the more common methods of stowing them involves a couple loops of bungee or tubing on your backplate, and stowing it along the side or bottom of the plate, where it's mostly out of the way.
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/tools/img/marker220.jpg

[Splitlip]

I think yes

[CompuDude]

If you do, take some measurements (inside and out). If your's fits, it might verify the statement that the sleeve used to be bigger.
I finally got around to taking a few pictures. Hope this helps someone.

(Pardon the state of my gear, yes, it needs to be cleaned and I have not had a chance since my last dive!)

SMB fully stowed in sleeve:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3682%20(Medium).JPG

Closed end of sleeve with SMB inside:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3683%20(Medium).JPG

SMB laying atop the sleeve (for size reference):
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3684%20(Medium).JPG

SMB held next to sleeve (for size reference):
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3685%20(Medium).JPG

Sleeve length is just shy of 11":
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3687%20(Medium).JPG

SMB length is about 9":
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3688%20(Medium).JPG

Sleeve width is about 5", SMB rolled width is about 4":
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3690%20(Medium).JPG

A good inch to spare with the SMB stowed inside the sleeve, easy to close velcro:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_3693%20(Medium).JPG

[CompuDude]

Just to round out the collection, here are a couple of shots of the SMB itself, unrolled:

Closeup size reference:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2854%20(Medium).JPG

24" size reference, full length:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2855%20(Medium).JPG

Showing both sides:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2856%20(Medium).JPG

[Splitlip]

Heads up Dude. When you get your Mach V I wager you'll be stowing it on the bottom of the plate. I mounted my quickdraw on the side of my plate when I had my OMS wing.
When I mounted the Mach V, the DSMB looked like a big outrigger there. Didn't dive it that way, so I can't speak to drag.

[Fish_Whisperer]

You know, now that I re-read your post, I wonder if you aren't thinking about a different product than we are.

A safety sausage is a small inflatable tube around 4' and a few inches wide, that rolls up into a nice, compact little 3"x2" roll, and clips nicely from any available D-ring.

Compare that to the SMB (surface marker buoy), which is generally about 6' tall and 6-8" wide when inflated, and when deflated and rolled it's still a fairly substantial package that's a tube 6-8" long and 2-3" diameter... far larger than you'd probably want hanging freely from a D ring. One of the more common methods of stowing them involves a couple loops of bungee or tubing on your backplate, and stowing it along the side or bottom of the plate, where it's mostly out of the way.
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/tools/img/marker220.jpg

Ah.... Got it. Yes, I was mistaken and thinking of a safety sausage, rather than an SMB. Sorry... I'm a dumb-azz.... :shakehead

[Splitlip]

Who makes that one and what are dimensions rolled and depoyed. Yours appears bigger than mine but looks like it packs smaller. I do have an oral inflator (which I have never used).
Thanks


Just to round out the collection, here are a couple of shots of the SMB itself, unrolled:

Closeup size reference:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2854%20(Medium).JPG

24" size reference, full length:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2855%20(Medium).JPG

Showing both sides:
http://kalani.net/scuba/divegear/DR-Sleeve/IMG_2856%20(Medium).JPG

[CompuDude]

Bought it from ScubaToys about 6-9 months ago, you're on your own for the measurements, they're all there in the photos if you want to do the math. :)

[Splitlip]

you're on your own for the measurements, they're all there in the photos if you want to do the math. :)
Well, I suppose I could do that too...

[CompuDude]

Well, I suppose I could do that too...
If it helps any, this is what it said on the ST page back when I bought it:


ScubaToys Large Safety Stop Signal with Dump Valve

This is a See Me Safety Signal on Steroids with a Dump Valve!

* Dump Valve
* Brass clip to attach to reel or line
* Extra D-ring at bottom of bag
* 6 Feet Tall
* 8 3/4" across
* Duck Bill valve to stop it from deflating at the surface
* Yellow on one side, Orange on the other
* Velcro Closure Straps for easy storage
* Use as a Safety Signal, Lift Bag, or Safety Stop Anchor

Someone did recently tell me they may not carry this exact one anymore.

[Splitlip]

Thanks. I have not found one locally that large that will fit in my sleeve. It is the oral inflator I think. I will give Joe a call Monday.