retractors,... to have or not to have.

[Born2Dive]

Hi all, was wondering about the usefulness of having and using retractors. Are they really that useful, or a simple piece of string or bungy does the same trick.


cheers.:boozer:

[SpyderTek]

I only use one on my gauges. It is definately a bonus to be able to pull it into view and then release it knowing it will snap back to place on my chest and not be a dangly.

All my other hoses and gear is usually attached using a simple snorkle keeper or, for those "will need but dont want to accidently lose" items like my reel, a D-ring and climber's clip.

I cant think of anything else that needs or for that matter would seriously benifit from a retractor.

Spydertek

[Damselfish]

been using one for a bit, still can't decide if it's an improvement over just tucking the gauges in my BC. The cord tends to obscure my view of the gauges and it's a nuisance when I want to use my compass.

[sheck33]

retractors are clutter, IMHO they serve no purpose other than make a diver look like a christmas tree. My SPG is clipped of on my left hip D-ring and my compass and computer are on my wrists. My light is clipped to the right shoulder D-ring when not in use.
I wouldnt know what i'd need a retractor for :D

[MikeS]

I started diving with my Cobra on a retractor. I now prefer a swivel bolt snap connected with a nylon tie, clipped off to a d-ring when not in use. Using a swivel snap does adds task loading as you have to find the d-ring and get the snap on it, rather than just releasing it with a retractor. However, with a little practice it becomes automatic.

In retrospect, the retractor was helpful as it reduced task loading while I was still struggling with buoyancy control. After I got to point where buoyancy control did not require conscious effort, I changed to swivel snaps.

IMO the swivel snap attachment method is preferable over a retractor as it is more streamlined and there’s less to break. Additionally, I use my compass attached to the Cobra a lot in the quarry. The retractor always trying to pull it back was annoying when swimming very far while using the compass.

As I progressed as a diver and started to add lights, reels, a pony bottle, etc., I needed to work more and more with swivel snaps and d-rings. The time and effort used on practicing with the snap on the Cobra paid off.

Mike

[pcscuba]

I use an akona retractor for my console and it works pretty well. That's the only thing I use one for. Everything else is clipped to D-rings.

[Juls64]

on a retractor and it is handy and works really well.

[wstein]

I just bought a retractor cuz I got tired of tucking my console into my bc. It works fairly well. but that is about the only thing I would image a retractor being usefull for. Just my two cents worth.

Paul