Best DSMB?

[Rainer]

I'd like to purchase a DSMB in the next few days (for use in saftey stops at depth and as a signal marker at the surface), and was hoping to get feedback from forum members about what they consider to be good products. Here are the features I'd like to see in my DSMB:

(1) 5-6' tall when inflated
(2) Can be inflated both by mouth (at surface; with LP inflator as a bonus) and with octo (at depth)
(3) Ideally orange (or orange on one side and yellow on the other)
(4) Not too wide when rolled (some DSMBs are too large acorss in my opinion to make diving with practical)
(5) Can be used as a lift bag (ideally with a lift rating of over 20-25 pounds)
(6) Includes an over-pressure valve to prevent bursting during ascent

A few models that I am considering are the DAN model (http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/catalog/products/641-1000.html), the ScubaToys model (http://scubatoys.com/store/Scuba_Acc_signal.asp), and the Zeagle Deluxe model (http://zeagle.chainreactionweb.com/...Tube_Deluxe_Detail_Page&category=Accessories).

At the moment I'm leaning toward the Zeagle model, simply because it is slightly smaller (less wide) than the other two (which would make it more likely that I take it on every dive). [Does anyone know where the Zeagle Deluxe model can be purchased online and how much it costs?] The DAN model though is listed as only 0.5" wider, but I can't determine if it can be inflated underwater with a regulator.

Any comments on these products, plus any others that you'd recommend (or recommend against) would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Doc]

Here are the features I'd like to see in my DSMB:

(3) Ideally orange (or orange on one side and yellow on the other).

You might ask a pilot. He would like to see it in yellow.

 

[do it easy]

I have the smallest Carter Super Sausage, although he makes larger sizes (10').
My sausage is oral inflation only (surface or at depth), but the larger personal floats have a baffle at the bottom for inflating with a second stage.

Carter Personal Floats

 

[UWupnorth]

I use the halcyon smb, it is a closed system and can be inflated oraly or with a low pressure inflator hose. It is 4.5 feet long and has 40lb lift. I have tryed several others and found this to work the best. It is a little pricey though.

 

[BarryNL]

I use the halcyon smb, it is a closed system and can be inflated oraly or with a low pressure inflator hose. It is 4.5 feet long and has 40lb lift. I have tryed several others and found this to work the best. It is a little pricey though.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend these - I have one and the idea is good but Halcyon quality sucks - it's only six months old and the valve is already sticking/leaking.

 

[BarryNL]

You might ask a pilot. He would like to see it in yellow.

You might want to check local regulations/customs. I believe yellow is more visible but in some areas yellow is used for emergency and orange for normal use.

 

[mfalco]

Does anybody know how much lift the scubatoys one he linked to provides? I emailed scubatoys a couple days ago, and they haven't responded.

 

[Rainer]

And any ideas about the lift of the DAN model anyone? I also e-mailed them awhile ago (twice) and haven't gotten a response? Any other suggestions? Anyone try/use the Zeagle model? Also, does anyone know the regulations (esp. outside of the US) concerning yellow/orange SMBs? Studies show yellow to be more visible (as alluded to in a previous post), but some divers consider this to be for emergencies. The yellow/orange buoys thus seem like a good compromise, but this all depends on regulations.

 

[Diver Dennis]

You might ask a pilot. He would like to see it in yellow.

That is a very good point RM. I have been told by many captains was well that the yellow ones are much easier to see. I carry both.

 

[Rainer]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Does anyone else have any thoughts on what DSMB I should consider getting?