Need a flag/float - which one?

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Since you are not dealing with 3 knot currents and pulling it under to collapse the float, I'd just get the $30 sytrofoam ball 2 piece flag.

But it's the choice of reel that will make it fun or a pain in the rear. I've used the 275ft blue clicker reel below and they work great at $50. But I just upgraded to the Manta Mini reel at $125 and it is sweet. Also get a reef treble dive hook so once you get down on the wreck(etc) you can just hook it off, go explore and come back for it at the end of the dive to ascend

FSD Dive Reel 275ft with stopper

View attachment 657165

Thank you for not putting your bare feet in the photo. :D

Last summer I dived the site in WI that tickets for no flag. Borrowed a flag. It was one of the styrofoam ball ones. Huge and awkward. Buddy did the towing. I definitely do NOT want that one again.
 
I have and really like my hard float, but it takes up significant storage space. I'd really consider one of these if space was a premium.

https://www.makospearguns.com/High-Pressure-Spearfishing-Float-p/mhpf.htm

I have used "pencil" floats ant inner tube floats, each have plusses and minuses, and fail compared to my hard float.

I personally like the "cheap ratchet reel" that can come as a package.

I tried and hated a Manta Mini for this use.

YMMV
 
As mentioned, it is probably important to decide if space, storage and transportation are issues. For divers who travel by air, the benefits of an inflatable float are significant.

MHPF-2T.jpg

MPIF3-2T.jpg


If you would like a rigid float, then this Hawaiian hard float with flag, would be a good choice. Easy to tow and the handles on the sides could help support a diver, should a problem arise on the surface.


MHHF2-2T.jpg

This package deal with the hard float might be very attractive for the stated purpose

https://www.makospearguns.com/SCUBA-Divers-Surface-Float-Package-p/msdsfp.htm
 
This was a link to my experience. I really like this float. It tows easy and stores easy.

Mako "Professional Inflatable Spearfishing Float"

It is the least durable of the floats that MAKO offers but it is still tough. I have no concerns for using this the amount I do.

Storage space was a big concern for me or I would have gone with the hard float.

If I was diving every day but still had storage issues I would use the HP MAKO float.

Any of these will probably tow great, just remember to leave slack in the line so you aren't dragging the float nose down through the water. You want the float to skim flat on top of the water.

I'm just using a dive rite safety reel with a clip to tow and it works fine.

Stay away from the styrofoam balls, pool noodles, and inner tubes if you want easy towing. The balls and noodle types can get pulled under pretty easily.

Mako was great to deal with as well.

Good luck.
 
Holy sh1t that first Mako is a real yacht! I have the second inflatable, the 15L. It's very well made and tows fine.
 
Would a dsmb be appropriate? I don't know your local regs but here it can be appropriate sometimes
 
Unfortunately, no. It has to be the red/white diver down flag.
Another option ...

I have two Carter 35lb DSMBs. They have a 12" square dive-flag sleeve that slips on the top. I keep one in my reg bag so it comes with me (JIC) and stays flat(ish). Personal Floats Safety Sausage Tubes

I actually bought the flags as add-ons, since the bags were used and needed replacement oral-inflate valves (salt encrustation) anyway. You could probably order just the sleeves (you'd have to call) or make up your own version.
 
I’m looking at my options. Not sure how much I’m going to be diving these sites, so I don’t want to spent a lot of I’m not going to be using it often.
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/peregrine/

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