I got a chance to use my new DSS SMB this weekend. I'm IMPRESSED!
I had been diving with a DAN 6' SMB, but wasn't happy with the amount of pocket space it took up, the amount of air it took at depth and the difficulty of having it stand up.
So, based upon many positive reviews, I bought Tobin's version. I loved the way it easily fit in my drysuit pocket.
This weekend I was diving at Pt. Pinos, just off of Monterey. When we entered the water the day's calm was broken by a bit a breeze, just it was still a nice, calm day. During the dive, we managed to lose track of which pinnacle the anchor was on and I shot the SMB for our ascent. It was very easy to deploy and manage underwater.
I had no issues during the ascent at all.
At the surface, however, all Hell was breaking lose. Full gale force winds were blowing, with sustained winds well above 40 mph, and very large, rough seas. The wind was blowing the tops off of the wave crests and there was no way to breath at the surface without a reg. I could only see the boat (directly upwind from, of course) when we were both on crests.
The others were able to swim to the boat, but try as I might I couldn't make any progress and resigned to have to wait for the boat to recover the rest of the divers and weigh anchor to come get me.
During my wait, the DSS SMB was nice and stiff, though I had to "prop it up" at the base with my free hand. I was very bright and the DM and Captain reported that it was very easy to see and track.
I know that I would not have been able to have my giant DAN SMB stand up in that wind.
Once on the boat (WHEW!!!), the DSS SMB was very easy to deflate and restow.
Thanks for another great product, Tobin.