First smb opinions.
- Thread starter Diver below 83
- Start date
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Ok, I've got a good visual, thanks. After deployment, you'll still be holding the spool (or reel) and line while reattaching the LP hose to your BCD, and probably using both hands. Still sounds a bit tough, and I wouldn't feel all that comfortable with the line right up against my gear- seems like a potential tangle hazard.
OP
Diver below 83
Contributor
Once you hit the smb with some air you’ll only be holding the spool. The line will be headed up with the smb. But again. You don’t HAVE to use the lp hose to fill it. That’s the point of having options. You can use the lp hose, reg, oral inflate or even the exhaust valve on your power inflator(what I used)
outofofficebrb
HARRO HUNNAYYY
OP
Diver below 83
Contributor
He has a dedicated inflator nozzle on an extra LP line. That’s a little different then what was being discussed as far as removing the lp inflator hose to attach to the male lp nozzle on the smb.
Oh, if only I was 12 years old again, I might have a fighting chance.
In fact I can disconnect and reattach the hose without too much difficulty although it's a bit more complicated due to the additional bulk of a Dive Alert attached to an Air Source regulator, and the way the corrugated hose is shaped it's sort of gotta be angled and slid into a groove, and when done at depth, under pressure, possibly with one hand while holding a spool in the other, well it's not very appealing to me. I once used my primary regulator to fill from the bottom- the SMB I used initially had a small bottom opening so I had to mess around with it and it kept flopping over so the air wouldn't go in and it would take too much time and effort. I switched to oral inflate and it's much easier for me.
I guess I'm not the only diver who isn't all that big on disconnecting and reconnecting the hose:
It's all sort of the same conversation and relevant to the Op who is looking for various SMB options one of which might be to carry an extra LP hose to inflate the SMB rather than fuss around with pulling off and reattaching the hose.
outofofficebrb
HARRO HUNNAYYY
OP
Diver below 83
Contributor
Oh you mean for me. Since I’m the OP lol. Hence why I’ve said I have no issues using the lp inflator hose if needed. As far as adding additional lines just for inflating an smb. While I appreciates dans rig and works great for his use, I personally have no reason to add another hose just for an inflator valve. So again for me. The OP. I’m fine using my current gear to inflate
I would agree with you. It's a confidence thing (right up there with mask flood and clears)
I would urge you to reconsider your rig if you think you may have difficulty because LPI run away's are not uncommon (hence LPI disconnect what put into the PADI OW course.
I have a dive alert horn on my rigs, so I do understand where you're coming from. I make sure I have a decent LPI hose with an easy to grip fitting. I change my hose yearly because lots of pool divign (teaching) wrecks the fitting and makes it stiff.
In my case it's more a matter of not being all that familiar and reflexive with removing and reconnecting the hose, and a lot more about it being a pain in the a$$ to have to do it intentionally on many dives, and finding it much easier to simply oral inflate with a few quick puffs.
In my haste to be the first to a wreck, I've splashed on more than one occasion with the hose disconnected, and hooked it back on without any issues, you don't need to worry about me.
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