SMB Question

[mick allein III]

All, I'm interested in purchasing a long, high quality SMB. Size matters. Do any double as a lift bag? Alternate buoyancy? Suggestions.


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[CptTightPants21]

There is a 6 ft SMB that has 50lb of lift and can double as a lift bag and alternative buoyancy.It is thick and long. I have never seen it used, from my experience most divers have a 50lb lift bag and then a smaller smb that can be stored away.

 

[merxlin]

Look at the one from DAN. Very durable (mine has over 500 dives on it) and provide additional lift. OPV valve, LP hose inflation plus std bottom inflate. https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/dive-store/?id=117

 

[tbone1004]

it depends on what you want out of the SMB. SMB's come in two flavors. "come fetch me I'm lost at sea". typically very very large 2m or more, this can't double as second buoyancy usually due to size being unwieldy, but once at the surface you can use it as flotation. Other variety is the 1m that is designed to be sent up from depth to let the boat know something. Two very different purposes, two very different pieces of equipment

 

[The Chairman]

My favorite has a valve that can be filled from your BC inflator hose like this one from DRIS:

XS Scuba 7ft Surface Marker | Dive Right In Scuba - Plainfield, IL - Dive Right in Scuba​

 

[boulderjohn]

As has been suggested, the reason that there is a pretty wide variety of sizes and shapes for these things is because different dives bring on different needs. Why not tell us some details about what you want, so we can maybe give you better advice?

 

[PfcAJ]

If you're going to use it as a left bag (I don't even...) make sure the opv is at the top so you can actually dump gas from it. If it's at the bottom you can only dump gas when it's totally full.

 

[divad]

Or turned upside down.

 

[mick allein III]

Mostly I would need it for come fetch me. Dives on the Great Lakes and in the ocean. I have a smaller one but an not convinced it could be seen from a distance.


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[decompression]

If it's for Great Lakes (possible large waves) get one around 6'......one with an opv is far more versatile and worth a few more dollars. Smb's generally make poor lift bags and buoyancy back up only in a real emergency.


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