SMB Questions

[redsoxphan]

I am looking to purchase an SMB and have read a lot of posts on the subject. Can you say information overload?!?!

Anyway...lots of great posts & thoughts. One thing I didn't see discussed all that much was sealed vs. open bottom. Seems to me sealed would be the way to go, but I'm not 100% sure of that. Having said that, this is the SMB that I'm looking at...Signal Marker Buoy - Large Self Sealing reviews and discounts, ScubaToys

What are your opinions on sealed vs. open and this SMB in particular?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!!

[DMWiz]

I don't think it makes much difference what you get as long as you practice deploying it. I prefer a self-closing baffle at the bottom rather than completely sealed since I prefer to inflate using the exaust from my primary second stage.
If you do get a fully sealed bag, a quick inflator nipple is gold.

[frozenwarp]

i to really like my semi sealed one that can be illed rom the bottom but seals as you inlflate, that being said the closed ones with the infator nipple like mentioned above are pretty good.
I'd stick away from the ully opened ones as they arnt to good to send up rom depth, i's also avoid the ones made out of a rubbery material as when stored in hot weather can stick to itself and cause problems when you go to inflate.

good luck and safe diving,
Bradley

[redsoxphan]

What brand/model are you using?

Originally Posted by frozenwarp

i to really like my semi sealed one that can be illed rom the bottom but seals as you inlflate, that being said the closed ones with the infator nipple like mentioned above are pretty good.
I'd stick away from the ully opened ones as they arnt to good to send up rom depth, i's also avoid the ones made out of a rubbery material as when stored in hot weather can stick to itself and cause problems when you go to inflate.

good luck and safe diving,
Bradley

[Grin]

That one looks good for sending up from depth on a reel or spool.
1. I think it is a self sealing type that can be filled with you reg, but I'd call and make sure if that's how youplan on filling it.
2. I don't see a manual inflator tube on it. I actually like it without because it rolls up better. But if it needs a little help to be completely filled once topside, it's nice to be able to do it. If you surface and the boat hasn't seen you yet and your sausage is not full, it's nice to be able to fill it up and wave it around much easier. I bet it has one on the other side or something, but I'd call and ask.

[Rogue]

I like and use this one
Dan Signal Tube reviews and discounts, ScubaToys
You can fill it with your LP inflator, orally or using a reg. Can also be used as a 40 lb lift bag in a pinch

[frozenwarp]

I have one of the little sealed ones from Halcyon and my semi-sealed one doesnt acctualy have a brand, ive had the thing for years but its kinda similar to this hollis one Hollis Surface Marker Buoy reviews and discounts, Hollis

good luck

[snagel]

I've got 4 SMB's - one too small, one too big, and one without an open bottom. I highly suggest the DAN version. In my opinion, you really want an open bottom and use your octo or reg to fill. The DAN SMB to me is the perfect size and has all the options you want. This is the one I carry. The others stay in the closet (except I do carry the small one in my BC pocket also, just in case)

Whatever you get, take it out and practice, practice, practice.

Snagel

[frozenwarp]

i Concur

practice practice practice

[chicken]

I have two of these Hollis Surface Marker Buoy reviews and discounts, Hollis and a DAN. I like the Hollis because it is thicker, has a weight on the bottom to help it stand up, and a stainless steel d-ring, and just heavier duty overall. The DAN SMB is nice but too thin and too much plastic.