Retractor vs Coil Lanyard

[Tiptopperoo]

Hi all!

Just got my brand spanking new regs computer and gauge yesterday, but now I realise I forgot to get something to attach it all to my BCD.

Will this quick release coil lanyard stay nice and tight while I swim or will the coil uncoil?

Would I be better getting a retractor like this one for my gauges?

What would work best to keep my octo nice and tight to my bcd? This may be a really obvious question, but its always best to ask. The dust plug that comes in the octo, you hook that to your BCD and if someone needs it they pull it off, leaving the plug attached to your BCD yes?

Any help most appreciated!

Cheers
Dave

[NitroWill]

This is my personal preference from my experience and what works for me - it may not work for you - so take it for what it's worth.

The lanyard you listed is a good choice and will keep your computer close to you - yet allow you to detach if need be. However, I find a ss bolt snap is much more simple and will last a lifetime.

For the octo, I prefer a necklace as shown here or w/ bungee:

Manta Regulator Necklace, DIR and Technical, Manta, Manta Regulator Necklace

This keeps your octo secured the same place every time. Just remember you donate your primary, so it should be on a longer hose to make for a safer air-share if need be.

Keep in mind this is just what works best for me - others will chime in what works for them.

[terrillja]

I use a retractor, since it is easier to pull the console out with dry gloves if you don't have to unsnap something or open a bolt snap. If you have to dive with heavy gloves, keep in mind how well you can operate something with the gloves on.

I personally use an octo holder like the one pictured with the spareair:
Spare Air Package 1.7 Cubic Foot, Octos, Submersible Systems, Spare Air Package 1.7 Cubic Foot

It keeps junk out of the octo, I have it in a glow in the dark version, which helps in dark water, the thing stands out like crazy. It attaches with a split ring onto one of my d-rings, and when the octo is pulled the holder stayson my BC.

[snagel]

I've got my spg on a retractable. Works fine. I did have the computer in this console at one time, but it was a PITA when doing safety stops. I put the computer on my wrist and like this a whole lot better.

I use one of the lanyards to clip my camera on, works great for that. Not sure about the spg on a lanyard, I see it would work great, but depending on how big, may still hang down a little.

I use the Octo holder like Terrillja described. Frankly, I don't like it. It sometimes is a pain to get in. If it happens to come loose in the water, it is a pain sometimes to put back in. I'm looking for something different primarily so that my octo is available to blow up my sbc when needed.

S. Nagel

[terrillja]

I actually have 2 of the same lanyard you had mentioned, I use one for my primary light and 1 for my DPV, so I don't lose it in the silt, but there isn't a huge loop of cave line hanging around.

It's getting bad when you forget what you own....

[dannybot]

I like the octo plug/holder, just clip it to a D-ring. The console you can tuck in your waistband if you have a wrist computer, or use a retractor, so you don't have to disconnect and reconnect the quick release on the lanyard each time you look at your spg. That particular retractor may be a bit big and heavy duty for your console, a smaller one might work.

[skippy11]

Great Question! I have been wondering the same thing. I have my SPG on a retractor, it seems to work well. My octo, I haven't found that one thing I like yet. So, I will look into some of the suggestions on the board. Thanks.

[Duckydiver]

I think the coil lanyard would be to long when closed, and let the SPG hang to low. I have the same coil for my primary light and even for that its less than perfect. I would strongly advise in favor of the double bolt snap Stainless preferably( I have a cheep one from Home Depot. Less than $4) But For what you asked, the retractor would be better.

As for the octo, well easyer is better. I use a premade item. Its basicly a small ruber band attached to a plastic bolt snap. Put the ruber band around the mouth piece. Very easy. I could perhaps make my own with a SS bolt snap and one of those cheep hair ruber bands.

I hope that helps

Don

[CompuDude]

I would use a bolt snap for the SPG, not a coil lanyard. I love coil lanyards for my camera, but you want the SPG closer, and snapping and unsnapping them on a regular basis is not really their purpose. Depending on your exact rig (you really didn't give details) a retractor might work, but realize it's not IF a retractor will break, it's WHEN.

As for your octo holder, avoid most of the commercially-made ones. Not only are most of them overpriced junk that doesn't hold well, many end up encouraging the octo to freeflow.

Instead, use a simple snorkel keeper. Costs $1-2, lasts ages, holds securely, but releases with a simple yank. Loop one end through a d-ring (simple slip knot) and stretch the other end around the mouthpiece of your octo. That's the way everyone used to do it until some schmo who wanted to make a buck realized he could charge people $6-10 for a 25 cent piece of plastic if he made it a pretty color and sold it as a specialized octo holder.

[Tiptopperoo]

Thanks compu dude! I dive a Mares abyss 22 with proton octo, have a nemo excel wrist comp and a Zeagle Brigade BCD. I have the Tusa SCA 240 console to go with it. Not a heap of stuff, but I just want to keep it all well trimmed.

On the retractors, that seems to be the general opinion (ie they WILL break). However I need the gauge to be available for regular pressure checks, and sometimes loose so I can use the compass to navigate. Bolt snaps do seem more reliable and will last longer, but how fiddly are they to unclip all the time?

Cheers
Dave