Retractable line on a BC to hold stuff?

[Cichlid]

I made my first trip to my LDS and they had a BC that was all decked
out with accesories. I think it was a Zeagle, but can't remember. It
had a rip cord holding a flashlight, really cool. You just pulled it
out to use, then the cord retracted back when you were done. I'm new,
so this could be something standard and I wouldn't know. But, do you
guys like this type of attachment? Would you pay extra to have it?

[cummings66]

Not me, I don't like those and no I would not pay extra for it.

[Lucky(AR)]

a retractor is a must you can buy all diffrent styles i also have a zeagle and use them on my light and guages .... they are a must for me so you have nothing to dangle or get caught in anything they range frim 20 to 50 bucks

[frankc420]

Originally Posted by Cichlid

I made my first trip to my LDS and they had a BC that was all decked
out with accesories. I think it was a Zeagle, but can't remember. It
had a rip cord holding a flashlight, really cool. You just pulled it
out to use, then the cord retracted back when you were done. I'm new,
so this could be something standard and I wouldn't know. But, do you
guys like this type of attachment? Would you pay extra to have it?

I had one on my traditional jacket style BC. It was ok for awhile, then sand would get jammed up inside and I would have to make an extra effort to get the sand out. (probably a little lazyness on my part [img]smileys/smiley5.gif[/img]). I've heard that after extended use the springs can get weak and cause your gear to drag, just like it would if you didn't have it at all.

I'd say save your $$ and get a bolt snap.

[wxboy911]

I keep my gauges/compass on a retractor...anything else I need I usually clip to one of the D rings on the BC. It seems to work well and keeps me from dragging my goods though the dirt.

[FishFood]

Ive got a couple Akona retracts. Pay good money for one and they should last a good while. Like others I keep my computer console on one. That way I always know where it is and it doesn't bang around anything. Im thining about adding my flash light and camera to one. Not sure yet...

[Joew]

I used to keep my SPG on a retractor. After a while the spring started to give out and it wouldn't retract all the way. Then one day after being dragged around in the sand (I moonlight as a rescue dummy) it got clogged up and died on me. Since then I've been using a simple SS bolt snap to clip it off. In all fairness to the retractor, it did last me 2-3 years. But I don't think I'll ever buy another one.

[DiveCaptain]

The BCD I used in OW certification had a snap for the gauges. It made it impossible to read the gauges w/o unhooking it from the BCD. (Pain in butt if you ask me) I've seen the retractors and believe if you keepm it in good condition that it would be a good investment. I'm looking into it myself after I get the essentials.

[techgnostic]

Originally Posted by Joew

I used to keep my SPG on a retractor. After a while the spring started to give out and it wouldn't retract all the way. Then one day after being dragged around in the sand (I moonlight as a rescue dummy) it got clogged up and died on me. Since then I've been using a simple SS bolt snap to clip it off. In all fairness to the retractor, it did last me 2-3 years. But I don't think I'll ever buy another one.

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>SS or Brass (a nicer old world feel, if you ask me)</DIV>

[techgnostic]

Originally Posted by DiveCaptain

I've seen the retractors and believe if you keepm it in good condition that it would be a good investment.

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Retractors have a finite lifespan, even with good care, they wear out...quality cord and hardware does not. Buy it once and be done with it.</DIV>