| Imported post
I've tried all sorts, including the Halcyon closed SMB with the "no-lok" connector. I find the Halcyon SMB difficult to inflate, using the dry suit inflator. Main reason for this is that you need to keep the bag close to you when inflating and therefore you can't see where the reel and line is. Orally inflating it helps a bit (not with exhaust bubbles, just removing reg from mouth and blowing in it), but I've gone back to an ordinary buddy SMB, which can be inflated with a reg (long hose) or by exhaust bubbles (not my favourite method).
The good thing about the buddy SMB is that it can be inflated as a "team effort". One holds the SMB and reel at arms length, whilst buddy inflates SMB at arms length. That way, any freeflow can be dealt with quickly (as a team). The trick is, not to blast it full of air, just bubble a little bit in the bag and then let it go.
Don't underestimate how difficult it is to launch on of these things. It's easy to get out of practice and foul things up.
Bob  |