Buddy Lines

[dammyla]

Basically, i like buddy lines but find they can be too short. I also havent managed to find any with quick release catches for emergency seperation (buddy going polaris for example)

Question 1: Where can i get a buddy line with a quick release catch in it, if anywhere?

Question 2: What are peoples opinions for using a reel/spool as the buddy line, thus giving the option of having variable distances between yourself and buddy whilst still being able to find each other easily?

Any input much appreciated as it is a thought i have been toying with for a while...

[Woz]

Get some 25mm webbing and pop a boltsnap onto each end. Or don't bother. I use mine for tying a reel onto a wreck before launching the DSMB but more often than not I don't even bother with that.

[Finless]

They are made with bayonet clips at each end. [EDIT} It's official, I'm an idiot and I meant "PINCH CLIPS" or "QUICK RELEASE CLIPS".

Personally, I hate the bloody things + you only really need them in really crap vis + and with novices attached?

[Finless]

This is one of the ones on Ebay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SCUBA-DIVING-BUDDY-LINE-IN-WALLET_W0QQitemZ7235866777QQcategoryZ19303QQcmdZVi ewItem

Just do Google for Buddy Lines and ignore the Lonely Men type options!

[dammyla]

Originally Posted by Finless

...
Just do Google for Buddy Lines and ignore the Lonely Men type options!

Unless of course that's what i was after.

For "quick release" READ: well..........

[dammyla]

Originally Posted by dammyla

Unless of course that's what i was after.

For "quick release" READ: well..........

OMG

Its only been a few months and already the smut has permiated my replies!

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by dammyla

Question 2: What are peoples opinions for using a reel/spool as the buddy line, thus giving the option of having variable distances between yourself and buddy whilst still being able to find each other easily?

I've used my general purpose thing, a meter of half inch webbing with a bolt snap on each end, as a buddy line. I've has a buddy way out of sight on that before now, well, aside from a gloved hand occasionally sweeping into view.

The other game has been doing an archeological survey where I know my buddy is on the other end of this tape measure because it keeps changing direction slightly... That's 32m.

[markw]

Originally Posted by Finless

They are made with bayonet clips at each end.

stupid question - what's a bayonet clip?

as regards quick release clips, I saw one of these for the first time last month
http://www.s3i.co.uk/SSswivel.php

I think they are known as snap shackles or spinnaker shackles. The interesting thing is they can be released under tension, unlike karabiners and bolt snaps. A bit more expensive though!

[Fiona]

I just have a piece of rope with loops at each end and no you don't have to put your finger through the loops, just makes it easier to hold. Haven't used it for a long time but the quick release is "let go". Seems to have worked ok on the couple of occasions I have used it.

[Finless]

Originally Posted by markw

stupid question - what's a bayonet clip?

as regards quick release clips, I saw one of these for the first time last month
http://www.s3i.co.uk/SSswivel.php

I think they are known as snap shackles or spinnaker shackles. The interesting thing is they can be released under tension, unlike karabiners and bolt snaps. A bit more expensive though!

It's the same as the shoulder buckle release on a BCD. The idea on the buddy line I saw was that IF your buddy got dragged off you could release yourself whilst the line was under tension.

Well, bayonet clips is what I call them - I presume they refer to the quick release method by which boyonets were/are attached to rifles.