Launching DSMB with spool - any tips?

[McBad]

Hi, any advice or tips on launching a DSMB using an open spool (the black plastic sort that all the DIR divers seem to carry )?

I've been carrying one of those spools around in my bcd pocket for years, just in case of an emergency, and still launch my smb off a great big clunky reel, which hangs off my kit and bumps into everything. Wondering if I can just get rid of that reel.

Should the double ended dog clip be used to clip line to SMB, or is it better kept with the diver? (I could attach the SMB to the line by tying a loop in the end of the line, putting that through the tag loop on the smb then putting the smb through the loop)?

I tried launching it in the quarry the other day (attaching the smb to the line with the clip) and it seemed to go ok. I just held the spool between finger and thumb and let it run out that way, is there a better method? Ascending, trying to stay horizontal, I had both hands on the spool winding by gripping with alternate hands and then twisting the reel, again are there any better methods? (40m of that would be a very good work out for forearms!)

Is there a technique for stopping mid water and leaving the spool hanging free? With the reel the ratchet just locks and it hang whilst you sort other things out, what is the best method for locking off the spool, if there is one?

Thanks,

M

[Mal Bridgeman]

Have a watch of .... I think it will answer most of your questions

HTH
Mal

[Howard Payne]

If you want to come to the DIRX weekend at Stoney on the 13/14th October - I'll happily spend an hour with you showing you. They're a bit of a faff to start off with - but easy once you've got the knack and as you point out - they take up a lot less space than a full reel. Doesn't get rid of the need for a reel in certain situations tho' - HTH

[Steve Summers]

I used to carry one as a spare, and practiced winding it up using the double ender around the line.

Nowadays I carry a small reel with my spare because I didn't like the faff.

Safe diving,
Steve

[benpanter]

I'm not sure if this is the orthodox way, but when sending the blob up I leave the dogclip on the line, above the spool. It dances around merrily as the line pays out, then drops to the spool when the buoy hits the surface.

I then use the dogclip as a handle to wind the line into the spool. If I want to do a stop I clip the end of the dogclip which has the line running through it into one of the holes on the spool, which locks it off.

Works for me, but I'd be interested in hearing any improvements as I certainly don't find it as easy to wind in as I do a bog standard ratchet reel. For me the spool is a backup, or for use on dives when I don't expect to use a DSMB but would like to have one just in case (shore diving st. abbs for example).

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by McBad

Is there a technique for stopping mid water and leaving the spool hanging free? With the reel the ratchet just locks and it hang whilst you sort other things out, what is the best method for locking off the spool, if there is one?

Well I've always used the double ender to go round the line and through one of the holes in the spool. The scary trick is to let go of the spool as it spins. I suspect if the wind-up wasn't even it might suddenly vanish but for me it just sat there spinning in front of me.

Since I only use the spool for the back-up blob I've never discovered a use for the other end of the double ender.

[benpanter]

Looking at Mal's video, yeup, that's pretty much exactly what I do. I'll add the 'check above for obstructions' drill though, if that's what it was?

[Woz]

I used on in t'Egypt after my main reel broke when someone dropped my twinset on it.

Piece of piss to deploy, PITA to wind in but not too bad- far easier to use a reel, though as you can't just "let go" and do something else.

[benpanter]

Originally Posted by nigelH

Since I only use the spool for the back-up blob I've never discovered a use for the other end of the double ender.

I was wondering that when I wrote my reply! I decided it was to clip on the (stowed) DSMB/spool if I didn't have a pocket handy.

[Mal Bridgeman]

Originally Posted by nigelH

Since I only use the spool for the back-up blob I've never discovered a use for the other end of the double ender.

Clipping it off to a loop of bungee in my pocket....that's how I use it.....it means it does not fall out when I open my pocket.

HTH
Mal