7' SMB - Surface Marker Buoy

This is more of a lift bag in size than a compact safety sausage, but that is exactly what I was looking for. It is very large and visible as a marker, it is easy to deploy and shoot from depth, and it can be inflated by mouth or regulator. It has reflecting tape, a top handle, top & bottom D-rings, dump/overpressure valve, and self-sealing bottom flap. It appears to be constructed of durable material, and I expect it will hold up well to use. I did have to add a double-ended snap bolt and bungy cord to be able to stow it more compactly and securely. My only complaints are that it does get a little water inside it when shot from depth, it needs to be pulled down hard to fully stand up in the water, and the dump/overpressure valve is a little small. All are minor issues. Great service and delivery from DRIS!

This is NOT a safety sausage…it’s more of a safety Bratwurst. All kidding aside this thing is BIG. It has about every feature you could want on a surface marker. SOLAS Tape which is a must have for being found at night as well as the loop at top is great for visible or IR chem lights. It has an oral inflation valve which is nice to use at the surface and the bottom inflation opening is baffled to keep the air in until you want it out. The overpressure/dump valve is really more for when you might use it as a lift bag, although I find it nice when I am washing and drying the bag since it comes all the way off. It says it roles up “compact” and I guess for a 7’ long 22” round bag it does roll up at around 8”x5”. It has a D-Ring for hooking it off on your gear, but I have mine double bungeed to the back of my Backplate since I really don’t fully trust the Velcro to hold at all times. XS makes a mesh sleeve for this which is an option to consider.
This big sucker is a two handed deploy all the way. When you start to deploy this at depth it can become a handful unless you have practiced first. Remember it has 50lb of lift so you need to get your technique down for getting enough air into the bag before it takes off for the surface. Another thing you need to practice with this is stowing after deployment. Getting a 7’ long bag deflated and back into some shape to board the boat takes practice. You can use this bag in a pinch as a lift bag, but remember at 7’ long you will only get your object to within about 7’ of the surface unlike some dedicated bags which are half that distance.
Personally I have two bags. One small safety sausage in a pocket for safety or deco stops and this big guy for just in case I really, and I mean really, need to be seen on the surface. Overall a very well made and designed Surface Marker. For visual distance Orange is overall best for day use and Yellow actually shows up best at night.
Ordering with Dive Right In Scuba was fast and easy. Everything came in a timely manner and was well packed.