AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi

AP Diving Buddy Delayed SMB with Mini-Cylinder Inflation - SMBCi - Red and Yellow - Yoke - Int A-Clamp. The superb Buddy Self-sealing Delayed SMB with mini-cylinder inflation from AP Diving

A real gem of a product, the Buddy SMBCi has all the features and advantages of the Buddy SMBC together with an independent inflation mini-cylinder (0.1 litre 232 bar available with either DIN or Int A-clamp fittings). Deployment is simply a question of unfurling the SMB and cracking open the mini-cylinder.

The mini-cylinder is easily replenished by decanting from a standard air diving cylinder. This preserves expensive mixed gases for what they are intended, rather than SMB inflation.

The Buddy SMBCi folds neatly away inside the rolled-up SMB and the Buddy SMBCi can then be stowed in a pocket, or attached to an external D ring.

One key advantage over similar systems is that the Buddy SMBCi can still be inflated via the baffle with a second stage in the event that you have forgotten to fill the mini-cylinder.

At the surface, the Buddy SMBCi is pulled upright by tension on the line and clearly marks the diver's position. The baffle prevents air spillage and the buoy remains inflated making it easy for the surface crew to track the diver, or for the diver to hold aloft and wave if separated from the boat. This is not possible with normal open-ended 'sausage-style' SMBs.

A message slate, strobe or identification marker can be attached to the top eyelet of the Buddy SMBCi to provide further information to your surface cover crew.

The Buddy SMBCi rolls up neatly for pocket storage, external attachment or other stowage.

SMB Dimensions: 1.4 metre long x 20 cm wide

Mini-cylinder: 115 mm long, 50 mm diameter, 0.1 litre 232 BAR (Int A-clamp or DIN)

Colours available: All Red, All Yellow, Red and Yellow contrasting sides, or All Black (special order).

Why the different colours?

There are usually three choices for SMB colouring: all red, all yellow, plus one side red and one side yellow. Studies have shown that red and yellow are the two most visible colours at sea, with each colour performing better than the other depending on the conditions.

Red is far and away the most common SMB colour. Convention has it that it's the "standard" SMB colour.

There is a convention used by more advanced divers that a yellow SMB is an emergency signal, to be responded to by sending down a cylinder of gas, or a rescue diver, or both. These divers carry both all red and all yellow SMBs so they can signal their surface support as appropriate.

Some divers, like us, prefer the two-colour red and yellow SMBs as their main SMB because these are the ideal for high-visibility across the widest range of conditions. And most people on the surface don't know the distinction between red being standard and yellow being emergency. You still have the option to carry a second emergency all yellow SMB.

Please specify your DIN or Yoke Int A-clamp cylinder connection.

What We Think...

• The mini-cylinder provides enough gas for a perfect deployment every time. No more limp DSMBs!
• It comes in red, yellow, or our favourite red and yellow, and is kept rolled up by a handy press stud that is easy to release for deployment.
• The eyelet at the top allows attachment of a small strobe, slate or reflector.

PLEASE NOTE: There is some discolouration in the material due to the storage method, and the cylinder can not be shipped with air due to air freight rules.