Fri Aug 26, 2005 10:40 am
Using a horsecollar for buoyancy control just takes a bit of practice. The good ones are getting harder to find. I understand a current company is making a very nice horsecollar BC but it's very pricy!
Look for one with the push button inflator/deflator on it and a removable bladder. Seatec, Seaquest, TABATA, many other made them. Steer clear of the USD horsecollars. Tom Madere has the only good one I have seen in 15 years. They were very very weak where the bladder and inflator joined together. The others are pretty easy to fix with a little Aqua-Seal and a couple of O-rings in the inflator/deflator. I think Dan has some replacement bags for a few types.....One thing that can be said about about a horsecollar.....When it's fully inflated on the surface it will give you a hell of a wegie but you will float like a damn NOAA weather buoy and you can guarantee your head will stay above water!
Doing it right should include some common sense, not just blindly following specs and instructions. .Gary D, AWAP on SB