StiX Adjustable Buoyancy Float Belt for Macro Ports

Recently purchased the Stix foam belt and just curious if any other users have had any issues with coming off whilst in the water. I havent used it yet but any tips appreciated if it does come adrift from the port.

Stew

Yes, you must tie them on somehow, if you point the port skywards, they will fly off to the surface!

The velcro strap on the belt becomes longer when it gets wet. If you put the flotation belt on when it is dry it will immediately become much looser when you take it underwater and come off very easily when you point the port vertically. If you wet the belt before putting it on and pull it up nice and tight it stays in place much better when you take your rig underwater. You'll still need a safety line from the belt to your housing just in case.

The velcro strap on the belt becomes longer when it gets wet. If you put the flotation belt on when it is dry it will immediately become much looser when you take it underwater and come off very easily when you point the port vertically. If you wet the belt before putting it on and pull it up nice and tight it stays in place much better when you take your rig underwater. You'll still need a safety line from the belt to your housing just in case.

Cheers lads and not a word about this on any of the Stix packaging. Shame on you Stix.

Stew

A timely thread for me, I'll be taking mine on its maiden voyage soon. Thanks for the tips!

Cheers,

Jim.

The Stix float collar will only fit onto a 60mm extension ring which means that I can only use it when shooting with the 100mm or the 17-70mm - shorter extension rings do not offer enough room for the 2" blocks of foam though you could possibly trim them to fit a 50mm ring.

Also, with Nauticam extension rings, the Stix supplied velcro strap is too short and does not adequately overlap.

Perhaps a 3/4" webbing ratchet strap would usefully replace the supplied velcro? I'm also thinking about fixing self-adhesive velcro pads to the the ring and blocks to improve 'grip'.

HTH, Tim

Hi guys,

I have one of these and like it very much

I have simply tied two bungee/shockcord loops onto the strap. I then I stretch these around the housing handles. This keeps it in place perfectly.

I think they were designed for Aquatica/Subal type macro ports that are of uniform diameter. They do not fit as well on those with a taper, or with a narrow end.

Adam

Cheers Tim and Adam

All the snappers, batfish and other schools are showing at Ras Mo now so I will be wide angle for a few days now, but I will use some of the ideas mentioned above

Stew