That rule about using only identical shackles on a lift bag setup

Heard a guy at the shop last week saying you shouldn't mix shackle sizes on a single lift bag because the load won't balance right. I think he's got it backwards. I've run mixed shackles over 200 dives down in the Gulf, mostly around 90 feet, and never had a balance issue as long as you pin them proper. The real problem isn't the hardware size, it's people not checking their hoses and valves before they blow air. Has anyone else run mixed gear without trouble, or am I the odd one out?

3 comments

3 Comments

taylor.hayden15d ago

Nah, but pin snugness matters way more than matching sizes for sure.

ellis.leo15d ago

Wait, you're actually arguing that being sloppy on purpose is fine? You're one missed double-check away from a shackle pin backing out and dropping a load.

the_christopher15d ago

Why is everybody so scared of mixing shackle sizes? I'm not gonna lie I've done it plenty too and never had a problem. Maybe it's just me being sloppy but I've found if you double check the pins and make sure everything's snug the bag doesn't care what size hardware you throw on it. Honestly I've done dumber stuff like forgetting to close a bleed valve and then wondering why my bag won't lift.