Float arms

Float arms help you fine-tune the balance of your underwater camera setup. They add buoyancy to offset the negative weight of housings, ports, strobes, or video lights. This makes the rig easier to handle on long dives and reduces wrist strain. While they look similar to standard arms, float arms are designed with air or foam sections to create lift underwater.

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When to choose float arms

Choose float arms if your setup feels heavy and sinks quickly in the water column. They are especially useful with large dome ports, dual strobe systems, or heavy video lights. A well-balanced rig will stay close to neutral, making it easier to position and hold steady. For an overview of buoyancy adjustment methods, see our blog on adjusting the buoyancy of your underwater camera.

Key decisions

Lift capacity and length

Float arms are available in different lengths. Short arms (≈5" / 13 cm) add moderate buoyancy, while longer models (≥8" / 20 cm) provide stronger lift. Consider how much extra buoyancy your rig needs. If you are unsure, our blog on how to weigh your underwater camera setup explains how to measure it step by step.

Diameter and build

Arms with a larger diameter create more lift. Foam-filled designs are light and affordable, while sealed aluminum float arms are robust for deeper dives. The choice depends on how much buoyancy you need and the environments you dive in.

Mixing float arms with standard arms

Many divers combine float arms with regular arms. Position float arms closer to the housing to stabilize trim. Use standard arms at the ends to keep flexible strobe or light positioning.

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