Reviewing products for the PDB TESTED column can be a lot of
fun, especially when the outcome doesn’t directly affect me. But for this one,
I put it all on the line. The Key Buoy is a self-inflating key chain that opens
up when your keys fall in the water. With only one shot to test it since it’s
not reusable, I put my house key and office key on the ring, how’s that for
confidence? I thought it would add a little excitement to my test.
Looking back now, it was probably a little crazy since I had
never seen this product work in person. It’s an odd feeling to take your keys
and purposely toss them in the lake. I watched my keys sink out of sight and
then I stood in shock as nothing happened. I didn’t read the part about it
taking 30 seconds or so for the keys to surface. I was feeling pretty stupid
for the longest half minute of my life. But then to my relief the tube inside
inflated and I was able to grab my keys.
The Key Buoy from Davis Instruments is strong enough for items
weighing up to 4.2 ounces. It’s a normal-sized key chain that is
pocket-friendly and it won the recreational boating industry's prestigious
annual Innovation Award at the Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show
(MAATS) in Las Vegas, Nev. last summer.
The Key Buoy maintains buoyancy for about 40 minutes so I
had plenty of time to snap some photos of it bobbing in the water. Measuring
approximately 2-1/2-inches by 1-1/2-inches by 1/2-inch, it is similar in size
to a typical key chain. Its plastic parts are recyclable.
With a suggested retail price of $6.99, that’s really not a
lot of money for the benefit you get, especially if it means the difference
between you driving home or waiting for a Locksmith. Go to www.davisnet.com for more info.
