This product was missing from the market, and once again, C4 Carbon fills this gap. The floating belt marker is an essential accessory for all fishermen, who find in this small tool a real "Ariadne's thread," capable of facilitating actions in various situations.
The solution proposed by C4, through the Bardi line, is presented in an eco-friendly cardboard packaging. Inside, the marker comes fully assembled, although it is actually made up of two separable components. A sinking plate, made of two stainless steel "leaves" held together by two screws. Between the two, a small gap is created for installation on the belt, while its weight of 250 grams serves as the sinking part of the marker.
Then there is a high-visibility white polymer floating spool, with a star embossed on the front, which can be used as a cleat to lock the line at the desired length.
Around the spool, there are 50 meters of ultra-resistant but deliberately thin cord, allowing for quick unwinding and less friction with the current. Additionally, the package includes a section of thicker black cord, useful for resisting friction with the seabed and creating a stronger connection between the steel weight and the thin floating cord.

How is the marker used and what is its purpose?

The belt marker is used to mark a den or specific points on the seabed that could be lost during ascent. The sinking part precisely marks the spot, while the floating part rises to the surface, creating a linear path thanks to the unwound cord, thus allowing you to keep an eye on the area of interest even from above, in conditions of current and poor visibility.
The C4 model is easy to assemble, simply joining the metal plate with the plastic spool. The two parts are fitted together using a pin with a sealing gasket on the steel plate, which clicks into a cavity on the floating spool.
Once fixed to the belt via the quick-release metal slot, it can be detached with a single motion when the point to be marked is located. In the detachment, the two parts are separated, allowing the plate to function as the weight and the spool to unwind the line to the surface, indicating the area of interest.
Once at the surface, the line can be locked using the star-shaped cleat, preventing excessive unwinding of the cord and ensuring the marker stays perfectly vertical.
The marker is available in white and has a recommended retail price of €35.

In the Sea
As an avid fan of markers, I’ve always appreciated their importance, not only to mark interesting dens but also to signal from the surface potentially strategic zones for setting up an ambush or wait. However, in recent years the market has suffered from the lack of such an accessory, which has led to the creation of DIY models made with makeshift materials.
This is why the model created by C4 not only fills this gap but also brings with it several solutions to facilitate its use.
For example, installation on the belt is quick and easy: no fixed supports are required; simply pull the belt outward and easily insert the metal clip. During our hunting actions, once the area of interest is identified, removal is just as quick and decisive.
Some might raise an eyebrow at the shape of the "weight," with lines that are far from hydrodynamic and that result in a dead-leaf drop. However, the weight of 250 grams allows for a quick descent, reaching the seabed with precision. This speed is also favored by the thin line of the spool, which unwinds quickly without overlapping coils, minimizing friction even in the presence of current.
Another great advantage is found when retrieving the marker, which happens smoothly, without tangling, despite the thickness of the line, and quickly thanks to the excellent grip provided by the notches on the spool's edge. These notches, in addition to the star-shaped cleat on the front, help stop the line while maintaining the vertical position of the spool, ensuring better visibility even in turbid water conditions.
The cleat is also useful for pre-programmed line locking, so the marker remains just below the water’s surface and is not affected by wind and waves. Or, when you want it to be invisible to passing boats.
During various sea trials, the only personal modification I made was replacing the terminal line connecting the spool’s cord to the metal plate. Although the C4 package includes a thicker black cord, which is very useful, I preferred to replace it with a fluorescent one for better visual contrast against the seabed.
I repeat, a small personal modification that does not alter the excellent quality of the black cord sold with the product.

Star Cleat
Allows for quick line locking and helps stop the line at a certain depth.

Thin Cord
Ensures rapid unwinding and high resistance, without fearing strong currents.

Attachment Slot
Allows for easy attachment of the marker to the belt without the use of fixed adapters or supports.

Ratings:

Ergonomics: 9
The marker is compact, ensuring excellent handling and grip during use. Quick and intuitive installation.

Build Quality: 10
High-quality materials: stainless steel plate, durable, highly buoyant polymer spool, thin and very robust lines. Nothing is left to chance.

Design: 8
The shape of the spool is designed for a firm grip, while the attachment/detachment system between the two components is simple and effective. A solution we've seen before, but definitely improved.

Value for Money: 8
At a recommended price of €35, the C4 marker offers an excellent balance between material quality and functionality.