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CamKix Bobber for GoPro Cameras

GoPros love the water. But they don't float. The CamKix Premium Bobber is a good option for keeping your GoPro afloat and visible.

CamKix Bobber Float Handle for GoPro

By David Coleman | @havecamerawilltraveldc
Last updated about 6 months ago // Categories: Mounts & Grips

Since I originally wrote this, CamKix seems to have discontinued this version. They still have the simpler version available. And several other brands have come out with their own versions that seem practically identical–you can see some of them below.

Save $150 on GoPro HERO9 Black Bundle ($399.98)

GoPro is running a deal on the HERO9 Black, their latest flagship camera. It's a bundle that includes the HERO9 Black, a 1-year subscription to GoPro, a free extra battery (these come in very handy), a floating hand grip, Magnetic Swivel Clip, and a free 632GB SD card. It's all for $399.98.

The whole point of GoPros is that they can go anywhere. With a durable waterproof housing coming as standard on most of the GoPro packages, taking them into the water is a natural. I wrote a couple of weeks ago about one good option for floating your GoPro with a floating neoprene strap. Here’s another good option that has its own benefits: the CamKix Premium Bobber. CamKix sent me one to try out.

It makes shooting easier while you’re doing things in and around the water. And better still, if you drop your camera the whole thing will float. Because, after all, you don’t want to learn the hard way that GoPros don’t float. It can also serve as a short selfie stick.

The main feature of the handle is that it floats, but it’s also a surprisingly useful on dry land (or snow land) as well. GoPro’s aren’t shaped to fit in the hand in the way a DSLR is, so handholding them can be a bit precarious and shaky. Quite aside from their floatiness, the bobbers are good for everyday use too.

GoPro has their own bobber, although they’re recently released a new and improved version called The Handler. It has a built-in mount point that uses the clip connection, and it retails for $29.99.

CamKix has a couple of different models of bobber. The one I’m focusing on here, the premium version, and it’s usually available for considerably less than the GoPro-branded alternative.

Both models do basically the same thing. Both are hollow floating hand grips designed specifically for use with a GoPro (you won’t be able to use with a non-GoPro camera without some kind of attachment). Both are brightly colored, and both include a lanyard for extra security to put around your wrist. Both have a large rubberized grip that covers most of the shaft. Both come with the GoPro attachment bolt, so you don’t need to get any extra attachments to stick a GoPro on it, because they all use the same distinctive attachment method. Both bobbers come with a good quality adjustable lanyard.

The <CamKix Premium Bobber has a few little nice touches of its own.

For starters, the end screws off. If you have a few small items with you that can’t or shouldn’t get wet or lost, like a few cash notes or some keys, you can store them in the float. It has a double o-ring seal to keep the contents dry. Another use is to fill the tube with water to make it neutrally buoyant. That’s going to be most useful for scuba diving, where neutral buoyancy is crucial to a successful dive.

It feels good in the hand. The tube is thick enough to get a good grip even with dive gloves on or with cold hands when you’re kayaking.

My only real criticism has to do with the high visibility aspect. CamKix’s bobber comes in a choice of bright yellow and bright orange. Both colors are good for high visibility, but I wish there was more of the color exposed. The black handgrip covers much of it. The reason this product exists is primarily to offer peace of mind that your GoPro will float if you lose hold of it. And when it floats, it floats camera down. The part of the bobber that bobs out of the water in that case does have a little yellow or orange, but it’s not a lot. If you’re boating or kayaking or surfing, where the water is stirred up around you, it’s not always easy to see small things in the water. So I’d like to see a larger surface area of high visibility color that floats above the water.

Overall, I like it. I think it’s better value than the original GoPro Bobber. And I’ve found myself leaving it attached even on dry land as a handy way to hold the camera while shooting (the GoPole Grenade Grip) is another good option for that, but it doesn’t float). And because it’s thick enough to work with gloves, it’s also be a good option for snowboarding or other winter sports where the combination of high visibility colors if you drop it in the snow and the convenience for handheld shooting might be useful.

CamKix Bobber for GoPro

CamKix Bobber for GoPro

The end comes off making for a small but handy storage space for keys or cash. Double o-rings keep a dry seal.

CamKix Bobber for GoPro

The standard GoPro attachment is moulded into the handle in a single piece, so there’s no risk of it coming undone. And there’s plenty of room to angle forward if you want to shoot with the bobber held horizontally to the subject.

Similar Alternatives

CamKix seems to have discontinued this premium bobber, but here are some similar alternative.

Waterproof Floating Hand Grip Compatible with GoPro Hero 9 8 7 6 5 4 3+ 2 1...
Waterproof Floating Hand Grip Compatible with GoPro Hero 9 8 7 6 5 4 3+ 2 1...
  • ►NEVER LOSE ANOTHER GOPRO CAMERA: The floaty body design of the handler will keep the camera on the...
  • ►TEXTURED EVA NON-SLIP GRIP HANDLE FOR TIGHT GRIP: The design of the stick factors for the wet...
Check Price on Amazon
ORBMART Waterproof Floating Handle for GoPro 5 Camera, Floating Hand Grip,...
ORBMART Waterproof Floating Handle for GoPro 5 Camera, Floating Hand Grip,...
  • [Highly Floats] The Hand Grip is made of high-quality ABS and Floating EVA, providing strong buoyancy....
  • [Extensive Applicability] Build in 1/4 inch standard thread at the top, the floating hand grip can be...
Check Price on Amazon
Amazon Basics Floating Waterproof GoPro Mount Hand Grip Handle - 2.5 x 1.5...
Amazon Basics Floating Waterproof GoPro Mount Hand Grip Handle - 2.5 x 1.5...
  • Floating hand grip; compatible with all GoPro cameras including GoPro HERO6, GoPro HERO5 Black, HERO5...
  • Completely waterproof; ideal for snorkeling and other water-related activities (recommended depth up to...
Check Price on Amazon
Sametop Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Handle Floaty Handler Compatible with...
Sametop Floating Hand Grip Waterproof Handle Floaty Handler Compatible with...
  • 【Float Better】The special designed floaty body of the handler makes your GoPro including LCD Touch...
  • 【High Quality】 Comfortable, textured non-slip grip handle construction for a secure and tight grip....
Check Price on Amazon

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2021-04-12 at 01:52. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

More GoPro Tips & Tricks:

  • How to Make a GoPro Float
    How to Make a GoPro Float
  • GoPro HERO7 Black Wet
    Tips for Using GoPros In and Around Water
  • Putting Your GoPro in a Life Vest with a Bodhi Floaty Case
    Putting Your GoPro in a Life Vest with a Bodhi Floaty Case
  • Float Your GoPro (or other Waterproof Camera)
    Float Your GoPro (or other Waterproof Camera)
  • Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
    Do GoPro Touchscreens Work Underwater?
  • Backscatter Flip7 Underwater Filter System for GoPro
    Backscatter Flip7 Underwater Filters for GoPro Cameras
  • Svalbard with a GoPro HERO5 Black
    Does GoPro Wifi Work Underwater?
  • Telesin GoPro HERO5 Dome Port
    Using Dome Ports with GoPros for Over/Under Water Split Photos
  • Oumers Side Power
    An Extended Battery in a Waterproof Housing for the GoPro HERO7, HERO6, and HERO5 Black
By David Coleman
Instagram: @havecamerawilltraveldc

Last updated on October 9, 2020

Categories: Mounts & Grips

I may earn a commission for purchases using links on this page. Learn more.

GoPro News & Deals

New Smart Remote GoPro will be announcing the new Smart Remote for the HERO9 Black on December 17, 2020. The HERO9 Black isn’t compatible with the previous version of the Smart Remote.

HERO8 Black firmware v2.0 now available. Enables webcam mode; enables Display Mod compatibility; expands HyperSmooth 2.0 High and Boost availability to more video settings; general bug fixes. Update through the mobile app or manually.

GoPro Launches New Live Streaming Service for GoPro PLUS. GoPro has launched their own live-streaming platform for PLUS subscribers. It’s a pretty bare-bones offering for now, with livestreams shared with a dedicated URL. This is alongside their efforts to make the HERO8 Black useful as a webcam when connected to a computer (via USB plug-in-play, not requiring the Media Mod accessory with HDMI out). New firmware adds that functionality for Mac users, and the Windows version is in Beta.

New GoPro Zeus Mini Video Light. GoPro has released released a new video LED light designed to complement their GoPro cameras. It’s tiny, waterproof, and has a built-in magnetic swiveling clip. It’s waterproof down to 33 feet (10 meters), has four levels of brightness, and includes a diffuser to cool the color temperature to 5000K. GoPro claims that the built-in battery lasts up to 6 hours (presumably at the lowest brightness setting, although they don’t specify). It’s available now and priced at $69.99.

DJI Osmo Action firmware update adds live streaming. DJI has released a firmware update for the Osmo Action (v. 01.08.00.10) that adds live streaming support, so you can upload directly to platforms like Facebook and YouTube (it goes through the DJI Mimo mobile app). They’ve also improved the in-camera video stabilization. You can find the new firmware here.

New Underwater Housing for GoPro HERO8 Black from Isotta. Isotta, an Italian brand specializing in underwater housings, has announced a new high-quality underwater housing for the HERO8 Black. It’s an aluminum housing depth-rated to 650 feet (200 meters), has a one-handed open/close switch, double o-rings, and can be used with filters. There’s also a dual-handled tray to go along with it. And like all their housings, it’s in their distinctive red. Priced at $450, it’s only for those who need a highly specialized piece of underwater kit. It’s available for preorder from underwater specialists Backscatter.

Light Mod Now Shipping The Light Mod, one of the three new GoPro accessories, is now shipping. It’s a standalone light that is waterproof, rechargeable and compatible with all GoPro mounts. It was originally announced along with the HERO8 Black, but it hasn’t been available until now. It’s priced at $49.99, and you can find them at GoPro.com.

GoPro MAX Now Shipping. The new 360° camera, the MAX, is now shipping.

GoPro HERO8 Black and Max Unveiled. The new GoPro cameras and accessories have been unveiled. I have a rundown of the highlights of the HERO8 Black here.

DJI Osmo Action vs GoPro HERO7 Black. I’ve posted my detailed hands-on comparison of the Osmo Action and the HERO7 Black. There’s a lot similar between the models, but once you start digging down into the details there are differences that can help in choosing between them. And each has strengths the other doesn’t have. You can find my review here.

GoPro HyperSmooth vs DJI RockSteady. The new DJI Osmo Action also has built-in electronic stabilization to smooth out video. They’re calling it RockSteady (GoPro has HyperSmooth). I’ve been out testing them side-by-side. You can see the results here.

GoPro Deals page. I’ve put together a dedicated page on GoPro deals. So if you’re looking for cheap GoPro deals, check it out.

DJI Osmo action 4K Camera. Best known for their camera drones, DJI has released a new 4K action cam that’s taking direct aim at the GoPro HERO7 Black. It shoots up to 4K60 video and 12MP stills, includes electronic stabilization, has high-dynamic range video at 4K30, voice commands, a touchscreen on the back and another smaller live view screen on the front, and is waterproof down to 36 feet (11 meters). It’s priced at $349, and they’re now available at B&H Photo.

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About Me

I’m a professional travel & location photographer based in Washington DC and traveling all over. Seven continents. Dozens of countries. Up mountains. Under water. And a bunch of places in between.

I’ve owned and used every GoPro since the HD HERO and particularly like finding new and different ways to use them to capture photos, video, and time-lapse.

You can find my main site at havecamerawilltravel.com.

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