wreck reels

[bsktcase93]

does anyone have any suggestions for wreck reels

[navyhmc]

What are you going to use it for?

[comet24]

First you need to determine if you like regular style or side handle reel. How much line do you want and what size line.

I prefer side handle with thicker #36 line. You get less line but it's less likely to jam/tangle/break. When running it though a wreck and tying off to rusty/crap covered metal I like the thicker line.

I have a DiveRite side handle primary reel that's worked great. Never had it jam or tangle and I have run the entire thing out inside wrecks. Next reel will be another side handle but with enough room to put my hand through the handle to make line running easier also more line for those times 250' just doesn't cover it.

A good reel will have very little space between the reel and handle(side hanlde reels here.) So the line can not jam up in there. Also you never want the line to come even with the sides of the reel when it's all wound up. You want a good 1/4" of the sides showing. To much line is an invite to Mr. Murphy.

Find a good reel and practice with it. Running line is a skill that you really need to practice to learn. Very easy to get tangled if you don't know what your doing. This becomes even more important when stressed which is when most people will need a reel.

I was filling a lift bag once and something slipped and the lift bag took off before I wanted it to. The line wrapped on the adjustment knob on my reg and ripped it out of my mouth. I was able to yank the reg hose and it came loose but could have cause a problem. This was only in 30' of water and I was practicing with some new gear. Always a good idea to try any new gear/configuration in a safe place.

[scubadiver888]

I'd suggest finding people who will loan you their reel. Try the reel on a wreck but if you want to play it safe, navigate the deck rather than penetrate. See how the reel feels for you. If no one wants to let you take the reel out for a spin, use the reel around the shop to see how it feels. Not quite the same thing but better than nothing.

Personally, I like a reel with a little tension. If the reel plays out the line too easily you run the risk of the line unraveling. If the line is loose when you bring it back in it will probably jam.

That's all I can think about right now.

P.S. How it feels is more important than how it looks. The time you will need it the most is in a silt out or if your torch and backup torch fail. Then you'll have to use the thing blind.

[bsktcase93]

i used a reel without tension screw during my wreck diving specialty and it ended up jamming on me...i want to start doing more wreck dives that is why im looking for a reel

[CompuDude]

Halcyon and Salvo make the best reels, to my mind.

Not a fan of the DiveRite reels (and most other regular style reels, for that matter).

[comet24]

Originally Posted by scubadiver888

Personally, I like a reel with a little tension. If the reel plays out the line too easily you run the risk of the line unraveling. If the line is loose when you bring it back in it will probably jam.

That's why I like side handle reels. You can easily add tension with a finger. This way you can control how much or little tension you have.

[comet24]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Halcyon and Salvo make the best reels, to my mind.

Not a fan of the DiveRite reels (and most other regular style reels, for that matter).

I have to agree. I got a killer deal on my DiveRite side handle reel and could pass it up.

[rox@ucf11]

Ill echo Salvo and Halcyo reels I hate using the dive rite reels, cant break a salvo/halcyon reel and they are hard to birds nest

[bsktcase93]

is the side handle much better