Explain reels to me

[Flatliner]

I want to buy a reel BUT I don't know what the difference between the $150 and the $50 reels is. I have been watching for a deal on a used real but I am not really sure what I am looking for at this point. Could some of you divers who are farther down the dark path enlighten me.

Thanks

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by Flatliner

I want to buy a reel BUT I don't know what the difference between the $150 and the $50 reels is. I have been watching for a deal on a used real but I am not really sure what I am looking for at this point. Could some of you divers who are farther down the dark path enlighten me.

Thanks

I am going to assume that you are comparing this to This.

The dive right reel is considered a primary reel. Meaning the one that you would run to the mainline in a cave or the line you run inside a wreck.

The Scubamax if a cheap plastic reel with a ratchet type of system. The would be used for deploying SMBs.

In my limited experience, the scubamax would not be worth purchasing if you are interested in cave diving or wreck diving. I used one for a limited time and it was rather awkward to use.

There are jump/gap reels which usually are smaller and hold less line than a primary reel. These are used to jump onto another line or cross a gap in the line. There is also a safety spool which is basically a spool of line. there is no reel involved your hands are the retrieval system. These are usually used for emergency type use if you lose the main line whether it be your light fail or a silt out.

The style is a matter of preference. I don't have the experience with them to tell you which one i prefer. I have only really used the ones with the handle on the side and a safety reel.

As far as length of the line for a SMB I was recently told that a good rule of thumb is to double the depth that you think you will be at when you deploy a SMB.

Hope this helps a little. I know that there are more people that know more than I on here so they should chip in soon.

[ianr33]

What is the intended use for the reel? Thats the place to start from.

[comet24]

What are you going to use it for. Running pen. lines, shooting a bag for deco.

I like side handle reels myself. Easier to control. You can put tension on the reel while spooling it out one handed much easier with side handle reels. IMHO

Good quality reels will not have gaps between the handle and spool where line can get stuck easy. While reels seem like a very simple thing they are for from it. A good designed reel makes using it enjoyable and bad one can get you into trouble very quickly.

Once you get a reel practice with it.

[DMWiz]

It depends on what you want to do with the reel, if it's for basic bag/SMB deployment...
I'm a big fan of the What Works Works "spreel" which is basically foul-proof!

YouTube - What Works, Works! - Safety Reel Test

YouTube - What Works, Works! - Shooting A Bag

YouTube - What Works, Works - Running Line

If you need considerably more line than their larger safety reel ~120' then you're looking at cave/wreck penetration etc.
The Larry Green reels (piranha had a sale recently) are top notch.

What I look for in a reel is smooth operation, made from durable materials that will not break and I like to be able to assemble/disassemble it with ease even underwater in case it gets fouled up.
I also like a simple way to set the drag. No ratchets or gimmicks.

[Flatliner]

To be honest I am looking for it as a "These are the thing you will need for the intro to tech class..." At this point in my diving, the only thing I will actually use it for is shooting a bag BUT I am wanting to move on to bigger and deeper/darker things in a year or so. (planned on it last year but my dive money dried up.)

[comet24]

For shooting a bag I like to use a simple finger spool unless I am deep.

Practice shooting bags in shallow water. I seen more then one person ride a bag when something got caught. These where all with reels and not finger spools.

[Jack Hammer]

For now I'd start with a finger spool with ~150' of line. It's usually a good idea to cut 10-20' of line off the spool as it tends to be difficult to wind it all back on once it swells from getting wet. You can use the line to tie clips to your gear. I have several and find uses for the spools regularly.

If you're thinking tech, start looking for and talking to an instructor, if you haven't already. Once you find a good instructor you are comfortable with they'll help you pick the right type of gear for the diving you plan on doing.

Jack

[scubadiver888]

Originally Posted by Scuba Pete

As far as length of the line for a SMB I was recently told that a good rule of thumb is to double the depth that you think you will be at when you deploy a SMB.

Why double the depth? Why not 1.5 times the depth?

[scubaman450]

Originally Posted by DMWiz

It depends on what you want to do with the reel, if it's for basic bag/SMB deployment...
I'm a big fan of the What Works Works "spreel" which is basically foul-proof!

YouTube - What Works, Works! - Safety Reel Test

YouTube - What Works, Works! - Shooting A Bag

YouTube - What Works, Works - Running Line

If you need considerably more line than their larger safety reel ~120' then you're looking at cave/wreck penetration etc.
The Larry Green reels (piranha had a sale recently) are top notch.

What I look for in a reel is smooth operation, made from durable materials that will not break and I like to be able to assemble/disassemble it with ease even underwater in case it gets fouled up.
I also like a simple way to set the drag. No ratchets or gimmicks.

what a supper post! thanks
Dale