Are there quality differences in finger reels and basic smb?

[scuba_moron]

Pardon my ignorance. I've enrolled in a DIR fundamental recreational class. I'm looking to buy a smb and finger reel. The price on a 100' reel varies from $19 (Trident) to $49 (Salvo or Halycon). Are there any differences in the quality for such a basic reel? Also the same question applies to a SMB.

Thanks in advacne for any suggestion or comments.

 

[Rainer]

I have a few $15 spools I got a few years back from Dive Sports (including SS double enders). Have worked just fine and I see no reason to spend more on them.

As for SMBs, these can vary greatly. For most environments I find myself in, I prefer a smaller marker. These are easier to shoot from shallower depths. I can get a smaller bag to stand up more than a larger one (e.g. the 6', 50# lift ones I often see) if shooting them from shallower than 50'. Personally, I've found the 3.3' Halcyon SMB to be wonderful. DSS makes a similar marker.

 

[mike_s]

I've got the $15 spools from Dive Sports also and they are very good quality. Delrin mold and good line. (can't remember exactly what kind of line).

One thing to check on your finger spools when buying is to ask about the line and see if it's braided cave line, wreck line, or just cheap nylon line. The braided line is much stronger. You'll typically get #24 or #32 (I think) line on spools and reels if it's braided. The only difference is strenght and thickness, which of course also related to how much line you can put on the spool/reel.

No sense spending more money on a spool that has a fancy namebrand if there is a no-name with the same quality.

I'd get the spools with the day-glow yellow line if possible as you can see those much easier in the water. But since you're taking a DIR class, not sure if yellow line is considered "DIR".


As for SMB's, there are huge differences in mostly design. Everyone makes them slighly differently and in different lengths/widths and with different features.

Things I'd say to use for consideration on a checklist for your SMB.

• determine the length/width you need.
• Get one with a inflator diaphram for inflating at depth with an octo. (Smaller ones come only with an oral inflator).
• get one with a dump/overpressure valve. (two reasons, one for dumping air if you're staying with it or using as a small lift bag, or second so it won't burst if overfilled as it ascends towards the surface. Note if the dump valve is at the bottom of the bag, it's pretty useless for using as a lift device or dumping air anywhere but on the surface.)
• Some SMB's come with a "self sealing" diaphram that won't let air out at all.
• Some SMB's are dual color (yellow on one side and orange on the other).
• reflective SOLAS tape is always nice.
• a d-ring at top to attach a strobe to is good. (D-ring is also good for wrapping SMB around you and clipping it off as a life ring if needed.)
• some SMB's have a plastic holder at top for a light stick.
• I like the fact mine has a brass snapbolt (single ended) for snapping to my BC bungee to double secure it and also use that snapbolt for attaching to loop on my finger spool line.

If anyone else has suggestions of what to consider, please add them.

After you get one, go to your local pool or quarry and learn to shoot it from your safety stop and from depth. trying to learn this in a stiff current on a boat dive could just result in a line going everywhere and having to deal with it in open water. best to play first in confined water.

 

[JeffG]

But since you're taking a DIR class, not sure if yellow line is considered "DIR".

nadwidny managed to make it through Cave 1 and 2 with pink line...so I would guess that it is ok

Plus...you will have to pry my spool with neon green line out of my dead hands.

 

[coldsmoke]

Someone is selling 5 spools with line and brass bolt snap for $25 on ebay. They are buy it now and there are several available. I think they are even offering free shipping. Don't know about the line. I didn't inquire as I don't need any spools.

As for smb, pretty much covered by Ranier, but I will also recommend the Halcyon smb. While, I have never seen the Deep Sea Supply smb, the small Halcyon has everything you need and works very well. I have had a couple of issues with a leaking inflator stem, but that was easy to fix.

Contrary to Mike_s advice, I wouldn't go to the pool to practice. Just wait until your class. There is a very slim chance you are going to practice it right, it's not going to help you pass the class, and you won't have to unlearn any bad habits.

If you want to practice anything in the pool work on trim and staying still in the water. If you get that down all the other stuff you'll be exposed to will be much easier.

Hunter

 

[ppo2_diver]

I have a couple Halcyon spools and Dive Rite spools. The Halcyon spools are made of delrin. I don't know what the Dive Rite spools are made of, but I've been able to take "chunks" of of them. Cave line is highly recommended for finger spools. Color doesn't matter. I did Fundies with the neon green line.

 

[b1gcountry]

I have the Dive Sports Spools. They are quality Delrin spools with bright yellow braided line. It is #18 line (smaller than cave line) This is what I did fundies with.

Tom

 

[SparticleBrane]

If you can afford it, get the ones from Halcyon or Salvo. They are incredibly tough (machined from a rod of delrin rather than injection-molded) and will last a long time. If money is an issue, get the cheaper ones.

The other option is to grab a rod of delrin from McMaster and take it to a machine shop (or a friend who could do it) with these specs.

 

[Bismark]

I've got the $15 spools from Dive Sports also and they are very good quality. Delrin mold and good line. (can't remember exactly what kind of line).

One thing to check on your finger spools when buying is to ask about the line and see if it's braided cave line, wreck line, or just cheap nylon line. The braided line is much stronger. You'll typically get #24 or #32 (I think) line on spools and reels if it's braided. The only difference is strenght and thickness, which of course also related to how much line you can put on the spool/reel.

No sense spending more money on a spool that has a fancy namebrand if there is a no-name with the same quality.

I'd get the spools with the day-glow yellow line if possible as you can see those much easier in the water. But since you're taking a DIR class, not sure if yellow line is considered "DIR".


As for SMB's, there are huge differences in mostly design. Everyone makes them slighly differently and in different lengths/widths and with different features.


Things I'd say to use for consideration on a checklist for your SMB.

• determine the length/width you need.
• Get one with a inflator diaphram for inflating at depth with an octo. (Smaller ones come only with an oral inflator).
• get one with a dump/overpressure valve. (two reasons, one for dumping air if you're staying with it or using as a small lift bag, or second so it won't burst if overfilled as it ascends towards the surface. Note if the dump valve is at the bottom of the bag, it's pretty useless for using as a lift device or dumping air anywhere but on the surface.)
• Some SMB's come with a "self sealing" diaphram that won't let air out at all.
• Some SMB's are dual color (yellow on one side and orange on the other).
• reflective SOLAS tape is always nice.
• a d-ring at top to attach a strobe to is good. (D-ring is also good for wrapping SMB around you and clipping it off as a life ring if needed.)
• some SMB's have a plastic holder at top for a light stick.
• I like the fact mine has a brass snapbolt (single ended) for snapping to my BC bungee to double secure it and also use that snapbolt for attaching to loop on my finger spool line.

If anyone else has suggestions of what to consider, please add them.

After you get one, go to your local pool or quarry and learn to shoot it from your safety stop and from depth. trying to learn this in a stiff current on a boat dive could just result in a line going everywhere and having to deal with it in open water. best to play first in confined water.

Have to disagree with a few things here and this is why:

1) in your Fundamentals class, your instructor will demo shooting a bag and then have you do it. There is a specific procedure to doing this that your instructor will show you on dry land and in water. Odds are good that you will not see this or at least not the small things that make it go smoothly from watching a video or reading the internet. And, importantly, this is a demonstration skill but not one which you must achieve a certain standard of excellence in order to pass. Just try not to wrap up your whole team in the line................(I have seen this in Fundamentals classes..)

2) Get the smaller 3' SMB by Halcyon, Salvo, DSS or whoever makes one like it. Don't worry about inflating it from anything other than your mouth. You won't do it any different way from Fundamentals through Tech II. Large bags are unwieldy and difficult to fill and impossible to pull back down if you want to. You are not using it as a lift bag, you are using it as a diver-deployable surface marker that you can signal your surface support (boat) where you are or if you get blown off an up line, etc. Also makes doing a blue water ascent easier.

3) Avoid brass bolt snaps. They have a tendency to cut things live fingers and drysuit gloves when they are used and you are cold. There is a reason every other bolt snap, clip, buckle, etc is supposed to be stainless steel. You should have a spool, a stainless double ender (3 or 4" version) and the SMB. Avoid gimmicks. They are solutions to non existent problems.

4) Don't bother with fancy attachments to hook lights, glow tubes or whatever at the top of your SMB. You will not use them as a DIR diver. (at least of the GUE persuasion)

5) When you register for Fundies class, one of the documents you should receive before the class is an article on SMB's. It is very thorough. If you don't have it, PM me and I will email it to you.

6) Your SMB should be stowed in your pocket.

7) Delrin spools won't chip or break.

8) Only get pink line if you want to ask Jeff or Brian out on a Date.............

Good luck in Fundamentals.

 

[scuba_moron]

Thanks for everyone's feedback and for pointing me in the right direction! I sure hope I can pass the course.

As for the SMB, I'm sold on either DSS or Halycyon - my shop carries both, but I prefer the smaller foot print of the DSS.

Does anyone know if the ones sold by Diverite Express are machined from solid delrin - see link:

Dive Rite Finger Spools

Thanks again,