Best type of line/reel for a dive flag?

[aquacat8]

Also small hands make a lot of tools difficult to operate.

 

[tbone1004]

Sigh, I just realized this reel thing might also be another left handed thing. I'm sure I went for my second stage with my left hand. The reel must have been in my right, putting it upside down with the ratchet release on the underside instead of my thumb. No wonder it mysteriously didn't work. At least spools and that bail thing are not handed.

the manta reel may work for you then since it isn't "handed" on the ratchet mechanism. Winding will still be annoying or you'll get used to winding the reel backwards, but the ratchet is a grip mechanism so you can manipulate it in any orientation

 

[aquacat8]

Thanks @tbone1004 I will see if I can find one in cave county to handle!

 

[tbone1004]

Thanks @tbone1004 I will see if I can find one in cave county to handle!

rather unlikely to find one in cave country unfortunately. Ratchet reels are rather frowned upon down there

 

[boat sju]

something like this.

https://www.diveseekers.com/Plastic_Line_Holder_w_75_Rope_p/59230l.htm

 

[aquacat8]

The whole reel thing is new to me, we never used them in California, because of kelp. We just carried a long plastic orange tube that lived in my pocket for over ten years and was never deployed. Never did a drift dive until I moved here!

 

[boat sju]

this type of rope is easier to handle than the yellow polypro Everbilt 1/4 in. x 100 ft. White Diamond Braid Nylon Rope-72716 - The Home Depot

 

[johndiver999]

this type of rope is easier to handle than the yellow polypro Everbilt 1/4 in. x 100 ft. White Diamond Braid Nylon Rope-72716 - The Home Depot

That is much better quality rope, but I think it sinks... you do NOT want a sinking rope on a float. The cheap poly line is plenty strong enough for this application.

 

[aquacat8]

For freediving I do like that floating yellow line... a lot of time it is in a big loop when I come up. I can see it and avoid it and it doesn't tangle. But for scuba a good reel might work, or even a spool. Entanglement on scuba can be solved with cutting tools. Freediving you might die before you got loose.

 

[boat sju]

... you do NOT want a sinking rope on a float.

Why not? Best to keep it tight anyway.