Dive reel on a budget?

[mstuart71]

i'm looking for a dive reel to use when diving the ledges off of NC. it will be used for deploying a SMB and for attaching to the line that is run off the anchor, so i can find my way back after teeth hunting. i am looking at the diverite primary w/250ft or the highland by xs scuba w/290ft. my biggest fear with the diverite is the way the axle, that the spool spins on, is connected to the frame. it is just basically screwed into it, i had a trident reel and on the 1st dive the axle backed out of the frame and was useless. i returned that thing. the highland is held in place by a nut, which seems like a smart move. i guess with either i could tack weld it in spot and just forget about it. any thoughts, i am on a budget. if not i would buy a manta, lm or hollis.

 

[kelemvor]

A little loctite would probably be easier than welding.

 

[DevonDiver]

I banned DiveRite Primary Reels from my wreck courses, if that has any bearing on your decision. Useless crap... they tangle far too easily, which endangers the diver.

 

[Dsix36]

I welded all my Dive Rite reels after I watched my buddies spool fall out and unravel all 400' to the depths. The little "E" clip is also a weak point in them and has caused the same issue a few times. They still tangle up far easier than other reels if you are not extremely careful.

I moved to these and am extremely happy with them:
REELS

 

[DevonDiver]

I moved to these and am extremely happy with them:
REELS

I use the same Light Monkey reels. Also very happy with them. My only concern is that the inner spindle seems prone to rusting... I mean REALLY?!?!