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What about line thickness/type/strength? I have a number of dive buddies who have made their own reels because they weren't happy with the line that came with theirs.
I definitely want a side handle reel
I definitely want a side handle reel. But a couple that I have used have a small opening on the left between the reel and the metal bar going over the top which seem mighty easy to tangle if you are doing anything beside carrying a flag on a drift dive where there is constant and perfect tension on them.
Also they don't fit people with big hands
Apart from those minor drawbacks they're fine