interesting reel

[M_B]

hello,
just basiclally this one :http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=19303&item=7130595314
wonder if anyone has a clue what are these guys from Singapore is selling....
thank you.

 

[mweitz]

Nice. That is a device used for fishing electrical lines or data lines, but the stiff flex metal or fiberglass has been replaced with line and a, yes, a suicide clip.

 

[M_B]

Nice. That is a device used for fishing electrical lines or data lines, but the stiff flex metal or fiberglass has been replaced with line and a, yes, a suicide clip.

What is "suicide clip" ?

 

[Xizang]

I saw in my LDS a reel almost like that one made by scubapro. Cost around $140. I also some taiwan made reel that looked like that that cost something like $27.

 

[The Kraken]

Divers Supply sells a reel very, very similar to the one pictured. It'd make a nice reel for towing a diver down float but I don't think I'd use it for any technical work.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

What is "suicide clip" ?

A suicide clip is also referred to as a boat snap or gate snap. It gets it's "suicide clip" nickname from the large gate that readily traps line and increases the risk of a diver becoming entangled. If intentionally clipped onto something, a boat snap can also release itself accidentally if it is twisted back around onto the line or ring it is clipped to as it can open the gate.

So they hook to things you don't wan't them and they don't always stay hooked to things you want them to stay hooked to which makes them very bad for any type of technical diving.

Bolt snaps are generally regarded as being both much more secure and much less likely to snag. Bolt snaps do however require just a bit more dexterity to fasten. Some divers use a hybrid bolt snap called a butterfly clip. It is a bolt snap with wings on each side of the opening to allow it to open if the opening is pressed against a line or D-ring. Some technical divers like them while others put them in the suicide clip category due to the increased potential for them to trap line and pose an increased entanglement hazard.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

Divers Supply sells a reel very, very similar to the one pictured. It'd make a nice reel for towing a diver down float but I don't think I'd use it for any technical work.

Several companies market identical or similar reels and they do work well for towing a flag. But when using a light line on the dive flag the diver has to be careful to maintain tension on the line to prevent the line from wrapping itself around the diver's fins, tank valves etc.

I use one in the dive flag towing capacity but would not consider using one in a more serious technical application. The biggest potential problem is that the spool is not readily removeable underwater and without tools, so if the line jumps the edge of the spool you can produce a jam that you are not able to quickly clear underwater.

The spring that holds the ratchet device against the spool also has a tendency to corrode and requires periodic replacement if you dive frequently.

 

[M_B]

thank you DA Aquamaster and all others for answers and explanations.
_It is _ helpfull extremely.
I'm not doing the tech. diving, but last statement (... "The biggest potential problem is that the spool is not readily removeable underwater and without tools" ... ) defined my decision.
Again thank you!