Lookin for a Reel

[jonnythan]

I've used but don't like the Manta Jr style reels. They're way too easy to foul up. In fact every person I've ever seen with one of that style has fouled it up. I haven't seen any of the Pathfinder-style reels foul up, and I haven't managed to foul up my own.

Obviously it's possible to foul up the Pathfinder, and it's certainly possible to use the other style without fouling it up, but the Pathfinder style is IMO a far better design that's significantly simpler to use.

 

[Tamas]

I didn't realize Halcyon has an official spokes person on this site? Wow you must be rich by now pushing and promoting their and only their gear to all!

Reels will foul up - it's in their nature, some will be easier to undo then others but when it comes down to it, they will do the job no matter what design or how much. I use my DiveRites's exclusively and have had very good luck with them and didn't cost me an arm or a leg because a of a fancy letter on them.

Get the ones that you can, the ones that feel right in your hands- and don't be blinded by logos and brand names

 

[ScubaMike14]

The Manta in your picture is a great reel. Greg, the owner of Manta Industries is on this board a lot. Give him a call...he'll take good care of you.

Mike Rushton

 

[jonnythan]

I didn't realize Halcyon has an official spokes person on this site? Wow you must be rich by now pushing and promoting their and only their gear to all!

Reels will foul up - it's in their nature, some will be easier to undo then others but when it comes down to it, they will do the job no matter what design or how much. I use my DiveRites's exclusively and have had very good luck with them and didn't cost me an arm or a leg because a of a fancy letter on them.

Get the ones that you can, the ones that feel right in your hands- and don't be blinded by logos and brand names

Yes, Tamas, Halcyon, Salvo Diving, and Dive Rite are all paying me royalties for promoting their products. That's why I included links to all of those manufacturers.

Pretty sweet deal, huh?

The funny thing about this is that the Halcyon and Salvo Diving reels are *cheaper* than the Dive Rite knockoff that's made with cheaper materials (ABS reel and plastic screw vs Delrin reel and stainless steel screw), but Dive Rite does offer the design in smaller sizes.

I echo Tamas' sentiments not to be bound by brand names and get the reel design that works best.. this would be the side-handled reel that Dive Rite initially called the "No-Foul Reel" when they introduced the design last year.. which, incidentally, Halcyon had been producing for years already.

 

[PaulChristenson]

I'll be using this reel for wreckdiving and smb's, no cave diving.

Well for you SMB...just use a spool...

And for your Reel...you already got plenty of advice...

Now line on the other hand...
http://www.diveriteexpress.com/tools/reels.shtml#hivizline
Just scan further down the site for prices...

 

[Manta]

I have a related, follow-on question. For wreck diving, what size line should you use?

I noticed the Manta Jr. comes with 185' of #30 or 250' of #24. Is #24 strong enough for wreck, or do you need #30 or even #36? I'll be diving this July off the coast of NC and I'll need reels, of course. The Manta's sound like an excellent choice. Now I'm trying to decide on the line size.

The rule of thumb I follow is a Jr 185' with #30 fo any dive above 130' - 140' anything below that I use a Sr 230 NE (the 230 NE has #60 line) Therre isn't much difference in the 250' #24 line, it's a bit thinner. For wrecks, get the heavier line.