Diving Products - Ratchet Reels
May be a very well made product but after checking out photos, here are the concerns one should have with this.
Ratcheting Reel - I believe, simple is better! Majority of divers that have reel problems stem from the gadgety part of it. I try to prevent problems before I even get in the water. Give that thing a solid year or 2 of Salt Water diving plus diver neglect (let's face it, divers in general are not good with maintenance) and let's see how it performs.
Overseas - let's say you do have a problem with it, servicing/fixing it will be an issue
Left handed / RH handed handle - why not have the flexibility to use both under water?
I know it's more money, but IMHO, the best reel on the market is the Halcyon Pathfinder 400' (choice of #24 or #36 line).
Halcyon Pathfinder Reels, Buy at The SCUBA Connection 888-SCUBA-47 HPR *Buy Halcyon at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47
Anti-foul Design - One of the biggest problems with reels is that the line jumps and gets caught between the handle & spool. Check out the tolarence in this photo! I have yet to see this happen to this reel and even if the diver has poor line management skills, I have yet not been able to fix it underwater because of this design.
Flexible - Can use it RH or LH handed underwater.
Solid Construction - The spool used in the reel is milled from one solid billet. The unique side handle (hard-coated) is machined from a solid piece of aluminum and has a SS lock down screw.
If you want a better price point (less quality materials than above item) then try the DiveRite Sidewinder Reel.
Dive Rite Full Line of Dive Rite Sidewinder Primary Reels RE50250 *Buy Dive Rite at DIVESEEKERS.com 888-SCUBA-47
IMO, primary reel should have 400' of line.
