OMS Reels...any experience?

[Green_Manelishi]

I'm looking at picking up a reel this spring, and was leaning towards OMS since my LDS can get them easily. Has anyone used these and do you have any good or bad experiences?

Jim

Newer OMS reels have a design that makes them less prone to jamming if line jumps the spool. However, I think the largest drawback is that they use(d) a spindle welded to the frame. If the weld is shoddy the spindle can break off and your reel falls apart. It's happened. I modified my older OMS so it no longer has a welded spindle. I also installed a home-made "anti-jamm" device.

 

[Dive-aholic]

I have OMS reels and they didn't come with suicide clips??

So far I have found them a little challenging, I have since added a couple of stainless washers on both sides of the reel and that made a huge improvement. They felt like they were hanging up on something, almost as if they were loaded with gravel. But the washers were the ticket

Cheers

Steve

They must have finally changed things. I know when I was looking at them the shop owner told me he'd talked to OMS several times about the clips and they just wouldn't change things.

Why would anyone buy a reel that's a little challenging? If I have to make adjustments, then it's not worth buying. Granted, I do have a Halcyon and DR that I bought before I knew better. Now I won't buy anything but RH.

 

[Doubles]

Why would anyone buy a reel that's a little challenging?

Well I got them at cost to start with, and I didn't have an opportunity to try them out first. Did some reading in advance. Had I dove them first, probably would have continued to look. But 2 washers are not a big deal and they have removed the "challenge".

Cheers

 

[Doubles]

. I also installed a home-made "anti-jamm" device.

Care to share a photo of your home made work? Might help others with the same reels

Cheers

 

[wunat]

I bought a Halcyon Pathfinder Reel this summer, I like it. HOWEVER, the Salvo reel is the same thing, only better, and usually cheaper.

How is it better? They look more or less identical to me except I understand that Salvo may be lighter since they are using derin instead of aluminum of the handle.

Not a challenging comment. Just curious.

 

[hunter991]

The salvo reel locks down completely, no line slippage. It is also a good bit lighter.

How you been Wunat?

Brent

 

[sEANx32]

Yea, what hunter991 said. And I've heard the thumb screw is a little bigger. I haven't personally seen the salvo reel, I just keep hearing this over and over everytime someone sees my Pathfinder.

..and it didn't sound like a challenging comment, so I didn't take it that way.

-Sean

 

[wunat]

The salvo reel locks down completely, no line slippage. It is also a good bit lighter.

Ok. Might be something I look into when I am getting my.

How you been Wunat?

Pretty good. New diving season has begun......... In case you aren't awared of, I am the guy (from Thailand) who wrote to you about Luxfer 40cf.

 

[Mr.X]

That's not very nice...:no But still funny

I bought a Halcyon Pathfinder Reel this summer, I like it. HOWEVER, the Salvo reel is the same thing, only better, and usually cheaper. The guy who started Salvo used to work for Halcyon and ripped off the design, then made the necessary improvements to it. I've heard nothing but good things about it.



I want one!!!

Putting things into perspective... reels, lights, plates - equipment design in the cave world go through stages of evolution. Ripping off isn't an accurate, or PC term for what are iterative designs made among innovators.

X

 

[hunter991]

Wunat. Yep, I recognized you from the emails and the order. Your tank will go out today. Looking forward to seeing how this goes.

Brent