Recommendations on spools/reels

[DA Aquamaster]

That's good advice as personal preferences can vary and often people continue to use what they have always used just because it is comfortable for them and has worked for them.

People also differ in terms of size and build so what may feel great to one diver with large hands and/or long fingers may not be so hot for another diver with smaller hands and/or shorter fingers. Plus styles of handling reels and specific techniques also vary and different designs impact techniques in different ways. So until you know that you like in terms of technique it is hard to know what would work best for you - and vice versa.

It might also be productive to note designs or features that people might want to stay away from. Several years ago I had a Reef Scuba safety reel that was a PITA. The drag adjustment screw was essentially the axle threaded into an insert in the frame and using a nylock insert on the threaded end of the axle to hold the axle/drag screw in the selected location applying the desired amount of friction. If the line was wound on the drum one way the drag tended to tighten as the drum rotated, requiring frequent readjustment. If you wound it the other way, the drag loosened and would eventually screw the axle right out of the frame. That is not something you want to deal with in the dark or at depth.

 

[Dive-aholic]

Third, anyone who has used a safety reel in real emgency conditions will tell you you don't want to have to deal with a spool when you're already dealing with being lost off the line. For a safety reel get something that is easy to operate, a reel not a spool!

I'm with DA Aquamaster on this one. I prefer a safety spool, not a safety reel. The spool is simple and fool proof. The reel is not. I haven't been lost off a line but I have been in zero visibility with both a reel and a spool and I much preferred the spool.


Walter, I would hold off on ordering anything until you use a few different reels first. While I prefer my Ralph Hood reels, I have met people that aren't as pleased with them as some of the people here. Save yourself some money until you're sure.

 

[Cave Bum]

I've never felt the urge to put my self in a position to have to use a safety reel in a real world emergency in the dark or in a silt out off the line. Why use something that could jam, birdnest or otherwise be difficult to operate. A spool is impossible to jam, easy to hold in one hand and control the tension without the use of a drag or lock. I want something simple and reliable that will work the first time, every time.

I guess first and foremost, nobody goes on a dive saying to themselves "I think I'll go get lost off the line and have my primary light die". This is the type unexpected emergency we teach students to be able to self rescue from. My preference for reels in emergencies comes from my full cave instructor who first suggested it to me and it makes sense. He speaks from the experience of having had to do lost line searches in real world conditions many times. PM me and I'll point you to some of the articles about those searches. There is even one that is related in the book "The Cave Divers" by Robert Burgess where he was lost off the line without a reel (opps!).

I'm with DA Aquamaster on this one. I prefer a safety spool, not a safety reel. The spool is simple and fool proof. The reel is not. I haven't been lost off a line but I have been in zero visibility with both a reel and a spool and I much preferred the spool.


Walter, I would hold off on ordering anything until you use a few different reels first. While I prefer my Ralph Hood reels, I have met people that aren't as pleased with them as some of the people here. Save yourself some money until you're sure.

In addition to the above, let me also point you to a rescue. It's the first accident listed in the IUCRR website list. See www. icurr.org, go to reports and see the one at the bottom of the list, June 24, 1999 - Thunderhole, Madison County, FL.

Rescues are few and far between in cave diving. This one happened to someone I know and the person who rescued her was the instructor I mentioned above. Part of this accident was that the victim, an accomplished cave diver, lost her safety reel while trying to deploy it. She jammed it and then dropped it. That's easier to do with a spool. And, yes, jams can be a problem. That's part of why we now recommend carrying two safety reels. It was the one piece of equipment that we didn't carry a redudent backup for.

Another problem with spools is when you have to reel back in from an unsuccessful search to seach in a different direction, it is very difficult with a spool. Anyone who's had to reel in 150 foot of line (the minimum for a safety reel) on a spool will know what I'm talking about.

I wish both of you the greatest luck in using a spool if ever you do get lost off the line and hope even more fervently that it never happens to you.

Be safe and have fun in the water! Bruce

 

[Dive-aholic]

...She dropped it. That's easier to do with a spool. Also, when you have to reel back in from an unsuccessful search to seach in a different direction, it is very difficult with a spool.

I disagree that dropping a spool is easier than dropping a reel. It all depends on how you hold the spool. I also disagree that spooling back is very difficult. It may be for you, but I can spool back just as fast as I can reel back. But I use both regularly, which is the key. Both take practice to become proficient at. If you don't use spools, then, of course, they will be very difficult to work with. If you use them, they are very easy to work with.

Also, I carry both a safety spool and a safety reel. I also require my students to carry 2 safeties, either 2 spools, 2 reels, or 1 of each, but definitely 2.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

I agree with carrying 2. Anything you might need is something you need to have 2 of.

Also, what happens if you get entangled and use one to cut yourself out and splice the line? I still want a fresh unmessed with spool/reel in the event I lose the line on the way out. - there for I bring 2.

 

[ShagMan]

I prefer the sidewinding reels, and more specifically I like the Larry Green / Ralph Hood reels... I don't like the ridged wheel that Dive Rite uses on theirs, and I have heard too many horror stories about the Dive Rite reels coming apart in-use. I did own some "tiller" style reels, and while they were ok, I didn't like the big handle on them, and they just weren't compact enouch for my taste. The LG/RH reels are smoooth too.

Eagle's Nest Technical Divers - Larry's Reels

I got them from the first link (directly from Larry/Debra Green), email and they'll get back to you with pricing... I got one of each size (3 total) for $275 shipped.

 

[pollywogg]

machine the spool/reel yourself. then you can make it however you'd like. And aircraft aluminum is dirt cheap. I make my own reels, in fact, my instructor currently carries one. You can make them with ratchecting action in about 3 hours in the shop.( If you're slow like me )

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

.... if you have your own personal shop.

 

[pollywogg]

....or if there is a shop in your area.....or if there is a school near you....you don't need to own a machine shop. I get time at school for free, but, in a pinch, there are a few shops around that will let me log time for cheap/free. You just gotta be nice to them...they'll let you use their mills and lathes

 

[LiteHedded]

...or have any idea how to do that