Recommended reel for cavern class?

[kensuf]

For a cavern class I would let them borrow a reel. I've got two sidewinder style reels and one L style reel that they can use.

For any cave class, I want them to have a reel but I also send a document that gives a pretty explicit list of equipment and make intro to tech programs a pre-req for cave classes.

 

[rddvet]

And Mexico (and maybe France?) might be a good reason for getting a 400' reel eventually, but I'll throw another point out - first few times someone goes vacation cave diving in Mexico they should probably hire a guide. I'd hope the guide has a 400' reel to use.

Probably should hire a guide is correct, but I would argue the majority don't.
France you don't need one as almost every line is tied to a tree above water

 

[halocline]

I have run out of line several times in Mexico on a 200ft reel. I used to only take the 200. Now I always take the 400

I have too, well actually only once, then I bought a 400ft reel. It was embarrassing to run out of line on the way to the mainline. I had to tie off and use a spare jump spool to get the last 25 ft or so. My buddy had a good chuckle.

I don't regret having both; the 200 ft reel makes a killer jump reel on some of the longer jumps in MX.

Anyhow, back to the 'which reel' discussion, I'd get a LM, you might even find one used. There are probably some cooler new reels around that are even better, but those work fine and they're not too expensive.

 

[Lampliter]

Why would you need 400 ft reel for cavern or cave diving i only carry spools and jump reel in a cave. Use a primary with 250 to tie into gold line and that is very rare occasions I need something with that much line

 

[halocline]

Why would you need 400 ft reel for cavern or cave diving i only carry spools and jump reel in a cave. Use a primary with 250 to tie into gold line and that is very rare occasions I need something with that much line

It depends where you dive; in Mexico, where I usually dive, there are some caves where the mainline is more than 200 ft from OW. Not many, but enough. The cost and size difference between a 200ft and 400ft LM reel is not much, TBH.

 

[Underwater Tourist]

What about DTD reels? Any comments on their quality?

They are much cheaper than LM and Halcyon (especially given the current exchange rate)

 

[Trace Malinowski]

The only primary reel I ever needed was a Halcyon 400 for all cave, wreck, and open water diving. I've used the same reel for 20 years now with about 375 feet of line.

My first NACD instructor for cavern didn't care what primary my buddy and I had as long as we had one. We used our Halcyon 400s. The first thing we learned is that we won't need 400 feet of line.

 

[Alaskan Scuba Dude]

As a cavern diver you want the best reel money can buy. So here is my pick. It's priced well so if you lose it or if it falls into an opening, you can just buy another one.

 

[Robert H. Diver]

As a cavern diver you want the best reel money can buy. So here is my pick. It's priced well so if you lose it or if it falls into an opening, you can just buy another one.

Sick bro

 

[flymolo]

I’ve used both Halcyon and LM. Other than Halcyon having an aluminum handle bracket I can’t tell any difference, especially quality wise.

The locking screw on the halcyons can’t fall out