DIR- GUE Reel for Cave 1

[steinbil]

I recently signed up for Cave 1 at ZG, and I want to get a primary reel. It seems like Halcyon Pathfinder is the gold standard, but they are quite pricey ($300+ in Norway), and I've heard about a possible issue with dissimilar metal corrosion between the SS lock screw and the aluminum frame.

It seems Light Monkey is also popular, and they have a reel in all-Delrin that they claim is better because the mentioned corrosion issue. It looks functionally identical, and is also cheaper.

In Europe I also can get a DirZone Reel in Delrin and anodized aluminum, similar to the Halcyon, I guess? Only difference I can see, is the extra lip on the frame "encapsulating" the top/bottom of the reel - don't know if this is an advantage or not?

Any input on what to get? Any thoughts on build quality and choice of materials? Is corrosion an issue? The light monkey seems to be the cheapest option, but unless I can have somebody get it to ZG for me, shipping would probably make it less viable. I can get the Halcyon locally and at ZG (maybe cheaper there), and the DirZone would be marginally cheaper shipped from Germany.

 

[happy-diver]

I got someone to buy a Light Monkey for my birthday but I had to lend him money to drill a water well first

 

[Lorenzoid]

My thinking when I was in your position was that I had enough to fret over in preparing for Cave 1 without fretting over which reel to buy. For me, in the US, the obvious choices were Halcyon or LM. I looked at both, decided the differences and prices were minimal, so I went with the Halcyon. I currently have two Halcyon Pathfinder 400s. No corrosion.

How much money is this costing you to take Cave 1 in Mexico (assuming you still live in Oslo)? The cost of a reel is minimal compared to the cost of training (and travel in your case) and will last you the rest of your life. I bet you spent plenty on a primary light and backup lights. I know I did.

Corrosion is not an issue unless you are diving salt water caves, and even then, corrosion can be avoided by rinsing your gear. That's an interesting story about the possibility of corrosion between the lock screw and the frame on the Pathfinder, but it seems far-fetched to me.

By the way, who is your instructor? Fred or Chris or someone else? You're going to have so much fun!

 

[PfcAJ]

LM and H are both nice. Look for a used one.

 

[Underwater Tourist]

Reels are absurdly overpriced pieces of plastic

Take a look at DTD, they are a little cheaper

https://www.gidivestore.com/intl/en/search?controller=search&s=reel&manufacturers=dtd

 

[flymolo]

halcyon is nice cause the lock screw can't back out because they hammer the threads with a punch. that dirzone reel looks nice as well

 

[crofrog]

My light monkey reels handle didn’t spin and I had to fix it. I prefer the halcyon one I got next.

 

[PfcAJ]

One thing I dislike about my H reels is the lock screw is right next to where the line comes out. It can, does, and will snag on the line. Annoy.

The LM reels have it on the other side.

 

[steinbil]

How much money is this costing you to take Cave 1 in Mexico (assuming you still live in Oslo)? The cost of a reel is minimal compared to the cost of training (and travel in your case) and will last you the rest of your life. I bet you spent plenty on a primary light and backup lights. I know I did.

This trip is definitely costing me a lot, which is why I don't want to spend more than I need on a reel. I want to spend my money where it counts, which is why I don't mind spending money on training. If the Pathfinder is the best reel for the application and is highly recommended, I'll probably still get it, but if I find out a DTD reel for half the price does the trick, I don't want to splurge just to get the H.

Corrosion is not an issue unless you are diving salt water caves, and even then, corrosion can be avoided by rinsing your gear. That's an interesting story about the possibility of corrosion between the lock screw and the frame on the Pathfinder, but it seems far-fetched to me.

Hmm, I think dissimilar metal corrosion is also an issue in fresh water. In any case, I do a lot of local diving in the ocean, and I would want to be able to use the reel here as well. Maybe it's a non-issue though. Maybe the coating Halcyon use on the handle prevents it?

By the way, who is your instructor? Fred or Chris or someone else? You're going to have so much fun

Chris. He's been highly recommended and his resume is impressive, to say the least. I'm very excited and a little nervous, but mostly excited.

 

[Whitrzac]

You need one of the diverite blue/red ones or similar design.
Guaranteed to fowl multiple times in class teaching you valuable stress management skills.