Reel for SMB

[mikemikethepike]

I have Manta Jr Reel that I bought for my PADI wreck class (leave that one alone). I really like the reel, but I was wondering if this would be a good reel to use with Surface Marker Bouy or if I should another reel for this usage. Has any used one of these reels to deploy a SMB?

 

[Splitlip]

I use the mini. I could not be happier (unless I had the JR). I love the anti free spooling technology.
The mini does not have the "hand clutch".

 

[Ben_ca]

Get a spool... less likely to jam on deployment and very uncomplicated...

 

[deepstops]

I prefer using a spool. You can get a decent one from Piranha Dive Mfg. for under $20 that includes a double ender clip.

 

[Meng_Tze]

Ditto on the spool. Easier, smaller and no real chance of messing it up.

 

[D_B]

TDL spool .. 100ft or 150ft + double ender .. $14.95 .. Spools : Tech Diving Limited, a subsidiary of Scuba Training and Technology Inc.
Personally though, I like the "High Visability" Pink one

 

[Splitlip]

I am a spool fan. Shooting deep though (70 to 100) I like the ease of rewind with a reel.

I stopped using conventional reels because of the birds nest issues. The Mantas however have anti free spool technology that is much superior to a conventional reel. Far less likely to birds nest. Still not as reliable as a spool when launching, but much easier to reel up when surfacing.

The Mantas however are slighty more difficult to reel up than a conventional reel because you must over come the tention of the anti free spool device. But still easier than a spool.

Shooting shallow (40 ft or less) I use a spool. I actually carry two DSMB's. Should I tank it with the reel, I still have a small halcyon prerigged to a spool.

 

[D_B]

one other option ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/lift-bags-smbs-reels/227175-i-like-my-spreel.html

 

[Randy43068]

Spool... it cant' get any simpler and it's also easy to stow even when it's attached to your SMB.

 

[Randy43068]

one other option ... http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/lift-bags-smbs-reels/227175-i-like-my-spreel.html

I've got a couple of those too. But, I think the spool is actually easier to use on the SMB.