Reel handle styles

[LG Diver]

I've noticed that most reels that are considered "cave" reels have goodman-style handles, while "wreck" reels have jasper-style handles. Is there a functional reason for this difference or is this just a cultural thing? Is using a goodman-style reel like the Halcyon in a wreck a big no-no?

 

[loosebits]

I can't imagine what would be wrong with a side-winder reel in a wreck (btw, many cave reels use jasper-style handles, after all, look at the name). I've never even heard of them refered to as "cave style" reels.

I don't wreck dive but it seems to me either would be fine for cave or wreck. Of course, I just use the reel off a fishing rod with monofilament... works fine for me

 

[LG Diver]

I've never been diving in a cave or a wreck yet, but I'm looking for a reel for wreck diving. Perhaps I misspoke- I haven't actually heard of a sidewinder referred to as a cave-style reel, but it seems to me that when someone asks for opinions on a good reel for cave diving people recommend sidewinders like the Halcyon, Salvo, and others, whereas when someone asks for a recommendation for a wreck reel, people recommend reels like the Manta. I'm just wondering why this is? To put it another way, given an identical reel available with either handle config, like the Ralph Hood reels:

http://www.northernatlanticdive.com/reels.htm

What criteria would one use in deciding between the two? Is one easier to use if you're using a can light with goodman handle than the other? Is one better for hanging off the butt d-ring without bird's nesting? Just wondering why I'd choose one over the other?

Thanks again,
John

 

[loosebits]

Ok, no experience wreck diving but here's what I've found:

With a goodman handle on the light, the std reel is almost impossible reel in line unless you want your light beam going all over the place as you reel it in (looks very much like a buddy in serious trouble). I usually just clip off my light but then of course it's not pointing where I want it.

With the sidewinder reels, laying line with the reel in the same hand is simple. Reeling it in is also simple except the wrist motion required to move the reel side-to-side so the line lays easily tires out my wrist quickly.

Now, if you ditch the goodman handle on your light head, the std reel works very well and you hold the light head between your palm and the reel's handle. What would be nice is a easy snap on/off goodman handle so you could use the light without it when doing reel work and then easily reattach it when you're not running the reel (95% of the time in cave diving, probably much less in wreck).

 

[MilitantMedic]

Highly personal opinion, but I hate jasper-style reels. Due to most of their designs they tend to have a must easier time tangling up. They are hard to use your thumb as a drag control. They have twice as many moving parts. They have nooks and crannies waiting to suck up line. They are larger and more cumbersome. The big handle is just waiting to tangle on something when stowed.

Honestly I have yet to find a an application where they work better. Reccomendation get a Salvo or Halcyon.

 

[Jason B]

Highly personal opinion, but I hate jasper-style reels. Due to most of their designs they tend to have a must easier time tangling up.

I think there is some confusion as to what a jasper handle is. The above statement is totally false. The Jasper style handle makes it easier to prevent of undo a tangle.

They are hard to use your thumb as a drag control.

Huh? Again, you must know what a Jasper handle is because the thumb is what you use on that type reel.

They have twice as many moving parts. They have nooks and crannies waiting to suck up line. They are larger and more cumbersome. The big handle is just waiting to tangle on something when stowed.

More BS. Twice as many moving parts? How? The only thing that moves is the spool portion.

Honestly I have yet to find a an application where they work better. Reccomendation get a Salvo or Halcyon.

A Jasper handle is a side mounted handle much like what is found on a Halcyon and Salvo reel.

The big difference between a cave and a wreck reel is the line used. In caves we use #24 line, wreck reels typically come with the larger #36 line.

 

[MilitantMedic]

hehehe, easy there big boy. Nomenclature mix-up, I thought Jasper handle was the OMS style top handle. If that is the case then replace every instance of "jasper" with "big ugly narly top handle do-hicky."

 

[texdiveguy]

I have used both,,,,my wreck reel is a DiveRite goodman handled sidewinder with #36 and this seems to be a comfortable fit for me.

 

[Jason B]

hehehe, easy there big boy. Nomenclature mix-up, I thought Jasper handle was the OMS style top handle. If that is the case then replace every instance of "jasper" with "big ugly narly top handle do-hicky."

Hee Heee...
I thought that had to be the case.

 

[PerroneFord]

With the sidewinder reels, laying line with the reel in the same hand is simple. Reeling it in is also simple except the wrist motion required to move the reel side-to-side so the line lays easily tires out my wrist quickly.

Could you explain this a bit? I'm not quite seeing it. When I layed line, I just turned the reel so that it fed off the bottom. Is that how you are doing it?