reel or not reel?

[Icarusflies]

Hello all;

I am relatively new diver (50 dives this week end) AOP and lately I have been doing some drift dive. I find it very uncomfortable to carry the "cord" (I don't know how they call it) that is attached to the flag. I am thinking to get a reel that will be more comfortable the handle. Also it might be useful in low viz situations.

What will be the way to go "finger spools" or the one with the handle. 100' or 150', recomendations...

??????????

Thanks

 

[The Kraken]

I don't know what sort of line carrier you're using when towing your dive flag, but I prefer to use a reel.

A reel can be used for a myriad of purposes so it's naturally a better value for you $cuba dollar.

the K

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

As for which reel to use, I dont have a good suggestion for that, and Im sure one will come up. My only concern with 1oo-150 ft of line is that you being 100 feet from your dive flag defeats the purpose..... How deep are you going? If just an OW diver, I cant imagine it deeper than 65ft based on your training.

I do understand what your saying about it being difficult to dive with, but if your diving 150 ft away from your flag, you have the potential to be ran over by a boat that is staying away from your flag, or even some pesky fisherman that might catch you

 

[MSilvia]

I've been very happy using a plastic rachet reel like this one for my flag towing. It's available from many sources, usually for around $35:

I've found they work MUCH better than this P.O.S.:

As for length defeating the purpose, I disagree. In any case other than an emergency direct ascent, you'll be reeling back in as you surface, and will come up at the flag. If you're too deep to be hit by a boat, it doesn't matter how close you are. If you're diving in an area where passing ships have enough draft to hit you when you aren't at the surface, you should have a much better marker than a little flag.

As for length, I'd say you should allow at least twice the length of line as the max depth you'll go to. For most shore diving purposes, especially for an OW diver, 150' is probably more than enough.

A finger spool will let line out really well, but respooling manually while ascending can be a real pain in the butt. I don't recommend it.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Sometimes you just have to chuckle...
--
I personally have a dedicated reel for my dive flag. It has a little flip-to-lock/unlock lever that's real handy for letting out a little or taking in a little line as I change depth. I don't even know if they're available any more - picked it up at DEMA in New Orleans, which dates it
Rick

 

[Icarusflies]

Thank you all for your replays.

I realize that 150' is over doing it for drift diving. I was thinking to take advantage of the extra lenght when for example going from one wreck to another wreck that is close (use the line to find my way back). Not long ago I got lost attempting to reach a wreck that was not far from were I was diving, I would have used a reel then....

I was also thinking to use an SMB before surfacing after a drift dive so I don't have to drag the flag. Just deploy the SMB at the end of the dive.....Do operators let divers do that?

 

[String]

A reel really makes towing an SMB an easy experience, especially with a ratchet or other lock off mechanism. Just remember not to clip the reel off to yourself or put lanyard around wrist that cant be released.

 

[DandyDon]

What he said....
Just remember not to clip the reel off to yourself or put lanyard around wrist that cant be released.

I wish I knew what Rick was chuckling about, as he does know diving.

I have one like MSilvia illustrated. Not much but does what I want. I added a swivel to the end on the line so that whatever I send up and rotate without twisting the line.

 

[Icarusflies]

so is clip it to a "D" ring and make sure it is secure right.....just kiding..thank you guys for this good info

 

[The Chad]

I'd say a Manta Jr 185' w/ a cave cam, but thats just my 2 cents