reels preferences?

[wunat]

Is there big difference in usage on these two types of reel

DiveRite Primary Reel:
http://www.diverite.com/products/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=RE4310

and Halcyon Pathfinder Reel
http://www.halcyon.net/guideline/index.shtml

Is there situations where one would prefer one type over the other?

The primary usage of the reel for me would be to deploying lift bags for decompression stops. Read on some site that #36 lines are recommended for openwater dives. How is this? If that's that case, would the DR Primary Reel (250ft of #36 line) makes a better choice over Halcyon's 400ft of #24 line? Or the lines don't really have that much difference.

Thanks a ton!!!

 

[PfcAJ]

The type of reel that DR makes and you pictured above jams easier than a Halcyon or Salvo. Been there, done that. I own a DR and personally don't like it.

Using a reel with a side mounted handle is easier when you have a goodman handle in your hand, as well. An added plus for the Halcyon and Salvo (I think DR makes a similar reel to H an S, but I might be wrong)

From a DIR point of view, bags are shot using a spool. Spools don't jam. An inadvertanly jammed reel can be yanked to the surface by the lift bag/ marker.

As to line preference, I believe it has to do with environment. 24 is common in caves, while 36 is for wrecks because of the frequency of sharp/ rough edges. For shooting a lift bag, the line won't be under much of a load, so tensile strength isn't an issue. I find #24 to be easy to handle and see while underwater. 18 is pretty thin, and 36 reduces the capacity of the reel or spool. It depends on what your using it for.

 

[hunter991]

I have dive rite, salvo, and halcyon reels that I use personally. I like the Salvo the best of them all. It is mostly identical to the halycon except it weighs a good bit less so is less aggravating. The dive rite is much easier to jam than the other two. What I like the most about the halcyon/salvo is that the handle is made so that you can hang the reel on the back of your hand while rigging a lift bag and don't have to worry about dropping it or it being in the way. The diverite handle doesn't work well for this. With this in mind I am a Salvo dealer and sell their stuff but I only carry stuff I use and can suggest the salvo reel without reservations. I don't carry halcyon but you wouldn't go wrong with it either.

www.hidawayscuba.com

Brent