DIR- GUE Why no stoppers on GUE-style reels?

[sunny_diver]

It seems GUE divers don't like stoppers on their reels. If a reel comes with one, they remove it. The idea is that a diver who is paying attention won't accidentally wind up the reel too far and therefore won't accidentally pull the line through the guide.

I'm not convinced this outweighs the benefit of a stopper. I can't think of a downside to using a stopper, so why not make life easier?

 

[Tanked Monkey]

A stopper on a reel can become a dangly pretty quick. Since an unused reel is sometimes stowed clipped off on a d-ring, anything that dangles can get caught on a cave protrusion and unspool behind you unnoticed. That has the potential to create a huge hazard.

I've personally run a regular sidewinder-style reel (without a stopper) hundreds of times and never "accidentally" pulled the loop through the guide when spooling in.

If you're looking for an easier way to grasp the loop when untying it from a line, try adding a Woody knot to the loop.

 

[rjack321]

It seems GUE divers don't like stoppers on their reels. If a reel comes with one, they remove it. The idea is that a diver who is paying attention won't accidentally wind up the reel too far and therefore won't accidentally pull the line through the guide.

I'm not convinced this outweighs the benefit of a stopper. I can't think of a downside to using a stopper, so why not make life easier?

Because it's a sloppy way to dive. Don't let gear substitute for skill

 

[rjack321]

I can't think of a downside to using a stopper, so why not make life easier?

If you ever start laying line in a cave (and not retrieving it) you'll realize how annoying stoppers marbles are.

 

[dray_gnv]

I'm just getting getting started with cave diving (Intro to Cave), so don't claim any insight here. But the primary tie off is literally ouside the cave, which is where you'd leave the line stopper. I'm sure with practice, the stopper isn't necessary or maybe even helpful. I can't see how it could be a hazard unless on an exploration reel.

 

[Dsix36]

My take on line stoppers:

Pros
easy to open loop
easy to pull tie off loose
easy to see end of line
easy to keep from reeling in too far

Cons
possible dangle
possible snag
possible entanglement
can't fit through smaller openings

I still prefer line stops but am always looking to improve the versatility while making them more user friendly. I have some ideas that I am still trying to perfect for my own personal preferences. Reeling in a line in zero vis is problematic without a line stop.

 

[crofrog]

Reeling in a line in zero vis is problematic without a line stop.

Why are you pulling a guideline in zero vis?

 

[Dsix36]

Why are you pulling a guideline in zero vis?

Because I am on a rebreather, comfortable in the situation, completely capable, and see no need to leave it there.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm just getting getting started with cave diving (Intro to Cave), so don't claim any insight here. But the primary tie off is literally ouside the cave, which is where you'd leave the line stopper. I'm sure with practice, the stopper isn't necessary or maybe even helpful. I can't see how it could be a hazard unless on an exploration reel.

My guess is that one reason GUE discourages stoppers is consistency. Suppose you and your buddy each have a reel, and the one who isn't laying the line with the primary tie-off is going to take their reel into the cave with them.