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