I went diving last weekend off the coast of NC. We dove the Suloide, which is nothing more than a wreck field now. Visibility was about 10-15 feet max. There were 2 people with wreck reels that my buddy and I followed around so we would not get lost. I would rather not have to rely on others to navigate in the future, so I am looking for a good wreck reel. I am not into penetration and do not have that desire. I have looked at OMS and Dive Rite Reels and am wondering which you would suggest. I am leaning toward the OMS “Explorer” which is a kevlar line instead of the typical nylon. Does the kevlar line last longer to make it worth the extra cost? I like the fact that it is still on a small reel but has 600 feet of cord on the spool. That is nice. So lets hear those opinions.
Mike
WreckWriter
August 7th, 2002, 01:40 PM
Mostly just for general quality.
Tom
tchil01
August 7th, 2002, 01:40 PM
I have a 4" Enclosed Golden Reel Series from Reef Scuba and it works well for me. They have great products, their reels are solidly built and priced reasonably and they have great customer service. Check them out at http://www.reefscuba.com
Ty
O-ring
August 7th, 2002, 03:04 PM
I will echo what Tom mentioned...I have a Halcyon reel and I am very happy with it. It has a pretty low form factor so it is easy to work with and doesn't seem too snag prone when clipped off. They are a little pricey, but I found mine for $85 used.
MikeFerrara
August 7th, 2002, 05:55 PM
Off subject but...When I dove the Suloid the vis was great. When I decided it was time to head back to the line I was a little bothered that I couldn't see it. I looked up and could see the boat and line. Folowing the line with my eyes I was able to spot it near the bottom. The sea life on the wreck was fantastic. I have Halcyon reels and spools as well as some some generic reels from trident. All of mine work ok. The Kevlar line might be a good idea. I would think it would resist cutting better than diamond braided nylon.
icebox
August 7th, 2002, 07:06 PM
Ok MikeFerrara Thanks for rubbing in the fact that you had great vis. You are right there is great marine life on the Suloide. I had a great time looking around at all the little critters. The starfish, Toadfish and even the Ray that we found were great; however, the wave action was a little extreme causing us to stay inshore for both dives that day. The nice part of the dives for the day was the extended bottom time. But let me tell you we did have a couple people hanging over each side of the boat. :(
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it all.
Mike
SPEEDSTER
August 8th, 2002, 12:06 PM
I've thought about using kevlar as well on a reel, however I decided to stick with the nylon because it can be cut easily if you or someone else becomes entangled in it. I never tested the kevlar to see if in fact it was hard to cut, so I can't say for sure, but its something I would definately check on before using it. Let us know how it goes, I would be really interested in switching to kevlar if it is able to be cut with a knife.
Mike
DocRCH
August 12th, 2002, 03:02 PM
If I were buying one today, I would buy the Halcyon. At present I have a Reef Scuba (or something like that) that "I'm gonna use it 'till I lose it."
Robert:doctor:
divernva
August 12th, 2002, 09:23 PM
Never seen the stuff, but may be too thin if they can get 600' on a small spool. Could be hard to spot and mistakingly snipped. It may also be a little more difficult to cut in case of entanglement.
I have a reel made by Manta which I like (got it from LP). The spool is plastic, but the body of the reel is aluminum. There are notches on the spool which catch on the reel. Squeeze the handle and the spool is free to allowing line to be reeled in or let out.
The Halcyon spools are nice too... but they are huge. Probably has close to 600' of #24 line. I think they use a tension screw to lock them off.
Ken
techdiver2us
August 13th, 2002, 01:53 AM
I've got a Reef too that's nice in that when necessary I've been able to rip it apart UW and get it back together. Also have 2 Aqua Explorers that work well, but some of their configurations are overkill. All used in poor vis and/or new wrecks. I don't use one for penetration though.
Northeastwrecks
August 13th, 2002, 08:52 AM
I use the Dive Rite. However, if I were buying today, I would go with the Halcyon or Manta reel.
Halcyon's handle and the orientation of the reel make it easier to control the reel.
Manta has a trigger and locking mechanism that allows a diver to easily deploy the line.
I'm not unhappy with the Dive Rite; I just like the others better.
GearHead
August 15th, 2002, 06:09 PM
Thanks for the tip on the Manta, Ken. I've been in the market for a wreck reel, and this one looks like the ticket for me. I just ordered the Manta Jr. 250' for a wreck class that I'm taking in October, and I found it interesting that our instructors were offering a "group rate" of $120.00 on the same reel that I ordered from LP for $90.00. They're affiliated with a dive shop, but I was under the impression they were getting the reels straight from Manta. Needless to say, I'm glad I shopped around before jumping in on their "deal"
divernva once said...
I have a reel made by Manta which I like (got it from LP). The spool is plastic, but the body of the reel is aluminum. There are notches on the spool which catch on the reel. Squeeze the handle and the spool is free to allowing line to be reeled in or let out.
ericfine50
August 16th, 2002, 04:54 PM
I use the Halcyon/EE pathfinder. It feeds out nice and easy and if you are using a canister light, you can run the reel with the same hand.
Eric
divernva
August 18th, 2002, 01:50 AM
Hope you like the Manta. I bought the Jr. also.
Ken
Campana
August 19th, 2002, 10:35 PM
I broke my Dive Rite at Ginnie Springs. While in Florida, my neighbors at the Dive Outpost were Mike and Sandy Ferrara, who have a dive shop in Lafayette, Indiana, and they handle Halcyon. I ordered one from them and got it in last week. I cant stop fondeling it. There is simply no comparison in the durability which is apparent in the Halcyon vs. the Dive Rite. The Dive Rite broke at the center of the spool, and was replaced on warranty, but have you ever wound and unwound that amount of line?
Mike, hope you dont mind the plug for your shop.
Dave
FLL Diver
August 19th, 2002, 11:34 PM
divernva once bubbled...
I have a reel made by Manta which I like (got it from LP). The spool is plastic, but the body of the reel is aluminum. There are notches on the spool which catch on the reel. Squeeze the handle and the spool is free to allowing line to be reeled in or let out.
I used the Manta this past weekend during my AOW for a couple of tasks. I preferred it over the other smaller reel we used that had a twist screw that took more than a couple of turns to tighten or loosen.
Recommended. :)
Lawman
November 11th, 2002, 11:43 AM
If you lose your $80.00 reel---
Go to Walmart and buy a cheap, large, fly fishing reel. $10.00 should do it. Drill two small holes in the mount, screw on an aluminum handle and fill it with line. You now have a "wreck reel". :doctor:
thethumper
November 14th, 2002, 10:04 AM
you decide on, you should use #36 line around wrecks.
JMHO. I like the DR Explorer Reel.
lucid
November 14th, 2002, 10:09 AM
I just bought a 400' Halycon Reel from Brownies last weekend. The second you pick the reel up you will be impressed with the quality of the reel. It is very nice. The 400'er was $112.
-For the people that are going to start flaming about someone spending $112 on a reel. If you don't want one. Don't Buy it.
Atticus
November 18th, 2002, 09:19 PM
I dive a Manta reel. It was suggested by my instructor and I haven't found reason to be unhappy with it.
DiverBuoy
November 22nd, 2002, 07:08 PM
The Junior blue and white one with the grip release...
http://www.timunasea.com/acatalog/rs190.jpg
Pez de Diablo
February 6th, 2003, 02:27 PM
I now use a Halycon Reel. I also have a couple of Dive Rite reels, but I don't like the lock off screw on them. Mind you, I have never broken the plastic screw, but it is always a concern of mine.
Wreck/Tec
February 6th, 2003, 08:28 PM
I have two OMS 300' reels with the heavier line. I specified the heavier ( white ) for several reasons. I realize the kevlar is stronger, however it isn't as easily seen. I also realize that you would get more line with the kevlar. There have been times that 300' was quite enough reeling, thank you. The white line also is easier to get untangled if that were to occur. However the decision is yours.
Wreck/Tec
MASS-Diver
February 7th, 2003, 10:34 PM
I love my manta, just a great simple, tough reel. Not overpriced either, I think LP sells them too.
rogerhelmich
May 5th, 2003, 10:59 PM
Reef Scuba
I have 4", 5" and one of their SEAL reels
good stuff
iceberg
May 15th, 2003, 01:56 PM
I use enclosed reels I make from 4 inch PVC, pretty cheap to make and if I loose it, oh well. Also Kevlar can be cut almost as easily as any other line with a sharp knife or shears.
kingprawn
June 1st, 2003, 10:50 AM
I notice some undertones of Halcyon's reel being expensive. My reef scuba 4" #24 line, 400' reel lists for $120. Sounds like the Halcyon is less.
I don't remember what I paid, but I know I thought it was expensive at the time.
DanL
June 1st, 2003, 08:00 PM
iceberg once bubbled...
I use enclosed reels I make from 4 inch PVC, pretty cheap to make and if I loose it, oh well. Also Kevlar can be cut almost as easily as any other line with a sharp knife or shears.
Iceberg - More detail please - how do you do it?
Stroke
June 5th, 2003, 11:28 PM
Looking for my first reel, for use on wrecks and for finding my stage bottles on the way up. Any suggestions would be help full.
pcscuba
June 6th, 2003, 12:20 PM
tchil01 once bubbled...
I have a 4" Enclosed Golden Reel Series from Reef Scuba and it works well for me. They have great products, their reels are solidly built and priced reasonably and they have great customer service. Check them out at http://www.reefscuba.com
Ty
Just to let you know you can get that same Reef Scuba reel at Leisure Pro for $89.00 versus $159.00. Just thought I would let everyone know.
Scubaroo
June 6th, 2003, 04:51 PM
I recently picked up a PAIR of used manta reels from eBay - a Jr and a Mini, for $68 :D A little salt on them but they'll clean up nicely, I might even find a use for them one day.
cornfed
June 30th, 2003, 08:11 AM
Northeastwrecks once bubbled...
Halcyon's handle and the orientation of the reel make it easier to control the reel.
The new Dive Rite reels have an adjustable handle that lets you change the orientation.
Cornfed
otox1
July 21st, 2003, 08:18 AM
Found Custom Divers reels to be worth the money ,they have good selection at good prices.
diverUp
July 28th, 2003, 08:06 AM
I use diverite and halcyon reels, both are great BUT...
my diverite came with a plastic lockdown screw which I managed to strip my first dive with it.
The halcyon lockdown screw is just that ... a screw, which I found a little clumsy while wearing gloves.
If you get either I recommend replacing the lockdown screws with a stainless hook bolt that can be found at any hardware store for under 2.00 each.
ElectricZombie
August 8th, 2003, 02:47 PM
icebox,
I've dove the Suloide several times...it really is nothing more than a debris field. I've had good vis on the wreck every time and there is a decent amount of life. I don't use a reel on the Suloide...I'm pretty good about getting back to the anchor line. However, if I had to choose another reel, I would probably get a Halcyon. They are made well, function properly and I know they work.
