Wreck Reels

[NJDiveGirl]

I havent had much luck with wreck reels in the past :upset:- they always seem to be cheap or not durable... Any recommendations on a good one - with at least say 200ft of line?

[Soggy]

A lot of people like the Halcyon reels. Other popular models are made by Manta and Reef SCUBA.

[Padipro]

I came across the Manta (www.mantaind.com) reels at DEMA the other day. They look very strong and well built. They seemed to have some nice gear. I'd check them out if I were you.

Scott

[NJDiveGirl]

I'll have to check that out along with Halcyon and my co-worker here just said Dive Rite is pretty good too.

Thanks for all the help!

[Spectre]

NJDiveGirl once bubbled...
my co-worker here just said Dive Rite is pretty good too.

I know Dive Rite changed their design from a top handle to a side handle, and I've not tried the top side handled version.

However my eye is always out for a new reel. I hate my Dive Rite. It constantly jumps and gets fouled. You can work around it, but it takes a buddy that truely understands the concepts of keeping tension on the line while you're reeling in. There has been more than once when I've had to wrap the reel like a spool and deal with it on the surface.

The other thing I hate about the DR reel is the plastic reel lock. They strip _really_ easily.

I looked at the manta reels, but IMHO I'm not sure I like the way the locking mechanism works. To have to keep it squeezed would be a pain if your holding anything other than a goodman handled light. However I've never used one, so I don't know for sure, that's just my initial opinion.

I found a reel at Beneath The Sea last year. It's not been a priority, so I've not dug out the information on those reels and given a better look at them; but my initial opinion was good. Some place in canada, that's all I remember.

[Padipro]

I've had a DR reel for years and had trouble with the locking screw myself. I never had it stick but I did have it twist off do to the fact that it's made of nylon. I removed the remainder of the screw and replaced it with a stainless steel screw and wing nut which seems to work well. I've attached a pic of the modified reel.

Scott

[Soggy]

Spectre once bubbled...
I looked at the manta reels, but IMHO I'm not sure I like the way the locking mechanism works. To have to keep it squeezed would be a pain if your holding anything other than a goodman handled light. However I've never used one, so I don't know for sure, that's just my initial opinion.

They have an option called the "cave cam" that allows the reel to spin freely.

[Spectre]

Soggy once bubbled...
They have an option called the "cave cam" that allows the reel to spin freely.

Thanks. I stand corrected.