Thoughts on these reel(s)?

[JohnN]

Besides the cheap-ass clip (easily replaced), what's wrong with these as a TEC reel for cold water?

At least in theory, reinforced plastic should be an ideal material. . . Scuba Dive Reel 290' String Cave Wreck Diving Multi PUR | eBay

 

[steveharriss]

It's the fact that they've had to reinforce the polymer would bother me, that and the fact that it looks like a complete enclosure of the reel with two plastic sections. Just asking for the line to get trapped IMHO. There is nothing wrong with cheap reels for cold water diving but something like the MGE reel that plenty of UK divers use would be better.

LUMB BROS Reels and SMBs

 

[Scott L]

I have a Light Monkey 200' reel I will sell. Only used once. The reel you referenced would not hold-up long. Shooting a bag from depth places a lot of strain on a reel...

 

[decompression]

A piece of life saving equipment like a reel, should be made by a reputable company, tried and tested thoroughly and used by demanding divers in many conditions. These could be fun for shooting a balloon in a pool but I wouldn't trust them in an overhead environment. Just my opinion.

 

[JohnN]

. . . I wouldn't trust them in an overhead environment. Just my opinion.

To clarify, no overhead. Cold water (dry suit + gloves) for SMB / lift bag

Sorry for any confusion

 

[Dr. Lecter]

Looks like something I might use as a chalk line. I wouldn't want to see what sea water does to its internals. And, thanks to the fact its enclosed for your jamming pleasure, I wouldn't be able to!

 

[SangP]

These are rec not tech reels and what the guys have said is completely true. An enclosed reel is going to be more fun then a birds nest on a surf casting reel lol!

Cheap rec reel:
290' Recreational Reel "BLACK"

Cheap Tech reel:
290' Tec Reel "Black"

http://www.piranhadivemfg.com/category/Reels-61

If Scott gives you a good deal the light monkey reel is a much better choice.

 

[FiremanIRFD]

I have one of those reels, I use it for my Dive flag float. I would not recommend using for a lift bag, at least if lifting anything. The string does not come with a weight rating, and personally I prefer to use 550 paracord for lifting tasks.

I would definitely consider using the reel for navigating off of wreck sites if I wanted to explore out a little bit in low viz and not stay one 1 compass heading, but would avoid overhead areas.

The spool lock latch sometimes needs babysitting too, nothing like letting out an extra 100' of line in the wind