broncobowsher
Contributor
Going through my Normoxic class and need to up my reel. The old XS Scuba one that I started with was fine, but is small. I am outgrowing it. Genericly speaking, I am looking for something in the 300-400 foot range.
I did pick up a 400' Light Monkey, and proceeded to loose it right away. Not before I found I wasn't that impressed with it. The lock was not that positive, the screw just digs in. Didn't like the lack of friction, felt like it was on the verge of birds nesting all the time. It did feel pretty good on quality. If I still had it I would be keeping it. But since I lost it, looking at what my other options are.
So back in the market. No caves. Mostly open/deep water. Although the eventual goal is to get into some wrecks. I have a little time so research. Old threads just bash nearly every reel for one reason or another. Or I get "I have one and like it" with no supporting statements.
Back a few years ago during one of my classes one of the instructors had a collection of reels and offered "try them, see what you like". But I was so fresh with a reel I didn't know what was good or bad. It was a string with a handle you wind in. So I am trying to remember some of those details. Spent an evening going through forums and on-line stores to see what is out there. Manta is one that appeals to me, I believe that was even one of the demo ones I tried. It looks brutally simple to me but I see bashing for being overly complex. They have been around forever as well. Kent tooling gets rave reviews and is about the same, even offering upgrades to the Manta (plastic to stainless for the drum). Yea, I am leaning that direction. But I am still open to suggestions.
I did pick up a 400' Light Monkey, and proceeded to loose it right away. Not before I found I wasn't that impressed with it. The lock was not that positive, the screw just digs in. Didn't like the lack of friction, felt like it was on the verge of birds nesting all the time. It did feel pretty good on quality. If I still had it I would be keeping it. But since I lost it, looking at what my other options are.
So back in the market. No caves. Mostly open/deep water. Although the eventual goal is to get into some wrecks. I have a little time so research. Old threads just bash nearly every reel for one reason or another. Or I get "I have one and like it" with no supporting statements.
Back a few years ago during one of my classes one of the instructors had a collection of reels and offered "try them, see what you like". But I was so fresh with a reel I didn't know what was good or bad. It was a string with a handle you wind in. So I am trying to remember some of those details. Spent an evening going through forums and on-line stores to see what is out there. Manta is one that appeals to me, I believe that was even one of the demo ones I tried. It looks brutally simple to me but I see bashing for being overly complex. They have been around forever as well. Kent tooling gets rave reviews and is about the same, even offering upgrades to the Manta (plastic to stainless for the drum). Yea, I am leaning that direction. But I am still open to suggestions.