
( Brand: Dive Rite ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: RE51900 ), ( Part Type: Reel )
Product Name: Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel - Model Number: RE51900 - Cave Diving Reel with 900 feet of 24 lb. Test Line
The Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel is a professional-grade diving reel specifically designed for the demanding requirements of technical cave diving. This high-performance reel boasts a rugged and durable construction, ensuring reliable operation in even the most challenging diving conditions. With its impressive 900 feet (274 meters) of 24 lb. test line, the Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel provides ample length for long cave dives.
The Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel features a robust aluminum frame and knob, offering superior strength and durability. Its large, ergonomically-designed handle and smooth- operating clutch make line handling effortless, allowing divers to focus on their exploration instead of their gear. The reel's reliable drum design ensures that the line payouts evenly and consistently, reducing snags and line twists.
Equipped with a SeaGuard coating on the line, this reel protects the line from damaging UV rays, sea water, and abrasions. The line is also composed of 24 lb. test, known for its high strength and resistance to abrasion, ensuring the security of your lifeline during your dive. The Sidewinder Explorer Reel comes standard with an integrated slip clip to attach your primary line and a stopper knot for attaching the secondary line.
Dive Rite's Sidewinder Explorer Reel is the ideal companion for cave divers who demand superior reliability and performance from their diving equipment. Its rugged construction, ample line length, and user-friendly design make it a trusted gear choice for even the most experienced cave divers. Trusted by professionals and backed by Dive Rite's commitment to quality, this reel is the essential piece of equipment for longer, more complex cave dives.
The Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel, model RE51900, is a highly regarded piece of equipment in the diving community, known for its durability, functionality, and ease of use. Here are some pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about purchasing this reel:
Pros:1. Heavy-duty construction: This reel is built to last, using high-quality materials like anodized aluminum, stainless steel, and Delrin. Its rugged design makes it suitable for demanding cave diving conditions.
2. Low profile: The compact and low-profile design of the Sidewinder Explorer reel is ideal for cave diving, as it helps minimize snagging on rocks and limits the risk of entanglement.
3. Large spool: The large capacity spool can hold up to 900 feet of line (when using 300 ft/lb test monofilament), ensuring you have plenty of line for exploring extended cave systems.
4. Integrated line winder: The integrated line winder helps keep your line neat and organized, which can make handling and manipulating the reel easier, especially in confined spaces.
5. Multiple color options: Dive Rite offers this reel in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your personal preferences or the specific diving environment.
6. Compatibility with multiple diving configurations: The Sidewinder Explorer reel is suitable for both pneumatic and mechanical reel systems, providing flexibility for different diving setups and preferences.
Cons:1. Price: This reel is more expensive than some other models on the market, which might be a concern for some divers, especially those new to cave diving.
2. Weight: Weighing in at around 3.5 lbs, this reel is heavier than some other models, which could be a factor for divers who need to minimize their overall equipment weight.
3. Limited line capacity with heavy lines: The Sidewinder Explorer reel's line capacity can be reduced when using thicker and heavier lines, which may be a concern for deep cave diving or ice diving.
4. Potential for snagging: Despite its low-profile design, there is still a risk of snagging on rocks or other objects when cave diving, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces.
Conclusion:The Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer Reel is a high-quality, heavy-duty reel that is well-suited for cave diving due to its compact design, large spool capacity, and reliable construction. While it does come with a higher price tag, its durability, versatility, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for serious cave divers.
Recommendation:If you are a dedicated cave diver who frequently explores complex cave systems and requires a robust, versatile, and reliable reel, the Dive Rite Sidewinder Explorer RE51900 model is highly recommended. Its strong construction and large capacity spool will provide you with ample line for extended cave dives, while its low profile and integrated line winder make handling and maneuvering in tight spaces more straightforward. Despite its higher price point and potential weight, the benefits and functionality offered by this reel make it a worthwhile investment for serious cave divers.
DuPont fiber braid line provides strength and minimizes fraying. The side-handle of reel lent itself to exploration because it could easily switch from hand while laying out line. Our sidewinder series of reels are designed to be anti-jam by using precision machine tolerances between the frame and spool making it nearly impossible for line slip handle. Wreck series reels use 36 braid line giving 350-lbs of breakage strength.
Cave explorer reel RE51900 with 900-feet of 24 line extra large stainless bolt snap. Twenty years later, sidewinder-style reels were popularized in the technical diving community when Dir aficionados began using them for paying out line deep caves at high speed on a DP.
Injection molded abs spool resists breakage and cracking. Cave series reels use 24 braid line giving 220-lbs of breakage strength.
As cave explorations were becoming longer, deeper, and more extensive a reel was needed that could help an explorer make some serious penetrations into virgin system. Less likely to entangle than other reels on the market, wood Y's original reel was made of aluminum and a PVC spool.