Classic Reel Features

Dive Rite classic series stainless steel guideline dive reels come in variety of sizes with many unique features and a price that makes them a terrific value.

Adjustable Handle: The handle and frame of Dive Rite Classic Reels come with a series of pre-drilled holes. By unbolting the handle and frame from one another, and then re-bolting them in different positions, you can make a variety of changes. You can adjust handle height to better fit hands of different sizes. You can also position the handle for right- or left-hand operation, or make a side-mounted handle.

Channeled Handle: The top of the handle has a molded-in channel. This makes them conform more naturally to the shape of your hand and helps better cradle light handles.

Positive Lock-Down Screw: The lock-down screw is positioned so that it passes through the frame and into a space between the spool's ribs. Even when fully extended, it does not touch the spool (or put unnecessary stress on it). Yet, because it rests between the ribs, it prevents any possible movement of the spool.

Permanent, Flush-Mounted Axle Assembly: The axle is permanently attached to the frame. The spool locks in place with a simple "E" clip. This results in a lower profile, eliminates the possibility of spool lockup, and helps ensure that the axle never goes out of adjustment. It further simplifies the removal and replacement of the spool. This is not only helpful in sorting out line jams, but it also enables you to keep several different spools on hand, each carrying a line of a different weight. You can then select the spool that contains the line whose weight is best for a given dive.

Reel Capacities: Dive Rite reels are available with a heavier #36 line preferred by wreck and open-water divers, or a lighter #24 line preferred by cave divers. We also offer our Dive Gear Express exclusive Hi-Viz Dacron Line. The chart on the right shows the capacity of each reel, depending on the line weight selected.

Size	No. 24 Line	No. 36 Line	Hi-Viz Line
Safety/Deco	140 ft	90 ft	180 ft
Primary	400 ft	250 ft	550 ft

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In Stock

$59.90

DR Classic Primary Reel

Divers typically use the Primary Reel as their main navigation reel, although it has many other potential uses as well. It's comes pre-loaded with either:

400 feet of #24 line with medium stainless steel bolt snap or
250 feet of #36 line with X-large stainless steel bolt snap.

Also available is an upgrade to Dive Gear Express exclusive custom-made Hi-Viz Dacron Line, in your choice of Hi-Viz Orange or Hi-Viz Yellow along with your choice of medium or X-large snap.

Tek Tip Tek Tip Symbol

Basic Care and Maintenance for Your Guideline Reel

As with most dive equipment, you should rinse your reel with fresh water following each dive. You should also periodically disassemble the reel, and remove any build up of salt or sediment on its internal parts. We recommend pulling some or all of the line off the spool before each dive, then rewinding it neatly but not too tightly, so as to prevent the possibility of jamming during line deployment. If the line on your reel is new or very dry, we recommend pulling the line off into a bucket of water. This will moisten the line, precluding it from swelling on the reel and further preventing the possibility of jamming or damaging the spool. Finally, too much line on the spool can cause jams during initial deployment, if you are having a problem with jams try removing 10 or 15 feet of line.

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1-2 Weeks

Hi-Viz Dacron Line loaded on bulk spool

The Dive Gear Express exclusive Hi-Viz Line is better than the generic nylon line commonly used in diving applications because it is high tenacity braided Dupont Dacron®. Hi-Viz Dacron costs a bit more than generic nylon, but this abrasion resistant line has slightly negative buoyancy, also resists twisting or kinking, and has minimal stretch. Our Hi-Viz Dacron line is stronger than #36 nylon line, yet is slightly thinner than #24 nylon line, so you can load extra on the reel.

White line is difficult to see in open water, but our Hi-Viz Dacron line stands out like neon, allowing easier line management with nearby divers. Available in both orange and yellow colors, choose Hi-Viz Dacron Orange for best distance visibility or Hi-Viz Dacron Yellow for best low-light visibility.

Hi-Viz Line in Action

Watch this twenty second movie of two divers on their stop during a training dive. There is some current and the divers are working to be careful to avoid entangling their lines. One diver is using ordinary white nylon line and the other is using our Hi-Viz orange Dacron line. See if you can find where the diver is also carrying a backup finger spool with Hi-Viz line.

We are often asked 'What is the tested breaking strength?' Unfortunately, there are several different types of synthetic polymers sold as nylon and no standards for the test methodologies, so it's impossible to compare published ratings from different sources. Our supplier tested both the Hi-Viz Dacron line and a widely used white nylon guideline found on reels, using the same method for each test. The results show both have several hundred pounds of breaking strength, although the Hi-Viz line is stronger. Frankly, both are more than strong enough for diving purposes.

Related Products

Pricing for Classic Reels, Line & Parts

Image	Item SKU	Description	Ship Status	US $ Price []

Reel Line

Reel Parts


All Dive Gear Express financial transactions are in United States Dollars (US $). Prices in currencies other than US $ are approximations and should be used as a guide only.

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Classic Guideline Reels by Dive Rite