Many companies produce various models of reels for spearguns, of different dimensions and designs, let’s see the most interesting ones. Picasso, Cressi, Pathos, Beuchat and Sigalsub definitely have a complete offer, let’s choose the ones ideal for our needs.
Piccasso, what a line of reels!
It is probably the Portuguese spearfishing company to show one of the most interesting spearfishing reels line.
TOP
We have received the TOP 20 model, also available in size 30, 50 and 70 meters line. The TOP line is a vertical reel solution. It is made of a strong glass-loaded Nylon drum and a stainless steel base which attaches to the speargun through a guide. The latter is then secured and locked with a screw. The Picasso TOP reels line is also available with connections to Beuchat, Cressi and Omer spearguns.
The Picasso TOP reels line is also available in the GO PRO model (170 grams), which has a lateral guide to position a stainless steel camera holder TOP Go Pro reel twist (60 grams and 14 cm long). This support allows the camera to rotate 180 degrees to make videos in two directions.
The Picasso TOP reel line has a progressive system to adjust the hardness of the clutch. The knob to regulate the setting has a design which is easy to grab and turn even with thick gloves. On the opposite side, the Picasso TOP 20 reel has a foldable lever to wind the line. The standard TOP reel weighs 145 grams (AP measures).
Vertical Light
The Picasso Vertical Light reel line is made of 35 and 100 meters solution, of which we have received the latter. The connection to the speargun is available for Picasso, Cressi, Omer and Beuchat mounts, and with the universal two screws adapter. The Vertical Light is made of a strong stainless steel structure, which connects to the speargun, while the drum is in glass-loaded nylon. The latter has a light design thanks to a perforated structure. The knob to wind the reel has a stainless steel arm and is adjustable in its length. On the opposite side, the knob to adjust the clutch has a different design from the TOP reels line and is more round, and maybe slightly less grippable. The total weight of the Picasso Vertical Light 100 is 185 grams.
Light
The Picasso Light reel line is a horizontal solution. It is available in 50 and 70 meters versions, with Picasso, Cressi, Beuchat and Omer Cayman connections. The base connection to the speargun is in stainless steel, while the drum and other elements are in glass loaded Nylon. The knob to adjust the progressive clutch has a very grippable design, just as the TOP reels, with a tricuspid shape. The knob to wind the reel is foldable. The Picasso Light 50 we received weighs 135 grams.
Cressi, R20, R30 and R50
The Cressi reels line is simple but complete, and of high quality, with 3 models, the R20, R30 and R50. The numbers here indicate the maximum suggested length of a 1.5 mm diameter line that can be wrapped on the reel. All three versions are of sturdy construction that combines durable Delrin material with assembly elements in AISI 316 stainless steel. The connection to the speargun is obtained with a sliding connection and a screw to block the system. The dimensions of the slide are specific for Cressi sling spearguns, but the drilling on the steel frame itself allows it to be used also on sling spearguns of different brands.
All sizes are equipped with a rewinder ring, and size R50 is also equipped with an anti-blocking roller. The models R30 and R50 are equipped with a lightened drum in order to weigh as little as possible on the balance of the speargun. Measured by AP, the weights are 95 grams for the R20, 115 grams for the R30 and 155 grams for the R50. The assembly system allows easy maintenance and cleaning.
The special clutch provides an excellent closing torque, while the knob is well machined but quite rounded. This means it is easy to grab as there is good space around, but may be a little more tricky with thick gloves. The winding lever is not foldable, but has a very neat design and an excellent smooth functioning.
Pathos, so many measures both horizontal and vertical
Beyond the slightly different colours, the Pathos reels line is complete, with both horizontal, 40 and 50 meters, and vertical, 50 and 70 meters models. Additionally, Pathos offers the standard and EVO versions of the horizontal reels. All reels are made to be mounted on Pathos spearguns through a slider.
Horizontal 40 and 50
The Pathos horizontal versions in the 40 and 50 meters solutions indicate the meters of line which can be winded. Still, with a 1.5 mm diameter Dyneema, the meters which can be hosted in the two reels are respectively 50 and 60 meters.
Materials
The structure of the reels is obtained with the latest injection technology using recycled and/or recyclable materials. The high use of glass loaded Nylon makes the Pathos reels very light, even though the perceived quality (meaning only the visual quality) appears a little lower than some competition. Still, this does not necessarily affect performance. The drum has a strong stainless steel core, and is covered by a cage to prevent the line from unrolling. All metal parts are of marine grade stainless steel, ensuring functionality and long life.
Clutch and knob
The clutch of the Pathos reels follows the Greek concept of safety. In fact, it is an on – off solution, meaning all reels are equipped with the ‘quick release’ system that allows the spearo to emerge with no extra effort. The system is designed with a stainless steel core and a spring. This is different from other competition which utilizes a more progressive clutch, adjustable in its intensity, and generally used with some friction to generate a resistance to the fish pulling the line.
The knob is well designed on the 50 meters versions, with two wings that permit perfect handling even with thick gloves. The smaller 40 meters version of the reel has a round dented knob, which can be a little more tricky to turn with thick gloves.
Winding knob or lever
The winding system sees a small knob on the standard version of the Pathos Horizontal 50 reel and a foldable lever in glass loaded Nylon on the Pathos Horizontal 40 reel. On the EVO versions instead there is always a foldable lever which is in stainless steel for greater resistance.
Weights
The weights measured by AP are 75 grams for the Horizontal 40 meters versions, both standard and EVO, 120 grams for the Horizontal 50 meters, both standard and EVO.
Vertical 50 and 70
The Pathos Vertical Reel are in the 50 and 70 meters versions, which host respectively 60 and 80 meters of 1.5 mm diameter Dyneema line. The base elements such as materials and clutch are the same as the horizontal version. The knob of the clutch is a big two-wings solution, perfectly handy even with thick gloves. The winding knob is foldable and positioned on the right side. On both reels a flap with a spring prevents the line to unroll and helps smooth winding. The Vertical reels weigh 120 grams in the 50 meters version and 170 grams in the 70 meters version.
Beuchat, neat, light with some special features
Beuchat offers two very interesting reels, the Activ and Pacific, respectively available in the 30 and 50 meters line versions, and 50 and 100 meters ones.
Activ 30 and 50
Design
The Activ in 30 and 50 meters versions is available with or without a 1.5mm braided nylon thread. The two reels include a clutch with progressive sensitivity adjustment and an automatic foldaway line-guide system. The knob to adjust the clutch is quite rounded, but with a slightly tricuspid design which helps manoeuvrability even with thick gloves. The winding is obtained with a foldable knob. The assembly system fits all Beuchat spearguns. An adaptation kit is also available for compatibility with Omer and Cressi spearguns.
Materials and weights
The Beuchat Activ 30 and 50 meters reels are almost completely made with glass loaded Nylon, accept the steel core of the drum and the winding knob. This determines very light solutions, with a weight of only 90 grams for the 50 meters version.
Pacific 50 and 100
The Beuchat Pacific reels are available in the 50 meters (with 2.0 mm diameter line, and 60 meters with 1.5 mm diameter line) and 100 meters (2.0 mm diameter line). The main structure and the drum are in glass loaded Nylon, while the axle of the drum and the winding lever are in stainless steel. The Line is ensured in place thanks to a rotating axle and a steel guide, the two positioned on opposite sides. The winding lever is in stainless steel and foldable.
The clutch system is very interesting and quite unique. In fact, it is a progressive adjustable solution, but additionally it has an interesting lock system. This solution permits keeping the setting fixed at a certain value without losing or having to find the right adjustment after each catch. This system works by pulling up a button to free the adjusting knob, and pulling it down to block the clutch once it has been set right. Of course, with the button down, we will need just a moment more lifting it if we want to adjust the clutch again once in the water. The system though is well designed and easily feelable even with thick gloves. The Beuchat Pacific 50 weighs 185 grams.
Sigalsub, Nylon, Aluminium and Carbon fibre
Sigalsub is indeed since years one of the strongest designers and producers of spearguns accessories, among which definitely reels. The Italian company offers solutions in glass loaded Nylon, Aluminium and Carbon fiber. The main models of reels are two, the more affordable IKA, and the EDY, the latter in three versions in the mentioned materials.
IKA
Light and affordable, the 100% glass loaded Nylon reel by Sigalsub, the IKA, is a great and well tested product. It can host 50 meters of 1.5 mm diameter line, where the drum has three vertical elements to keep the line in position. On one side, where the line exits the reel, a washer with a 3 mm hole regulates the passage and avoids tangles. The clutch is progressive and the knob for the adjustment has a good design, well feelable even with thick gloves. The winding knob is not foldable, but has good dimensions for a comfortable use.
The IKA is compatible with Nemesis handles, but can also be mounted on wooden barrels. Additionally, adapters (complete with stainless steel pins and nuts) are available for attaching the reel to the upper plate, allowing compatibility with Cressi and Omer spearguns, as well as pneumatic models. The IKA is available in black and military green colours.
EDY
The Sigalsub EDY reel is available in glass-loaded Nylon, aluminium and carbon fiber. The dimensions are 60, 80 and 100 mm diameter drum. The base structure is in resistant stainless steel and the connection to the speargun is obtained with two screws passing through two long slots to adapt to many different spearguns. For more details on the Sigalsub EDY reels line click to the link to our already published article.
Belt reel adaptor
A very interesting product by Sigalsub is also the belt reel adaptor to position any Sigalsub Reel on the belt. This is great for additional line to be used for big catches, or in case of trouble with the speargun line (entanglements for example).
