Who invented the reel

I know Forrest modified the reel and enclosed it. Who really invented the reel as we know it today? Or is that like asking who invented the wheel?

Martz?

Woody Jasper? (as in Jasper reel?)

Dive safe,

Celia

I learned about using reels from reading Jacques Cousteau's book, "The Silent World". He mentioned using one in the Fountain of Vaucluse cave. If not for that, I probably wouldn't be here today.

AFAIK, Martz made the first plexiglass reels. Woody invented the "sidewinder" reel.

Were they using them in england before the US did?

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Originally Posted by Jay

Were they using them in england before the US did?

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Yes, and in France before that.

If anyone has a copy of Martin Farr's "The Darkness Beckons", they will find sufficient information there as to the history of the reel. There was a reel/light device IIRC that was the first attempt at running a line. Although the idea most likely comes from already having a line out while using Standard diving dress.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Greenwood_60

If anyone has a copy of Martin Farr's "The Darkness Beckons", they will find sufficient information there as to the history of the reel. There was a reel/light device IIRC that was the first attempt at running a line. Although the idea most likely comes from already having a line out while using Standard diving dress.

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It was called the 'aflo', short for 'AFLOLAUN': Apparatus For Laying Out Line And Underwater Navigation. Had a reel, light, compass, tea-maker, crumpet-toaster and extra space to store one's pipe tobacco.