Who invented the reel

[Cindy]

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?

[Kelly Jessop]

Martz?

[amphipod06]

Woody Jasper? (as in Jasper reel?)

Dive safe,

Celia

[FW]

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.

[Jay]

Were they using them in england before the US did?

[FW]

Were they using them in england before the US did?

Yes, and in France before that.

[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.

[apitkin]

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.

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.