30m AL Spool Review - $17 AliExpress! - Apeks LifeLine Killer? - (SCUBA DIVING TIPS & TRICKS)

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

If you buy, please consider using my Aliexpress affiliate link in the description. Thanks for the support! Ask if you have any Qs about the spool.

[@Teampegleg]

If they are using proper Dacron it is stronger than even wreck line (which is a thicker variant than cave line). It has high strength and abrasion resistance. But it has minimal stretch and is more expensive. The expense is probably why it hasn't displaced cave line for most spools and reels. And the lack of stretch is why it hasn't displaced cave line for cave/wreck purposes. But I think that dacron works great for SMB lines particularly if you add the swivel. Also the purpose of running the line through the center is that it makes it easier to restart the reel if you payout all the line. If you do the traditional end loop around the spool, it often just turns and turns instead of starting to spool up. Which is very annoying, as I often have to stop and put a finger on it to force it.

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Thanks, as always, for the great input to the thread. I wonder what the material is...I'm sure you're right...for SMB, perfectly adequate. On restarting a spooled out spool, I totally hear you on the reason for the tie into those holes. I just see lots of possibilities of that line interfering with my finger or ?

[@Teampegleg]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo I never stick my fingers in the hole, TBH I wish there was a spool with a tiny hole or none at all, so it can hold even more line for the size.

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

@@Teampegleg you can make your own design and sent it to Chinese. they are more then welcome to make new things :))

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

to stop line from turning just make a double wrap around the spool and then tie arbor knot. it will be fixed to a spool without any turning.

[@phgachoud]

hey! didnt tell anything about the spring if its stainless steel or not

[@RonSnijders]

Nice! I wonder how it'll hold up in use! I just got the AliExpress-SMB you reviewed in and I'm definitely not disappointed!

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Hey, Mark. Thanks for checking in. Since it’s just a nice chunk of metal, I’m sure the spool itself will be fine. The line, however, is what I’m wondering about. Glad the SMB worked out for you!

[@tomhughes2112]

I have both the Apeks and a Chinese copy. The Apeks has better quality line, swivels and double ender but naturally costs a premium price. I would say the cheap Chinese copies are good value for casual recreational divers but I wouldn’t have confidence for more regular use.

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Fair evaluation, Tom. I’d have to agree, especially on the line.

[@Miguelskytwins]

Yes, it is the apeks killer. Does the same and it's 10 times cheaper. I have it and it's brilliant.

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

Instead shrink on the end of the loop better use snake knot. The same knot used for knife lanyard. It is much better for a grip.

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Thanks for the coment. Could you post up the rig you are talking about?

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo Yeap Use snake knot as for any lanyard used for knife or keyholders and make a knot on the end of the loop ibb.co/pL0dwq6 ibb.co/F0Bwp8Z

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo Snake knot kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZjCZpt7orlsma8 You are basically making a lanyard but with a big loop and small tale, while for knives you make small loop with a big tale.

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo I use like 3-5 knots depending how long and grippy I want my tale to be. On this chinese flat line 5 knots will give you like 1 cm tale. If want longer (for dry gloves for example) make 10 knots. You can later put shrink over it too. It will make take rugged rubber one, but I actually found out that standard electrical shrink is very weak to ultra violet and sea water and becomes hard crispy after sometime. Apeks and some Chinese makers use some kind of rubber shrink that stays soft .Trying to find some on aliexpress, but haven't seen yet.

[@romanmarkovtsev9682]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo and instead of the line I used 2mm paracord for a loop. The same setup as on apeks spool actually. Paracord is a different color which is good for finding the loop especially when vis is bad. It is also a little bit stiffer so won't tangle of wind - easy to do and undo in the water.

[@marineboyocean]

How is any Aluminium spool going to be anything other than negative ?

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Well, to be fair, there are varying degrees of negative...

[@marineboyocean]

DiscoveryDiversTokyo ha ha 🤿🤣

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

Anything from ali or wish is fake/cheap enough to not work. When dealing with lifesaving equipment it should be thoroughly tested. I feel like this review is too nice. How is it now? I can’t imagine the objects would hold up and actually do what they’re meant to do. I was hoping for an explanation of what the thing is for. What is it? And did the line break when you put as much force on as it says it will take?

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

You put your life in the hands of the cheapest manufacturer, you're asking for trouble. If you can't afford scuba gear, just rent it. You buy this crap, you'll eventually shell out the full price for the quality gear anyway. All you've achieved then is that you've spent money on crappy equipment nobody wants.

[@ffrreeddyy123456]

@@bloodymarvelous4790 I’m learning the same about used gear

[@marineboyocean]

I'd rather pay the extra for the Apeks 🤿👍🏽

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Oh, interesting, Mark...why is that?

[@marineboyocean]

DiscoveryDiversTokyo the build quality is perfect, the swivel is high grade, the leader is perfect and the end is preshrink wrapped. I’m confident the line is of good quality and as you said it attached to the spool not through it. Who knows if the cheap one weather or the anodizing finish will even last. Lastly I don’t like buying things I have to make several modifications too just to make them serviceable when they should have been that way in the first place. 🤿👍🏽

[@DiscoveryDiversTokyo]

Ah, fair enough. I hear you on some of your points, though I think the anodizing is the least to worry about.

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

@@DiscoveryDiversTokyo A rave review on a cheap Chinese knockoff vs. a mediocre review of the throroughly well designed and durable Apeks original. Buy cheap knockoffs at your own risk. If you want to buy lifesaving gear from the cheapest manufacturer you can find, you're just asking for trouble. If you can't afford the piece you want, save a little longer, or rent. A simple knot vs a sewn line. A cheap swivel which will rust after a single use vs a high quality swivel that will last you a lifetime. No knurling on the spool vs knurling means you won't be able to get a good grip with gloves while winding, which means you're more likely to drop it. Eventually, you're going to get the quality stuff anyway. Why spend your money on this cheap crap?

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Do not buy knockoffs. It's shitty quality. If you want a cheap spool, just get a delrin.