TESTCENTRE
Can ’ t resist a combo ?
60m Dive Reel & Dive Torch Combo
COMPANY : NORTHERN DIVER PRICE : £ 89 TEL : 01257 254444 WEB : WWW . NDIVER . COM
Juggling both a reel and a torch at the same time isn ’ t an easy task at the best of times , so the idea of combining the two for singlehanded operation makes perfect sense .
Northern Diver ’ s 60m Dive Reel is manufactured from anodized aluminium , stainless steel and synthetic polymer components . This lightweight , mediumsized reel features an open , curved handle with an enhanced plastic grip , providing plenty of room for hands big and small .
Its free-flowing spool carries 60 metres of bright , high-visibility orange line , released via a highly effective thumb operated spool lock . The extending , spring-loaded handle is particularly suitable for thick neoprene gloves . While the reel itself is impressive , what makes it an even more attractive proposition is its unique top mount , which allows a torch to form an integral part of the unit .
Included with the reel is a small plastic saddle designed to house Northern Diver ’ s rechargeable Variolux Micro torch . An adjustable rubber strap is supplied to keep the torch in situ and the torch / cradle is then slid securely onto the reel mount .
While both component parts may be purchased seperately ( torches of similar dimensions may be used with the reel ) they can also be supplied together in a valuefor-money package . The Micro torch itself is a compact and versatile unit , which can be used with or without the reel .
Rated to 100 metres , this compact aircraft grade aluminium light features a variable 90-150 lumen beam , has a burn time of 2-28 hours and weighs only 185g . Its single-button operation provides full power at switch-on , with a prolonged push accessing the light ’ s variable output mode .
The torch also benefits from a magnetic charging port and a low-power warning LED . Its bright narrow beam , with a diffused outer halo , is perfect for finding your way , spotting marine life or illuminating the reel ’ s line during laying off .
Any concerns I may have had that the torch might impede the line when deploying my DSMB proved unfounded . In any event , the mount ’ s quick-release lever allows the Micro to be removed in seconds to be stashed in a BCD pocket or handed off to a buddy , should the need arise . NH
SCUBA SAYS
Juggling reels and torches is a thing of the past , thanks to Northern Diver ’ s integrated 60m reel and Varilux micro torch combination .
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