Best Diving Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Diving reels are essential pieces of equipment for scuba divers and free divers alike. These reels are designed to help divers explore underwater environments by providing a safe and efficient way to deploy and retrieve a line. Diving reels come in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from compact reels for shallow dives to larger, more heavy-duty reels for deep-sea exploration. They are typically made from durable materials such as stainless steel or aluminium and feature high-quality components to ensure reliable performance in challenging underwater conditions. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, a diving reel is a must-have tool for any underwater adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Lomo 150' Dive Reel with Control Cover #TOP 1
Lomo 150' Dive Reel with Control
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Lomo Dive Reel with 270’ Line Cover #TOP 2
Lomo Dive Reel with 270’ Line
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Cressi Finger Spool with 30m Line Cover #TOP 3
Cressi Finger Spool with 30m Line
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Diving Reels

#TOP 1

Lomo 150' Dive Reel with Control

LOMO734
Yellow
Lomo 150' Dive Reel with Control Cover
Lomo Dive Reel 150'

The Lomo Dive Reel is an essential tool for divers and snorkellers alike. With an impressive 150 feet of line, you can explore underwater environments with ease and confidence. The two-position thumb control allows you to manage the line effortlessly, ensuring a smooth experience while you navigate through the water. This reel is designed to enhance your diving adventures, providing you with the reliability and convenience you need as you take on new underwater challenges.

What We Like
Long 150' line
Two-position thumb control
Ideal for diving and snorkelling
Reliable and convenient
#TOP 2

Lomo Dive Reel with 270’ Line

LOMO735
Blue
Lomo Dive Reel with 270’ Line Cover
Lomo Dive Reel 270'

The Lomo Dive Reel offers an impressive 270 feet of line, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling adventures. With its convenient two-position thumb control, you can easily manage the line, enhancing your underwater experience. The reel boasts a robust line with an approximate breaking strain of 75 kg, ensuring reliability during your diving excursions. This combination of features makes the Lomo Dive Reel a practical choice for anyone looking to explore underwater environments safely and effectively.

What We Like
Long 270' line
Easy thumb control
Strong 75 kg breaking strain
Suitable for diving and snorkelling
#TOP 3

Cressi Finger Spool with 30m Line

TA660350
Black
Cressi Finger Spool with 30m Line Cover
Cressi Finger Spool w/SS Bolt Snap Black - Technical Finger Spool w/SS Bolt Snap Black - Technical Finger Spool Complete with Diving Line and Snap Hook, Black, 30m, Unisex

The Cressi Finger Spool is an essential accessory for divers, designed by a family-owned company with a long history in aquatic sports. This premium finger reel comes complete with a 30m cable and a clip carabiner, ensuring convenience and reliability underwater. Its wide centre allows you to comfortably use it while wearing gloves, making it ideal for various diving conditions. With its versatile design, it enhances your diving experience by providing a dependable way to manage lines and signals during your underwater adventures.

What We Like
Comfortable for gloved hands
Includes 30m diving line
Durable aluminium construction
Versatile for various diving needs
#TOP 4

Namvo 30m Diving Finger Spool with Hook

Orange
Namvo 30m Diving Finger Spool with Hook Cover
Namvo 30m Diving Finger Spool, Finger Reel Foot Dive Reel with P-Shaped Hook for Diving

The Namvo Diving Finger Spool is a reliable tool for your underwater adventures. With a 30m length, it meets your diving needs effectively. The inclusion of a lightweight spool and a robust double end P-shaped hook ensures durability, making it difficult to break off during use. Additionally, the swivel connector is designed to prevent line tangling and twisting, providing you with a hassle-free experience while diving. This makes it a great choice for cave or technical diving, as it enhances your safety and convenience underwater.

What We Like
Durable and reliable materials
Swivel connector prevents tangling
Lightweight and easy to use
Suitable for various diving activities
#TOP 5

Compact 22m Dive Finger Reel by Lomo

Lomo1238
Black
Compact 22m Dive Finger Reel by Lomo Cover
Compact Dive Finger Reel - 22m / 75ft

The Lomo Dive Finger Reel is a lightweight and compact tool designed for underwater searches. Its 22-metre (75 feet) length allows you to explore vast areas with ease. The included brass double-ended snap clip ensures that you can securely attach the reel, providing peace of mind as you dive. Its small size means it won't take up much space in your diving gear, making it convenient to carry on all your adventures.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to carry
Ideal for underwater searches
Secure brass snap clip
Compact size for convenience
Long reach of 22m
#TOP 6

FOXCUP Lightweight Aluminium Diving Reel with Line

FOXCUP
Grey
FOXCUP Lightweight Aluminium Diving Reel with Line Cover
U/D Scuba Diving Dive Reel Guide Line Spool Performance & Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Strong & Corrosion Resistant (Grey)

The FOXCUP Diving Reel is an essential gear for divers, featuring double brass swivels that help prevent line entanglement and twisting. This ensures that you can focus on your dive without worrying about your line getting tangled. Its design is ideal for cave and technical diving, providing versatility for various diving applications. Additionally, the stainless steel double end bolt snap clip offers reliability and corrosion resistance, giving you peace of mind in challenging underwater environments. Lastly, the unique flared design allows you to wind the line easily, even while wearing gloves in cold water.

What We Like
Prevents line entanglement
Versatile for various diving types
Corrosion-resistant clip
Easy to use with gloves
Compact and portable design
#TOP 7

SUNGOOYUE Fluorescent Orange Dive Reel

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SUNGOOYUE Fluorescent Orange Dive Reel Cover
SUNGOOYUE Multi Purpose Dive Reel, Fluorescent Orange Line Scuba Diving Finger Spool Reel with Double End Snap Clip for Cave Diving Technical Diving Activities (50M)

The SUNGOOYUE Dive Reel features a high visibility fluorescent orange line, making it easy for you to spot underwater. Its stainless steel connector helps prevent line tangling and twisting, giving you a hassle-free diving experience. Constructed from sturdy stainless steel, this reel is both reliable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring it withstands the underwater environment. Additionally, the unique horn type design allows for simple winding, even while wearing gloves, making it user-friendly in cold water conditions.

What We Like
High visibility line
Stainless steel construction
Prevents line tangling
Easy to use with gloves
Compact and stowable
#TOP 8

DiveSmart Lightweight Scuba Diving Reel

DiveSafe Scuba
DS-TSR
150 ft
DiveSmart Lightweight Scuba Diving Reel Cover
DiveSmart Scuba Diving Reel with Thumb Stopper and High Visibility White Line (150ft', 270ft') - for Cave and Wreck Exploration, Recreational Diving and Spear Fishing (150ft)

The DiveSmart Diving Reel is designed for underwater enthusiasts who seek safety and convenience during their adventures. Constructed from lightweight, corrosion-resistant acrylic, it ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight. The included durable thumb stop allows you to control ascents and line releases with ease, enhancing your diving experience. Its high visibility white line significantly improves visibility underwater, making it an essential accessory for various activities, including wreck and cave diving. This versatile reel is perfect for your diving, kayaking, or spear fishing excursions.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong design
Easy line control with thumb stop
High visibility for underwater use
Multi-use for various activities
#TOP 9

FOXCUP 30m/50m Diving Finger Spool Reel

FOXCUP
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FOXCUP 30m/50m Diving Finger Spool Reel Cover
Finger Spool Reel, Scuba Diving Finger Spool 30m/50m Stainless Steel Blue Diving Spool Reel for Diving Supplies Snorkeling Underwater

The FOXCUP Diving Finger Spool is designed for practicality and ease of use while diving. Its stainless steel swivel connector helps prevent line tangling and twisting, making your underwater experience more enjoyable. With its high-visibility fluorescent orange line, you can easily track your spool, enhancing safety during dives. The unique horn type design allows for effortless winding, even when wearing gloves in cold water, ensuring comfort and convenience. Additionally, the durable stainless steel double end bolt snap clip provides reliability and corrosion resistance, giving you confidence in your diving gear.

What We Like
Prevents line tangling
High visibility line
Easy to use with gloves
Durable stainless steel clip
#TOP 10

Bewinner Portable Diving Handle Reel for Water Sports

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Orange Wheel
Bewinner Portable Diving Handle Reel for Water Sports Cover
Bewinner Portable Diving Handle Reel, 46m / 150.9ft Scuba Dive Reel Kayak Anchor with Thumb Stopper, for Underwater Scuba Diving Divers Water Sports(orange wheel)

The Bewinner Diving Reel is designed for underwater enthusiasts, featuring a durable nylon thread that ensures strength and environmental safety. The slidable wire feeder allows you to wrap the line neatly, making it easier for you to manage during dives. With the spool controller, you can release the line with a simple press, maintaining control over the length of the line. Additionally, the thumb holder provides you with easy handling, making lifting and releasing lines more convenient while you enjoy your diving adventures.

What We Like
Durable nylon thread
Easy line management
Simple line release
Convenient thumb holder
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are dive reels used for?

Reels are essential tools for divers. They can be used to keep you in contact with surface support, guide you back to a known starting point, or to position you during search and retrieve operations.

2. What is an SMB reel?

Diving reels are usually used for a secure connection between you (the diver) and a surface marker buoy (SMB). Other uses include exploration of wreck and cave dive spots, search and recovery safety lines and for general diver training.

3. Can you dive without a dive computer?

Without a dive computer (all have ascent rate monitors/displays), it can be more tricky to monitor the speed of your ascent. During training, the instructor will have demonstrated an appropriate rate as part of scuba diving skills development, but I do understand that it can be hard to replicate this initially.

Editor's Notes

During our diving reel research, we found 161 diving reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,753 customer reviews through our big data system to write the diving reels list. We found that most customers choose diving reels with an average price of £19.10.

The diving reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of diving reels, including Lomo, CRESSI, Namvo, FOXCUP, SUNGOOYUE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 228 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.