Quote Originally Posted by amtrosie View Post
Oh, I don't know about difficult to wind up the line. I use a 1 or 2 meter SMB (3' or 5' for the US crowd) and pre-load a spool with about 150' (45 m.) of line. I place that in my left pocket, and when I leave the wreck, inflate the SMB, and release. The SMB has been clipped or secured to the reel, so let Boyle's Law do it's thing. Then as I ascend, I take in the line. It is not difficult, and is a great reference during deco. At the surface, either roll up the SMB, or clip the reel to it. Once on the boat, then you can "make it pretty". No muss, no fuss.
I didn't say 'difficult', I said 'PITA' which is not the same thing! IMO, of course.

I too use a sizeable DSMB as I wan't to know it is visible in the swell or waves and because it can support my weight if required. I like a nice big sturdy reel so I can winch myself up if need be.