I’ll get a lot of utility out of this piece. Love how compact it folds down.

Costs More But You Get More with this K2 - Scubapro Extreme undersuit. Switched from a 4 mm drysuit to a Scubapro Evertech drysuit and needed to make up the insulation. Started with Seac Unifleece but not enough warmth in 50-60 degree water, so I decided to go with this. And because it is padded up like a Batman body suit it’s more comfortable at depth when squeezed. I will take this snowboarding in Tahoe this winter too, to maximize the spend.

DiveCat. has good easy-to-shop site and their rewards/loyalty program is great.

I didn't care for the cheap approach to DSMB Reels you see on Amazon or eBay so I opted for this model.
Received in a couple of days, free shipping, and no added tax (NY state loves to get their fingers in your wallet as much as possible)....

Open box product:
The Apeks Ascend Dive Reel was in the original box and appears to be new and unused. Works as described and looks great! It feels solid and well made from aluminum parts and not all plastic or cheap looking.
By the weight and sound (tapping on) of the parts I'd say offhand that it's 6061 aluminum that has been anodized for increased durability and protection. The securing hardware appears to be stainless steel. (I've worked with 6061 in production automation/robotics and manufacturing environments) That is aircraft grade and is rust and corrosion free material. (That's why Cessnas from the 1960's are still in service)
Weight:
The reel weighs 1.284 pounds. I've been wanting to add another pound or two for better buoyancy balance. I plan on attaching this reel to a D-ring that's in the chest area of my bcd. The reel comes with an attachment point on its rubber-coated handle for hands free transport.
Operation:
The reel releases the line smoothly and with ease. I pulled out a few feet of line and then reeled in back in. The reel ratchets in and will stop on the teeth when you stop reeling. The spring-loaded thump-release keeps the line from going back out until you push it down. This smooth and solid action should make retrieving you're DSMB simple and easy.
Using the Apeks Ascend Dive Reel:
Not sure if I'll get to use it here in upstate NY as local lake water temps are hitting the low 40's F. Definitely will take and use it on my next trip to Florida and then Mexico in January for some boat dives. Will update after that.
Once again, it's pricey but you know how it goes...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! So, you might as well get the best.
Recommendation:
At this point I do recommend the Apeks Ascend Dive Reel based on the above-mentioned attributes. It feels solid and dependable, like a product that will give years of service (with proper maintenance of course, like freshwater rinse after saltwater use, etc.)
Also recommend you check out DIveCatalog.com for this and other products. I saved over $50 on this open box item.
Thanks and good day,
GD upstate NY

Need this to mount behind scuba
pro Mako knife sheath. Great system and divecatalog always gets stuff to me fast.

Ordered a bunch of these for DSMB, dive lights and for save a dive kit for other “just in case” needs.

Great dry suit. Construction and features are top notch. Decided to go with 4mm for insulation reasons. Also like the neoprene seals as they seem to be more durable than latex.

Another great attachment for the hydros pro!

Fantastic…a small but significant attachment. Divecatalog.com got it to me in a day…super fast.

Love this knife for its lightweight titanium material but the best part is how easy it is to mount to my BCD. Dive catalog has a good selection to choose from, and I decided to go for Titanium version.

Great to be redundant and divecatalog has been a great site to buy from.

I ordered a used Scubapro comfort strap. It looks new to me ! I have them on all my masks it’s in the name “comfort”

I bought the full foot pockets for my SCUBAPRO super nova fins for when I want to go barefooted in warmer climates …I was apprehensive on the size because I got the XL open heel and my bare foot swims (no pun intended) in them without at least a 3mm to 7mm boot but the XL full foot pockets are perfect I wear 11 1/2 E … there’s still a little room but I would want them any bigger or smaller for me there perfect divecatalog come through again !

This is the fourth BCD that I bought in my 50 years of diving. I only do travel diving about four times a year. So I was looking for BCD that would be easy to travel with. I like the Molle attachment feature. I was able to attach my knife in a flashlight holder. It was also easy yo set up my Atomic SS1 too.

Very high quality product! I recommend it!

Runs big. I’m usually a 7.5 so I sized to an 8 but it was huge. I sent it back and got a 7 and it’s still big.