Brought to You By: Irwin Strait-Line Chalk Reels
Irwin – a ToolGuyd sponsor – has introduced an updated SPEEDLINE PRO chalk reels.
Irwin sent over a selection of their Strait-Line chalk reels. While I have long understood Strait-Line to be the industry benchmark for chalk line reels, I don’t have extensive enough experience with chalk reels to have formed a well-developed opinion yet.
I asked Irwin to “lay it out” for me:
Irwin Strait-Line chalk reels, chalk, and reel/chalk combo packs let you get straight to the point. A variety of reels are available with traditional or quick rewind, aluminum or ABS housings, large or extra-large chalk capacities, extra-wide prong hooks, and anti-jam spools.
The latest and perhaps most innovative feature in the lineup is the nested hook dock, which keeps the hook in place when not being used to prevent any snagging as well as easy hook-and-go access to get the job done faster.
Here’s the new model and what’s special about it:
Strait-Line SPEEDLINE PRO Chalk Reel w/ Blue Chalk (IWHT48443BC) – 100ft hi-tensile line, 6:1 planetary gear ratio, rewinds 6X faster than traditional chalk line reels, overmold grip, 1/4 turn cap with quick chalk fill and increased visibility, wide prong hook with hook dock.
For context, here’s a review of Irwin’s other models:
Strait-Line MACH6 Chalk Reel (IWHT48445) – 100ft hi-tensile line, 6:1 planetary gear ratio, rewinds 6X faster than traditional chalk reels, 1/4 turn cap with quick chalk fill and increased visibility, durable aluminum housing for impact resistance, open access back door for tool-free chalk line replacement.
Strait-Line SPEEDLINE Chalk Reel (IWHT48442) – 100ft abrasion-resistant poly line, provides multiple strikes per pull, 3:1 gear ratio, slim design for improved grip.
Strait-Line CLASSIC Chalk Reel (IWHT48441) – 100ft abrasion-resistant poly line, provides multiple strikes per pull, 1:1 gear ratio, durable aluminum housing for impact resistance, upgraded hook dock, all with the classic design users enjoy.
Strait-Line COMPACT Chalk Reel (IWHT48440) – 30ft twisted polyester line, compact size for easy storage and portability, 3:1 gear ratio for quick retraction.
Strait-Line LAYOUT PRO Chalk Reel (IWHT48446) – 100ft heavy braided line, resists fraying and breaking over long distances, 2:1 gear ratio, large sliding door for easy filling, molded rubber hand grip for comfort.
Honorary Mention:
