In cave diving, a primary reel is used to reach the main line from the entrance of the cave. The Classic Primary Reel by Dive Rite is a familiar tool to many old school cave explorers being one of the first mass produced versions of the primary reel and one of Dive Rite's original products in 1984. Since its inception, wreck divers have also adopted the Classic Primary Reel as an ideal tool for wreck penetration and shooting marker bags. Over the years, the Classic Primary Reel has evolved but its basic shape and function have remained the same.

The Classic Primary Reel is available with 400 feet of braided #24 line in either white(RE4300) or orange(RE4320). It is also available with 250 feet of heavier braided #36 white line (RE4310).

The traditional design of the Classic Primary Reel is easy to use. A top mounted handle allows divers to easily hold the reel and a light in one hand while winding the reel with the other. An ergonomic T-top stainless lockdown screw positively locks the free spinning spool in place when needed, and a retaining screw ensures that the lockdown screw cannot back out all the way and be lost.

A medium sized bolt snap is used to secure the Classic Primary Reel to a D-ring on the diver.