Martin Product Designs (MPD) has introduced the FreeReel, a reel system designed to keep cords and hoses cleaner. It also promises to keep hosesย kink- and tangle-free and allow them to rewind faster than other reels. The FreeReel is madeย for the mobile use, although a wall mount accessory is available. ย Thatโs not to say that consumers canโt benefit from it, but Pros are being targeted. The body of the FreeReel cord reel is made from glass-filled nylon and Delron, and the metal parts are stainless steel. If youโre tethered to an air tool or the wall, you know the potential inconvenience of cord and hose. We were ready to see what the FreeReel Cord Reel and Hose Reel had to offer.
First Impressions
The FreeReel assemblesย easily by fastening the control arm to the cassette with the threaded blue control handle. The path of the cord looks a little confusing, butย MPD includes instructions withย pictures in the manual. They also haveย several short YouTube videos to explain the setup. Once the male end of the cord is secured on the cassette, the cord can be wound around the reel by grasping the blue knob with yourย left hand and winding the red knob with yourย right hand. The cassetteโs form on one end is flared out to allow the FreeReel to stand with the handle in the air.
Using the FreeReel Cord Reel and Hose Reel
Plug in the tool to the FreeReelโs extension cord and then walk the FreeReel toward the power source. Unwind the male end from the cassetteโs winding posts and plug in. To rewind the cord, rewind the male end around the winding posts and then wind by grasping the blue handle with your left hand again. Itโs as simple as that.
The FreeReelโs strength lies in the cylindrical non-rotating cord guide. It keeps the cord on the reel during rewind which speeds up the process. A normal reel often throws the cord, which can be annoying. The handle and stand-up design are nice, too. Thereโs little doubt that the FreeReel cord and hose reel can keep its occupants tidy and protected for mobile use.
Final Thoughts
We know the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to bring a product to market. Still,ย we worry thatย the ~$50ย price pointย may notย adequately communicate the value of the FreeReel to the professional user. The FreeReel wonโt make your life less stressful, it simplyย protects expensive extension cords and hoses. As those can costย upwards ofย $80ย toย $100 or more, protection during winding makes sense. Itโs also a much simpler product than something like a RoboReel Air Hose Reel. The FreeReel winds cordsย quickly and keeps them tangle-free. Still, as quickly as the FreeReel winds up cords and hoses, the challenge forย Proย consumers will be buying it overย thatย $8 reel. Hopefully, material choice andย ease-of-use will sell that.
The FreeReel cord and hose reel seems to accomplishย everything it was designed to do very well. If youโre a Pro who uses extension cords or hoses often, youโll want to give it a try.
FreeReel Cord and Hose Reel Features
- Cord guide
- Winding cassette
- Optional wall storage mount
- Elastic cord end capture loop
- Winding posts
FreeReel Cord and Hose Reel Specifications
- Glass-filled nylon and delron body
- Stainless steel fittings
- 5-year warranty
