ReelcraftL-4545-123-7 Spring Driven Cord Reel with 45-Feet of 12/3 Cord and GFCI Dual Outlet

Its made by Reelcraft so you know its good. I mean, its like saying "are Snap-On tools any good?"Unfortunately the latch mechanism it uses to keep the reel from winding back in is a pain to use. I prefer the ratchet 'click click click' style, but this uses a stupid lever with a wheel that drops into a half round detent on the hub. Its kind of hard to explain, but take my word for it, its annoying to use.So when you pull the cord and want it to stay out you need to s l o w l y.... let it reel back in about a half a rotation before the latch catches and the cord dosent wind up. There is no audible noise to the mechanism and it is easy to bump the wheel past the detent so sometimes you need to try it three or four times. And if you have the cord really extended it becomes even more annoying.Overall the mechanism is really annoying, but i still like the reel and use it every day. But if i were to order again, id try to get a different model number with a standard reel catch.

The plug on this is not the same that's in the picture. Also I received it bent, and the action on the reel feels sloppy.

I had a hard time justifying the price of this reel, but no others compared. The heavy gauge of the cord, smooth wind up and circuit protection have made this a necessary piece of hardware in my shop.