Plastic
Lightweight and practical, especially for smaller reels. Reject warped flanges, cracked hubs and damaged spindle fittings.
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA / 09
Reels, hubs & materials
Precision before decoration.
Aluminium
Rigid and durable when accurately made. Check flange clearance, hub alignment and screw security. Metal alone does not guarantee balance.
Composite
Carbon-fibre and other specialist reels offer alternative construction. Assess dimensional accuracy and compatibility rather than assuming an audible advantage.
The dimensions that matter
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Diameter | The machine must physically clear it; 7-inch and 10½-inch are common, not universal. |
| Width | Flange spacing must suit the tape width. |
| Hub | Cine/trident, NAB and other systems require the corresponding fitting. |
| Tape pack | The tape must not rub the flange. Check reel-table height and adapter seating. |
| Balance and run-out | Eccentricity or wobble can upset handling, particularly in fast wind. |
| Screws and box | Use correct fasteners; store protected from impact, dust and flange pressure. |
Pancakes and accessories
What is a pancake?
Tape supplied wound on a hub without reel flanges. It needs suitable handling and a compatible reel or professional platter arrangement; it is not a normal ready-to-play reel for every domestic machine.
Can I tighten or replace reel screws?
Use the manufacturer’s correct screws and method. Excess force or incorrect length can distort flanges or damage tape.
Who supplies reels?
RTM and ATR sell tape on reels; specialist reel makers also exist. A tape brand, reel manufacturer and adapter manufacturer need not be the same company.