Frequently
Asked Questions

Reelix is a purpose-built hose-rolling tool designed specifically for firefighter use. It mechanizes the process of rolling fire hose after incidents, significantly reducing the time and physical effort required compared to traditional manual rolling.

The concept was created by Blake Loring, a former firefighter who identified the inefficiency firsthand and spent years refining a solution that actually works in real-world conditions.

Reelix feeds the hose onto a rolling core, eliminating the repetitive bending and manual coiling that traditional hose rolling requires. The operator guides the hose into the tool while Reelix handles the mechanical work of forming a clean, tight roll.

The process is designed for single-person operation — no second crew member needed to hold the hose or manage the roll. Full operational details and demonstration video will be available before launch.

Reelix is being developed to support standard fire service hose sizes, with initial focus on 1.75" and 2.5" attack hose — the sizes used most frequently during post-incident cleanup. Additional size compatibility will be confirmed as product development progresses.

Early prototype testing showed significant time reduction per hose. Specific benchmarks will be published once formal testing is completed on the production version. What we can say: the goal is to roll hose in half the time or less compared to standard manual methods — which is consistent with what early testing indicated.

Waitlist members will be among the first to see validated performance data when it becomes available.

No. Reelix is designed to require no special training. If you can roll hose manually, you can use Reelix. The tool is built around simplicity — a firefighter who has never seen it should be able to operate it correctly within minutes.

Reelix is currently in active product development. We don't have a firm launch date to announce yet, but we're building toward a first production run as quickly as quality allows.

The best way to stay updated on launch timing is to join the waitlist. Waitlist members will be notified first when availability is confirmed.

Pricing has not been finalized and won't be announced until closer to launch. What we can say: Reelix will be priced to reflect the quality and durability expected of professional fire service equipment — not a consumer product price point.

Department pricing for multi-unit orders will be available. Waitlist members will have early access to pricing information before it's made public.

Pre-orders are not currently open. Right now, you can join the waitlist to reserve your place in line and be notified as soon as pre-orders or purchases become available.

Yes. Department and fleet pricing is planned. If you represent a fire department and want to discuss early procurement options, reach out to hello@reelix.com directly — we'd like to hear from department leadership early in the process.

We intend to make Reelix available for department trials before full commercial launch. If your department is interested in being part of a structured trial or demo program, email hello@reelix.com or submit a department inquiry.

Departments that express interest early will be prioritized when trial slots become available.

This depends on your department's apparatus and call volume. At minimum, one Reelix unit per engine company is the baseline assumption. Departments with high call volume or multiple simultaneous responses may want one per apparatus.

We'll provide department-specific guidance once we have more operational data from field testing.

Reducing repetitive strain is a core design goal of Reelix. Manual hose rolling is a significant source of cumulative wrist, back, and knee strain — injuries that often don't show up as single incidents but compound over years of service.

We're not in a position to make specific workers' comp claims yet, but the ergonomic case for reducing manual repetitive motion is well established. Formal data will be available as field testing progresses.

Blake Loring is the founder of Reelix and a former firefighter. He identified the hose cleanup problem through direct experience — not research or market analysis — and built the first prototype himself using PVC pipe at the station. You can read the full story on the About page.

Reelix is currently patent pending. We're not able to share specific details about the patent application at this stage.

Email Blake directly at hello@reelix.com. We read every message and respond to everything relevant to the fire service community.