Been a while since I've flown the Whale but I still recall that
lovable beast quite clearly -
Each reel provides the same ROD to the deck depending on one's
individual weight. So a 50kg nubile hostie should descend at the
same rate as the 110kg captain who was trying to chat her up.
If TWO reels were used by the same person, each reel would
perceive a lighter weight and allow an increase in
inertial ROD.
This is why it was pointed out on Day One NEVER to grab a whole
fistful of reels, just because holding on to just one is outside one's
psychological comfort zone for a 40ft drop. Grab just one, hang on
and pray like hell it don't break!
18-Wheeler would be able to confirm this as I believe he's current
on type.