Reel based closure system

Disclosed is a closure system used in combination in any of a variety of applications including clothing, for example as a footwear lacing (22) system comprising a lace (23) attached to a tightening mechanism (1400). The lace (23) extends through a series of guide members (50) positioned along two opposing footwear closure portions. The lace (23) and guide members (50) preferably have low friction surfaces to facilitate sliding of the lace (23) along the guide members (50) so that the lace (23) evenly distributes tension across the footwear member. The tightening mechanism (1400) allows incremental adjustment of the tension of the lace (23). The closure system allows a user to quickly loosen the lace (23) and inhibits unintentional and/or accidental loosing of the lace (23).