Instant Anti-Reverse Vs. Non Instant Anti-Reverse

[shootermcbob]

I know there a couple threads regardng the new Lews BB1 reel in the 5.1:1 gear ratio. What I don't know is what is the difference? I can guess that instant anti reverse does not allow the crank handle to "go backwards"..., but what happens on the lews reel then....does it allow the handle to go "in reverse"?

[MrSwimJig]

Yes you are correct it allows the handle to go backwards.  The original Lews BB1 was this way.

[J Francho]

Almost all reels from that era were like that. I think it was in the 90s that I bought my first instant anti reverse reel.

[Goose52]

Yes, the handle/spool can reverse...but only "X" degrees of reverse rotation until an anti-reverse dog/pawl engages a rachet and prevents any further reverse movement.  "X" is determined by the number of teeth on the ratchet.

 

So, some "back-play" in the older reels, but "instant" anti-reverse in most modern reels.  The IAR function is really the main reason why I retired my mid-1980s spinning reels in favor of modern reels with IAR. The older reels were still reeling in fish, but that back-play just made the reels feel a bit clunky compared to reels with IAR.

[baluga]

Every time my reel have a back-play, it means its time for cleaning and maintenance.

[Marty]

Everything seems instant these days. But I've used a number of reels with backplay. As I recall, the amount of backplay was very small and I wonder how much of a practical difference it made to a fisherman. I also felt that the small amount of backplay was largely negated by the angler keeping his hands on the reel handle.

[Goose52]

I agree Marty - the old-style AR mechanism doesn't appreciably affect the "fishability" of the reel. For me, it was just a sensatory thing; either the reel felt clunky, or on some reels the clicking from the AR dog on the rachet bugged me.  I still like to fish my 45+ year-old Mitchell 408 from time to time...but the clicking from the AR is annoying. 

 

Anyway, old-school still works - no problem with backplay or getting a hookset using this mid-80s Shakespeare reel to bring in a 9lb LMB in 2011...

 

[TiNuts]

I had a non instant anti reverse reel. I never noticed much of a difference fishing. The only thing I did notice was that it was a pain in the ass to get anything to stay attached to the rod hook keeper.

[Goose52]

I had a non instant anti reverse reel. I never noticed much of a difference fishing. The only thing I did notice was that it was a pain in the ass to get anything to stay attached to the rod hook keeper.

 

Yep - same with me. You have to keep turning the handle to get to the next "click" on the AR mechanism and the line is tight. Now, there will usually be a bow in the rod and you have to pull out line against the drag to let the rod straighten out but still have enough tension on the line to keep the bait in the keeper.

[iceintheveins]

I have always noticed a moderate difference in hookset percentage. There is no contest, instant anti reverse is the way to go.

[Flukeman]

I can't stand the old reels without the IAR. To me IAR was the best thing they ever invented.

[The Rooster]

I remember being mesmerized by the 5500C3 because it had the IAR. Never mind it was big and heavy and hard to palm, but even low profile reels of the mid 90's were also.