Reel Size

[tboheir]

Hey guys! Am I the only one who likes larger sized baitcast reels? Everyone is going lighter, smaller reels. I have nothing against those but there's something I like when a pick up a reel that has substance. How bout y'all?

[derekxec]

i like lighter reels when possible because when i go fishing its usually for 8-12 hours and working a heavy rod and reel the whole time isnt fun when its too heavy 

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I don't particularly like large reels, but I do like round reels for most fishing. My go to is an Abu C3 or C4. On second thought many would probably consider that a large reel, so yeah I'm with you on this. For faster gear ratios I usually go with low profile reels. I fish a lefty too, so choices are a bit more limited for me.

 

Welcome to the site. You should start a thread in the introductions forum.

[WRB]

You pay a premium for lightweight rods and reels that are reliable and durable. Don't confuse a lightweight state of the art reel as not being strong, the strength come in good engineering design and materials.

Lightweight also has advantages in the ability to feel what the lure is doing...if the rod and reel are balanced.

Balance is when the rod doesn't feel tip heavy or but heavy when holding the rod as you grip,it to fish.

A cheap lightweight or heavy reel that isn't durable is simply a cheap reel.

Tom

[kickerfish1]

For bottom contact baits and finesse fishing I opt for a lighter weight reel more times than not. Power techniques like big cranks and spinnerbaits a heavier reel is where I lean. Also like the heavier heavier reels for frogging and tossing swimbaits.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A light weight reel is a pleasure to fish if the light weight is achieved through the use of state of the art materials and not just shortcuts. However, even though they were on the heavier side the D series Shimanos were super smooth with great freespool and have a lot of fans.

[Hogsticker]

I have smaller hands so I prefer a smaller reel, 50 or 100 size. The only heavy reel I still own is a Zillion, but it palms well and is a beast. You could ask 100 people what they think light weight is and get 50 answers. 

[BradH]

Just for reference my 7000 ABU and Curado 50E take the same spool bearings.  The bearings are much closer together on the Curado, therefore in theory there is less chance for the axle to flex, making it stronger.  Of course the ends of the axle are turned down slightly on the 7000 so it's axle is slightly larger in diameter but the distance between the bearings is at least twice as far.  The 7000 has long been considered a big, heavy duty reel.  It is a heavy duty reel but outside of line capacity and drag the 50E is really just as strong.  The multi-disc drag reels like some of the Revos have just as strong, if not stronger, drag as the 7000.

 

I'll still cast big lures on a big round reel but the quality low profile reels don't give up any strength to them.

[SirSnookalot]

I only use spinning gear in freshwater and the heaviest I use is when snakehead fishing throwing frogs.  I don't use anything special but what I already own, that being mh inshore 10/20 rods with either a soron 40 or spheros 4000.  I find the weight and comfort level of these combos to work quite well for me.

[tboheir]

I totally get where y'all are coming from. I guess to clarify I don't mean that I think the components are weaker because they are lighter. I DO like a lightweight reel just in a larger size feels more comfortable to palm. Like I prefer the feel of a Quantum Exo 200 over the 100 in my hand. Does this make sense? Smaller reels like the Revo's I feel like my fingers tips are all that's touching it so I'm not holding it as solidly.

[Quitlimpin]

Your take on the issue makes perfect sense to me. There's not a thing in the world wrong with your preference. For me however, I'll take the smallest, lightest reel I can for almost any situation. I've become quite spoiled.

[thehooligan]

I agree with quitlimpin, after I got a core 51, and a sustain 1000fg in my hands, I pretty much expect 5-6oz reels to fish with...