Are Graphite Frame Reels That Bad

[hunterduke]

I think I've decided or I want to get the Lew's Speed spool but I'm wondering now if a graphite frame reel will serve me good since I only fish on Saturdays, maybe a few times a month.  I don't own a boat and I dont go every weekend. I know Aluminum frames are better and hold up longer but I didn't know and thought I would ask.  Really just want to say screw it and go buy the speed spool and ask for forgiveness from the wife.  Instead of her saying $100 for just the reel and doesn't come with a rod?  :-/

[David D.]

For fishing a couple times a month it will do more than you will ask of it. I have one and have been fishing it probably 3-5 times a week for the past two months and it hasn't missed a beat.

[DN3]

That lews reel is supposed to be a great value! I have never had an issue with graphite framed reels, though I'm lucky to get out once a week during the summer.

[F14A-B]

I think if you just fish here and there... Like you say ... Probably will be ok... But while you are using it you will want to enjoy you're gear.. Staying within a sound budget .. Get the best you can..

Have fun!

[Raul]

I´ve owned 1 graphite frame BC reel, a Silstar ( can´t remember the model ) and I was happy with it until s* happened, I don´t know how but it escaped from my hand and fell to the ground where the reel foot broke. No more graphite frames for me.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Graphite isn't the dirty word it's sometimes made out to be. Sure, there are better materials and you get what you pay for up to a point. Just keep that in mind as you shop. For casual use a decent quality graphite framed reel will get you by if you treat it right. Also, some aluminum frame reels are cast aluminum which isn't that much if any better than a good graphite. 

[hunterduke]

So I just looked at the Lew's website and it says the speed spool is a diecast aluminum.  Is that the same as your talking about when you say cast aluminum?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Yes. I was a little surprised when I first saw that. Just be clear, I'm not saying to rule out cast aluminum completely, just realize that an aluminum frame like that is not the same as as a machined frame. The process is important to. Good casting is good, bad (porous with lots of air pockets) is terrible. 

[BigMoneyGrip]

Yes. I was a little surprised when I first saw that. Just be clear, I'm not saying to rule out cast aluminum completely, just realize that an aluminum frame like that is not the same as as a machined frame. The process is important to. Good casting is good, bad (porous with lots of air pockets) is terrible. 

When you say machined, do you mean machined from a billet? Because I don't know of any low profile that is machined out of billet. Everything I've seen is die cast aluminum. To machine a frame out of a billet, you're talking several hours work. BPS used to say their Pro Qualifier  had a machined frame. What they really meant was the frame is cast, then the holes are machined on a CNC.

 

As a machinist, it would probably be the most inefficient way of making a reel frame. It would look cool, though! There would be about a minimum of three, different setups to machine a complete frame. It looks to me that most of the reel frames are vacuum cast aluminum. This lessens the chance of pores and other inclusions.