Spool Tension Knob

[hunterduke]

How important is it to you guys that the spool tension knob clicks when it turns.   I know you guys are like geez I wish he would buy a reel soon and quit worrying us about stuff.  I'm just concerned if the ones that don't click move or unadjust if you hit them or touch it accidently easier than the ones that click.

 

Also I was looking at a video last night that said when you buy a new baitcaster and you are setting it up.  The spool tension knob is the first thing you adjust and not the internal or external brake depending which one you have, is this true?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It's personal preference for the most part. The clickers are just that, a noise maker. I haven't experienced any problems in reels without them. I don't suggest removing them either if the reel is designed that way. Same goes for clicking drag. 

 

Yes, adjust the spool tension with mag brakes off. Cent won't matter as they won't activate that easily.

[Raul]

It´s nice to have a clicking drag star and a clicking tension knob, is it "important"  ? NO, it´s nice to have both so you can make minute adjustments by counting the clicks if that is important to you but you really don´t need it, most reels don´t have clicking tension knob, nowdays it´s rare that a reel doesn´t have a clicking drag star but there are still reels that do not have the feature, all the Alphas/ Sol / Pixy platform does not have a clicking star drag ( obviously the knob also doesn´t click ) and they are one hell of a reel much better than a lot of reels with the clicking drag star.

 

As for your concern ----> the clicker is NOT an antireverse mechanism.

[BobP]

Before I got wise to how they were built, I lost the little spring activated clicker inserts on several of my Shimano reels.  It doesn't make a bit of difference to the action of the cast control knob and since I don't depend on noise to adjust the knob, it's a non-issue.

[TrippyJai]

I don't like a clicking cast control because the range is too wide between each clicks. Adjusting is usally very minor that it won't make it to the next click. If what I said even make sense lol.

[Jaderose]

I don't like a clicking cast control because the range is too wide between each clicks. Adjusting is usally very minor that it won't make it to the next click. If what I said even make sense lol.

 

 

This

[hunterduke]

I don't like a clicking cast control because the range is too wide between each clicks. Adjusting is usally very minor that it won't make it to the next click. If what I said even make sense lol.

 

Good point.  I haven't thought about that.  So if you don't have the clicker then the adjustment is kinda infinite.

[.ghoti.]

I prefer having a clicker on the spool tension knob. I can easily switch from an optimum setting for casting to an optimum setting for pitching. On my Zillions, to switch to pitching, I back off the spool tension 3 clinks and kick up the mag brakes 4 clicks. Don't have to look at it, and don't have to test it. It just works.

 

The Alphas and Fuegos take a little longer, without the clicks, to get set properly.

[WIGuide]

You don't have to have one, but it's a nice feature. It makes repeated adjustments easier. I've got reels with both an they both work well, but I'd choose one with it vs without if I had the option.

[Hattrick7]

I have both and I actually prefer the one that clicks. Just that feedback is nice but the spool tension isn't that big a deal to me anymore. 

 

I wouldn't worry about accidentally hitting it and knocking it loose or tight. I've never come close to doing that. I think you would probably knock your drag tension higher or lower than you would your spool tension knob. 

 

When I first started using a BC I adjusted the spool tension to where it was barely falling with my brakes off and then adjusting my brakes after like in the videos. I did that with every new bait I tied on. Now I don't even really adjust it really unless the weights a big difference or it's super windy. I keep my tension on the looser side and just adjust my brakes as needed. 

 

I think it's really just getting out there and using the reel as much as possible and then you'll get a feel for how it reacts with different baits and wind conditions. 

[Tywithay]

Could give two squirts of duck poo whether or not it clicks. My main concern is that it turns fluidly, so that I can set it without having to strain just to turn the thing.

[Mike L]

I have reels that do and reels that don't.

When I want to adjust the ones with the clicker I just count, but when I want to adjust the ones without I always miss my sweet spot no matter how little or more I need.

Its just easier to count because I know how much, instead of having to re adjust a second or third time to get it where I want it.

Mike

[hunterduke]

I thought I was going to go with the lews speed spool $99.99 reel but I don't think it has the clicking type. Other reels I've thought about is the daiwa exceler, abu garcia silver max(graphite frame), orra sx, and I think that it. I don't fish but maybe a few times a month but I'm hoping for more this year so I know aluminum frame is better but not sure if graphite would work for me