Spinning Reels

[bigbill]

Ok do you think the quality of spinning reels since the 90's has become better or worse today?

I don't think we're seeing the cheap low quality that didn't last anymore from the 90's.

Today were seeing more reels with more ball bearings.

The bail spring design has changed from a circular spring to a longer coiled spring. On the other hand we don't get an extra bail spring with a new reel. Some don't come with an extra spool today.

Does anyone ever use that extra spool?

Any thoughts?? Newer? Older?

[S. Sass]

I think its probably just as bad as ever. I walk through walmart and see tons of 2 bearing reels and combos and within a few weeks the inventory is depleted. Someone is buying a bunch a reels with next to no bearings. I do think there are some good reels for a reasonable price though. Maybe more now then before. The Penn Fierce is a decent reel. One of the last to have a all metal body, only 4 stainless steel ball bearings but mine has been quite good for a couple a years. This is a $50 or less reel that I think would last for just about anyone. Then you have the Pflueger President is another decent reel in the $50 range so I think there are good reels but I have seen a bunch that I wouldnt want to use. 

[bigbill]

I prefer less bearings with spinnerbaits.

[Jeff H]

I prefer less bearings with spinnerbaits.

You should explain that so everybody knows what you're talking about.   I'm pretty sure you mean spinning reels instead of spinnerbaits but even so, why do you prefer less bearings in a spinning reel?  And what is your happy minimum?

[bigbill]

I prefer less bearings in my spinning reels that i use with spinnerbaits. The spinning reels with more bearings(up to 10) plus the drag of the spinnerbait wears me out by the end of the trip.

I like to use my four ball bearing fin nor ahab lite spinning reels on my spinnerbaits, inlines, crankbaits.

I use the 10 ball bearing OKUMA exiptor and metaliod spinning reels with plastics, topwater, jigs etc.

[Molay1292]

I am trying to understand what you are saying for sure.  Are you saying that the extra weight of the additional bearings is the difference between being worn out when throwing spinnerbaits?

[kickerfish1]

Number of bearings has never been a deciding factor in determining the use or quality of a reel for me. The quality of the bearings and bearing placement however does. You can buy a cheap made in China reel with 10 bearings for under $20. I can promise you that reel will feel like junk no matter what you use it for. A friend of mine bought one of these for his son and the reel feels aweful.

[PitchinJigz]

I am trying to understand what you are saying for sure. Are you saying that the extra weight of the additional bearings is the difference between being worn out when throwing spinnerbaits?

x2. His statement makes zero sense.

[Jrob78]

Less bearings isn't going to make a reel retrieve a spinnerbait any easier.

[Jeff H]

Oy!  

[blckshirt98]

You have the same mix of plastic at the low end and magnesium at the high end, but there's been a "trickle" down of sorts with features making their way down to some of the mid-budget reels (especially spool design).  You can find a nice reel for 30-40 bucks like the Shimano Solstace or Diawa Crossfire that will last for years if you take care of it.

[bigbill]

Sorry I should of checked back here sooner. When I was using my 6.3:1 spinning reel with ten ball bearing I found it harder to reel spinnerbaits over a lesser bearing reel that's 5:1 ratio. The faster reel wore me out.

[Jrob78]

Sorry I should of checked back here sooner. When I was using my 6.3:1 spinning reel with ten ball bearing I found it harder to reel spinnerbaits over a lesser bearing reel that's 5:1 ratio. The faster reel wore me out.

That was because of gearing, not bearings.

[MikeFL52]

I think the amount of junk as well as quality in reels, as well as other equipment is relatively stable.  The old adage, You get what you pay for, pretty much always applies, to a point anyway.  I think that within each manufacturer's line you can find all of the above, price point often being a determining factor.  The lower priced reels, generally speaking, don't have the same quality parts and workmanship as higher priced models.  Having said all of that there are certainly exceptions to every rule, but for me, I stick with known manufacturers, buying there mid to higher priced models, mostly mid since that's what my budget demands.  I'm a Pflueger guy, I like their Supreme and Supreme XT reels. I have a couple of their lower priced Presidents and while they're a decent reel and perform adequately I do notice a difference with the somewhat higher priced Supremes.  I'm guessing the Patriarch more so, but I'm happy at the mid price range, and can't justify paying that much more.

ps: These are 8 - 10 bearing reels, with quality gears and frames

[bigbill]

I find the more bearings the tighter the reel feels. The less bearings the reel is a tad looser.(spinning reels)

Are the 6.3:1 / 7.2:1 casting reels easier to crank with burning spinnerbaits? Over spinning reels?

[blckshirt98]

TBH in a blind test I bet most people can't tell the difference between a 4 bearing vs 10+ bearing reel if it's lubed and maintained properly.

[WIGuide]

Gosh I love some of the stuff that comes out in these posts!

[PourMyOwn]

Does anyone ever use that extra spool?

 

Yes, I do. I label it with a Sharpie, "6F" is 6 lb Fluoro, "6" is just 6lb mono. It's also why I have 3 of the same spinning reels, so I can have 3 spare spools ready to go. I'm not losing a trip due to line twist.

[the reel ess]

You can get an absolute STEAL of a spinning reel for $40 in the Pfleuger Trion. I'm gonna buy another as soon as I wear out my old BPS special.

 

BTW, I got that BPS reel (Viper) on a matched combo about 7 years ago for $70 and it's been a great one too. I've even stepped on the bail. I think it improved the operation!

[MikeFL52]

I do the same as PourMyOwn, spare spools filled and in my bag, cause you never know.  And yes Dink, I have 2 ultralight Trions which perform fine, I can notice the difference between these and Supremes but they work fine

[PourMyOwn]

I like the Daiwa Regal, it's a lot of reel for around $40. 

[k3bass]

You can get an absolute STEAL of a spinning reel for $40 in the Pfleuger Trion. I'm gonna buy another as soon as I wear out my old BPS special.

BTW, I got that BPS reel (Viper) on a matched combo about 7 years ago for $70 and it's been a great one too. I've even stepped on the bail. I think it improved the operation!

The line roller on the newer trions get a groove worn in them after a few trips if you use them with braid. I liked my older trions and presidents with the wood handles. The new versions are junk in my opinion.

[the reel ess]

The line roller on the newer trions get a groove worn in them after a few trips if you use them with braid. I liked my older trions and presidents with the wood handles. The new versions are junk in my opinion.

I have one with the black handle. All I've used on it is braid. I've had it since December and no groove.

[k3bass]

I have one with the black handle. All I've used on it is braid. I've had it since December and no groove.

I'd check it closely, feel with the tip of your figernail. I have 3 of them and they all have a groove, it's gold colored in the groove where the chrome plating(or whatever it is) wears through on the roller. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

[bigbill]

I'd check it closely, feel with the tip of your figernail. I have 3 of them and they all have a groove, it's gold colored in the groove where the chrome plating(or whatever it is) wears through on the roller. I'll post some pictures when I get a chance.

Is the roller loose enough to spin freely. How often do you lube it?