Round vs low profile

[B-Dozer]

An Abu Record is one looong casting reel. My Record 40 is the best caster with 1/4 and up lures. 

I'm sure some of the newer reels are just fine, Lews and others, just never felt the need to try them. 

[Mobasser]

Catt, the reels my brother bought look almost the same as yours.He could already cast pretty well, but I spent more time picking out backlashes than fishing.I couldn't even use mine unless the cast control knob was tightened too much,which gave me no distance. After practicing, I gradually loosened the control, and got the hang of thumbing these reels.Because no thumbar, my brother developed a style of two handed casting, with the reel almost free spool setting. He got dead on accurate casting this way.How things have changed! Most young guys would consider them an antique now but at that time they were probably the best available.And, I'm sure they will still catch fish too

[Bankbeater]

I have a 5500, and two 5600s.  One 5600 is 15 years old and the other two are around 25 or so. Over the years I have started using low profile reels more and more.  Nothing wrong with my round reels, I just like fishing with the low profiles more.

[Catt]

@Mobasser Every couple yrs I take that 5000 to the lake just to remind me how good we have it!

 

I kinda chuckle everytime I read guys complaining about how difficult new reels are to setup!

 

[B-Dozer]

The "set up" is in the thumb. After a bit, you don't even need to think about it.

[Mobasser]

40 minutes ago, Catt said:

@Mobasser Every couple yrs I take that 5000 to the lake just to remind me how good we have it!

 

I kinda chuckle everytime I read guys complaining about how difficult new reels are to setup!

 

Yes. I think it's funny too. Most newer ones can be set up pretty quick. Not nearly as much of the learning curve there was years ago.

 

38 minutes ago, B-Dozer said:

The "set up" is in the thumb. After a bit, you don't even need to think about it.

Yep. It takes a little time to learn, but once you get it down , it becomes automatic

Also , I still like mono line on my ABU reels. TrileneBig Game. I like how it handles on these reels. Don't see the need for braid/ leader setup.To me , that line seems to be made for for these reels.Plus, one knot directly to the bait.

[Dwight Hottle]

It's important to remember that round reels were the norm before low profile reels got introduced. Round reels have a reputation for being sturdy workhorse reels that excell for heavier baits, stronger drags, greater line capacity and durability over time. Low profile reels have gained in popularity because of smaller size & shape & lower weight. Both types have a place in my arsenal.   

[B-Dozer]

1 hour ago, Mobasser said:

Yes. I think it's funny too. Most newer ones can be set up pretty quick. Not nearly as much of the learning curve there was years ago.

 

Yep. It takes a little time to learn, but once you get it down , it becomes automatic

Also , I still like mono line on my ABU reels. TrileneBig Game. I like how it handles on these reels. Don't see the need for braid/ leader setup.To me , that line seems to be made for for these reels.Plus, one knot directly to the bait.

I use Yozuri Hybred. not easy to find, but works great. spray some Van Dam line conditioner on it too

[WRB]

30 lbs of drag shouldn't be a considered a factor for any fresh water bass reel. Ambassaduer round reels have had marginal drags since they were introduced in the late 50's to this day. Any drag over 8 lbs isn't needed IMO because there are very few fresh water bass rods that can withstand that much pulling or lifting force.

Having fished with Ambassaduer reels from 1960 to 1990 or 30 years and super tunning  them by polishing noisy gears, changing poor crank handles and bushings or bearings and upgrading drag components. When Shimano came out with the Calcutta reel series my Ambassaduers went into storage.

Lew Childre invented the low profile reel in the early 70's and contracted Shimano to manufacture the BB1 reel that put Shimano in the reel business. Shimano came out with the Bantum 100 reel under license agreement using lighter weight designed changing bass fishing forever.

Round or low profile reel is a choice for each angler to choose, both perform equally, lighter weight bait casting reels are availble in low profile designs.

Tom

[Angry John]

2 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

It's important to remember that round reels were the norm before low profile reels got introduced. Round reels have a reputation for being sturdy workhorse reels that excell for heavier baits, stronger drags, greater line capacity and durability over time. Low profile reels have gained in popularity because of smaller size & shape & lower weight. Both types have a place in my arsenal.   

This..... Always a right tool for the job, and some preference mixed in.  The first heavy duty low profile i remember was the revo toro which the musky crowd latched onto.  Before that big baits were all done on round reels.  I love my luna and ryoga for larger baits and the Ryoga makes one heck of a deep cranking reel.  I only own 3 round reels but i love them for heavy stuff and dont plan on letting them go any time soon.

[crypt]

started fishing 45 plus years ago with 5500's still use 45/4600's c3 0r c4 to this day. have 9 of em. also use low profile reels. they each have a place in my way of fishing. use round for everything but lighter presentations. 

also do like the original Calcutta's. the 50 is an awesome little reel. as good as my pro/black max 1600's.

[FishTank]

I had a C4 years ago and by my own misuse, it rusted.   If I had taken care of it, it would still be working today.  It was a great reel that would cast anything above 1/4oz a country mile.   I use to put tape on my thumb to keep the line from smoking my fingers on long casts.  On the other hand, as reels have progressed, I do like low profile reels but I think both types have their place.  

 

Also, if I were to buy another round reel, I would probably get a Shimano Calcutta again.  Not to say that the C4 is not a great reel, I have liked the Calcutta 251 I purchased years ago better. 

[B-Dozer]

Round, Round, I get a round.... ? 

[redmeansdistortion]

I love my round reels.  I do own a few low profiles, but they don't see nearly the usage my rounds get.  I have a 4600 C3, 4600 C5, 5600CL Rocket, 5600 AB, and a 6500CS Rocket.  The 4600 reels are primarily used for bass while the 5600s and 6500 are used for pike, musky, salmon, and steelhead.