Sealed vs not-sealed spinning reel

[dsw1204]

This is my first season of fishing in 40 years and I have been enjoying it immensely.  I think I want to purchase a second spinning reel and after looking at several makes and models I notice some higher end models have sealed bearings and some do not.

 

It is my understanding that having sealed bearings means that water will not get inside and cause corrosion.  But, it is also my understanding that that is mainly for salt water, not necessarily fresh water.

 

I currently am using a Pflueger Supreme XT and it has a sealed carbon drag.  I do not know if that means the bearings are sealed or not.  For my next reel, I am considering a Shimano Ultegra, a Diawa Tatula LT and a couple other top-of-the-line models from companies who are not so well known but offer high-end features without the high-end price (one sealed, not not sealed).  I am concerned about water getting inside the reel and start corroding whatever can be corroded.

 

I am leaning towards the Ultegra because of it being sealed and the Tatula is not sealed, to my understanding.

 

Now, I am a bank fisherman that fishes only fresh water.  Does having a sealed reel make a big difference in longevity of the reel?  Or, am I making this "sealed vs not sealed" issue too big a thing?

 

 

[J Francho]

20 minutes ago, dsw1204 said:

Now, I am a bank fisherman that fishes only fresh water.  Does having a sealed reel make a big difference in longevity of the reel?

Not with regular maintenance.  There are tons of videos that detail this simple process.  I value a sealed drag over anything else.  An anti-rust line roller bearing is a good feature as well. 

 

Shimano has some great care sheets for reels, and common issues here: http://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/REEL_SUPPORT_SERVICES/Reel-Maintenance.html

[dsw1204]

2 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Not with regular maintenance.  There are tons of videos that detail this simple process.  I value a sealed drag over anything else.  An anti-rust line roller bearing is a good feature as well. 

 

Shimano has some great care sheets for reels, and common issues here: http://fish.shimano.com/content/fish/northamerica/us/en/homepage/REEL_SUPPORT_SERVICES/Reel-Maintenance.html

When you say regular maintenance, do you mean once a year...like after the season is over, meaning wintertime?  Or, am I supposed to maintain my reel every couple months, or so?  I was planning on lubing my Pflueger sometime this winter.  I purchased it last winter and did not start using it until last April.

[J Francho]

I put a drop of oil on the line roller around once a month.  The maintenance in the care sheet is a once or twice a year thing: http://fish.shimano.com/content/dam/shimanosnaffish/pdf/Spinning Reels maint.pdf

[Spankey]

I had always been a big fan of the Shimano Symetre. Have a few. That reel was not sealed. A workhorse for me. That reel was stopped because of a name copyright infringement or some thing like that, at least that is what the factory guy told me. 

 

It it was taken over with the Nasci. This is sealed. I fish with a couple of them now also. I believe the Nasci is a step up to the Symetre. Priced the same. Newer technology. I think the seals are a great idea. What is there not to like about it. 

 

Whether you fish from the bank, boat or trout angling standing in a creek the potential for your reel to take a dunk is equal. 

 

When end it comes down to price difference in sealed vs. not sealed is roughly $20. I believe the Shimano Sahara is not sealed, $79. Nasci is sealed and $99. Plus most likely the Nasci has something else of an upgrade. 

 

Please correct me if I’m wrong. But this has been my logic since being a Nasci user. 

[Grim_Reaver]

You don't really need a sealed reel unless you are fishing saltwater, which is a highly corrosive environment. If fishing solely freshwater, unsealed reels are perfectly fine. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

My problem with the “sealed” reels is that users may get the impression that they never need anything maintenance wise leading to neglect. I’ve serviced big saltwater reels that are decades old and still going strong so it’s not critical, just a feature you may or may not be interested in.  

[mrpao]

I don't think a sealed reel is must. 

I've got some old shimano spinning reels that usually end up getting dunked in the river while wading and they have never had an issue. 

Bottom line is just take care of your stuff and it will serve you for a long time.

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

The only true sealed reels are van staals and they are made for saltwater and the smallest is 18 oz so its not a true bass reel but then AGAIN  ive seen ppl use 30 oz reels and 10 ft rods for bluegill..