Why buy a high end reel (metanium dc, steez...)? Are they worth it?

[clemsondds]

Hello everyone. So I have slowly built up my rod arsenal and have some really nice rods.  I understand why I have bought each rod and what qualities allow it to perform the way I want it to for a particular technique.  But the high end reels is what I don't really understand the benefits.  I currently have a few random reels (two of each shimano slx, slx dc, and daiwa tatula sv).  Is there a big benefit to getting higher end reels like the metanium dc or the steez?  I don't mind buying one if it helps land a fish. Thanks for your help! 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

Hello everyone. So I have slowly built up my rod arsenal and have some really nice rods.  I understand why I have bought each rod and what qualities allow it to perform the way I want it to for a particular technique.  But the high end reels is what I don't really understand the benefits.  I currently have a few random reels (two of each shimano slx, slx dc, and daiwa tatula sv).  Is there a big benefit to getting higher end reels like the metanium dc or the steez?  I don't mind buying one if it helps land a fish. Thanks for your help! 

This is such a loaded question.

Been batted around here so many times in the past.

My version of it is, if one has the means,

is vigilant in caring for and maintaining tackle

as well as routinely servicing gear

(either personally or professionally) then it's 'worth it'.

If all of that is not part of a users deal, then no, it's not worth it.

 

As for will it help one land a fish . . .

Maybe - maybe not.

Perhaps think of it as a choice -  between taking a Limo home from the airport or a 1980 Pinto.

Both might get you there but which one offered the best experience ?

We'll each have our own opinion on that too.
btw - if you choose the Pinto don't forget your fire suit.

A-Jay

 

 

 

[new2BC4bass]

My older used Trion ($45 purchased price) has no problem landing fish.  However, I enjoy using my used OG Steez 100 more.  Just knowing I am using quality brings me extra enjoyment.  I don't get out often and catching fish in my area isn't a given.  Every little bit of extra enjoyment I get out of my gear is a plus.

 

Often more expensive reels are lighter and definitely should have tighter tolerances.  More expensive reels can be more versatile.  My Trion is a casting machine on the 6'10" HF I have in on.  It came with light braid when I got it.  Disengage the spool and is spun pretty good.  So I tried it on a Medium power rod with lighter lures...although not too light.  It was a backlashing machine with that set up....for me.

 

Needless to say the same lure range for the Steez is no problem.  I must admit that my high end reel experience is very limited.  I am sure there are many, many others here that can give you better and more detailed reasons for going high end.

 

I don't worry about wind (or its direction) when using my DC or Magforce 3D reels.  Haven't really used my SV spooled reel in bad winds yet, but many say they handle it very well.  My thumb isn't as educated as many other users.

 

In the end it is up to the individual what he or she is comfortable spending and whether or not they derive the extra enjoyment high end reels can bring to some people.

 

Some people here have stated that an Ugly Stick is plenty sensitive enough.  Would you agree with that assessment?  Pretty sure you could land any bass with one.

 

[garroyo130]

Toyota Corolla vs a Ferrari

Both will do the job but one gives you bragging rights and is capable of more ... although in all likelihood you will rarely push it to its limits. 

 

[clemsondds]

I typically try to go middle of the road...that usually has the most ROI (eg porsche, Omega/Rolex...) Quality without the ridiculousness   So would something like the tatula sv be in that area or is there a big step up/difference between that and say the metanium dc?  What am I getting in return for double/triple the price?  And please don't take this like I am bashing high end reels...I am just trying to learn more.  To me, there's a huge difference between a shimano slx rod and an expride...so just wondering if there's the same difference in reels. 

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

Perhaps think of it as a choice -  between taking a Limo home from the airport or a 1980 Pinto.

Both might get you there but which one offered the best experience ?

A-Jay

[garroyo130]

7 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

To me, there's a huge difference between a shimano slx rod and an expride...so just wondering if there's the same difference in reels. 

Did you share this thought before you tried them both? 

 

Only after trying a high end reel can you decide for yourself

[Dens228]

My high end reels cost in the low $200's.  I can tell you I enjoy them more than my reels from $100-$150.  Smoother, better casting, easier skipping.  They all land fish the same though. 

[clemsondds]

I don't have access to high end reels...I have to purchase them.  And I'm not real big on trying it and returning it.  That's why I try to do my research before I purchase.  I noticed there was a big difference between the base slx reel and the tatula sv just due to the fact that I can easily skip the sv...so for that purpose it's worth the added cost.  So now I'm just trying to figure out if the metanium or steez is worth the added cost on top of the tatula sv/slx dc...

Thanks

[A-Jay]

4 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Please translate that 

A-Jay 

[RoLo]

 

Like any other commodity we purchase, there's no pat answer.

I've been disappointed by expensive reels, and pleasantly surprised by cheap reels.

 

Roger

[bwjay]

High end reels will be smoother, generally. For spinning reels, the power transfer from the handle to the rotor tends to be more refined/stronger. For baitcasters, you usually get a more rigid frame and more direct power transfer. On top of this, they tend to be lighter than cheaper reels, but not always, as these added features/improvements can add some weight. In the case of a Bantam or a Stella, you'll have more weight than something specifically intended to be as light as possible, but they earn their weight for sure.

 

A more expensive reel will likely not help you land a fish once you get out of bargain bin territory. You might find that more expensive reels cast better and help you get bait out further, or are less prone to backlashes or weird wind knots/wraps around the reel. Some more expensive reels like the Bantam are powerhouses that are great for winching in fish and give you confidence when you're trying to haul in a big fish or a big fish wrapped in heavy vegetation.

 

Sometimes expensive gear has properties that enable you to fish better, sometimes it just looks and feels nice. Ideally it's all of that.

[NYWayfarer]

Only you can answer this question for yourself.

 

Everyone is different. Some folks enjoy catching fish and don’t care if it’s with a stick and a string. Others like fishing gear almost as much as the like fishing itself *raises hand*

 

Some folks are perfectly happy with a $20 Walmart combo. Others have very expensive Bass boats and a Shakespeare combo looks silly on the casting deck.

 

Which camp are you in? I fish from the bank, ponds and rivers mostly. Sometimes in a Kayak that cost less than $250 new. Sometimes in my father in-laws 1972 aluminum boat. I have decent gear for how I fish but a Steez is not worth it to me. 

[WRB]

In most reel brands the higher price models are made in Japan for example in lieu of S.Korea or China by skilled craftsmen and state of the art components.

Mid range reels today are excellent however so it's a choice of budget.

Tom

[suzuki2903]

You can go to Walmart and purchase a nice fishing rod and reel and catch fish all day long .... but then you order up a nice daiwa reel and fancy rod and go catch fish all day as well, but after that you won’t wana fish the cheap setup.  Smoother , lighter, better working components etc 

[roadwarrior]

12 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Please translate that 

A-Jay 

In total agreement, but we have been here a few times before.

 

[diehardbassfishing]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

Some people here have stated that an Ugly Stick is plenty sensitive enough.  Would you agree with that assessment?  Pretty sure you could land any bass with one.

 

Gotta draw the line here. From experience. I'm just glad that I started my fishing with an Ugly Stick - now I truly appreciate a decent rod.

 

Ugly Sticks are designed to not break; rather than performance.

 

Karl

[813basstard]

2 thoughts:

 

1. If you don’t fish a lot, it doesn’t matter. 
Go as cheap as possible. If you fish a lot, you want your stuff to last. Good stuff generally lasts longer

 

2. How much you have invested in other things. Doesn’t make sense to spend $40k on a bass boat and use a $17 rod...your already in deep, might as well

[A-Jay]

36 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

In total agreement, but we have been here a few times before.

 

Thank you.

A-Jay 

[FishTank]

I sort break down pricing this way.....

 

1. Get R Done 

 

2. Fishing Fun

 

3. Fishing Pleasure

 

Do I catch more fish with high end stuff?  Sometimes.  It may give me an extra edge here and there but the cost compared to the results are not always justified but the fun is most of time.  I feel that once you have a few set ups that are getting fish in, you can grow and expand at your own pace.   Save money, look for sales, be in control of the bait monkey (sort of).  

 

Most importantly, be patient with your money.  For example....If you can save up $200, let's say in a year, for a reel, that means can save up $400 in two years (if life lets you).   Fish what you have for a few years, be happy, and get what you want when the time is right.  

[king fisher]

I fished old Ambassador 5500 and 6500 that I bought in the early nineties for years.  I thought they were great and landed thousands of fish on them.  OK drag, cast far, easy to maintain, and lasted me for 25 years.  When I had the opportunity to get back in to bass fishing, I decided to buy a smaller modern reel.  I asked people on this forum what is a good economical bait caster, and the Tatula CT was highly recommended.   I bought one and was blown away.  I felt like Rip Van Winkle.  I don't want to bad mouth the tried and true 5500 but for me, the difference is equal to the difference in telephones from the 90's compared to phones of today.  I immediately bought two more Tat Ct and a Diawa Coastal 200. This madness was coming from a fanatical Shimano fan for offshore gear.(  I'm sure the modern Shimanos in this price range or just as good just haven't tried them)

       I bought the Tat for $100 and the Coastal for less than $200.  I do not even want to try a $400  BC.  If a $100 reel is this good, what could a top of the line one be like?  If the difference is anywhere near what I found making the jump from the 5500, I will go broke.  The bait monkey will be living with me looking over my divorce papers, and introducing me to his uncle the loan gorilla.  I beg every one answering this thread to please say the only difference between the $100 dollar reels and the most expensive is cosmetic.  I can't afford to be tempted.  I went through this before with fly rods in the 90's.  I'm fine driving a junk car as long as the engine runs like a Swiss watch.  As far as catching fish goes, it is the fishermen not the equipment.  As far as fishing enjoyment is concerned, that is up to the individual.   

[The Maestro]

The differences between a $30 reel and a $150 will be pretty obvious once you start using them. The differences between that $150 reel and a $400-$500+ reel may not be as extreme but they're improvements in the same areas that just add up to a more high quality, refined feeling reel.

[clemsondds]

Thank you all. I guess I was a little vague and need to be more specific. I understand the difference between cheap and nice. My question is for those who have used the new tatula sv, a shimano curado dc, or even slx dc...and then went to a steez or metanium...was it worth the jump in price. Another words: $300 reel vs $500-600. I know an NRX is the benchmark for sensitivity in rods and that’s why they can command such a price. What sets these $500-600 reels apart from the $300-400 ones? 

[fishwizzard]

I have bought two reels that cost about $500, Steez TWSV and a Ryoga 1520, and have maybe a dozen or so in the $300-350 range, a mix of other Daiwas.  Overall, while they are both great reels, I will not pay that much again, the difference isn’t great enough compared to cheaper reels with about the same feature set.  I would absolutely buy another Steez TWSV, but only used and only if I could find one in the $300 range. 

[PhishLI]

59 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

What sets these $500-600 reels apart from the $300-400 ones? 

Ideally, they crank smoother and stay that way, but that's not always the case. Increases in casting distances are marginal, if at all, but there are exceptions. Think 10% greater with real fishing lures, maybe. Fit and finish is better, but only you can decide if the juice is worth the squeeze. If you're miserable without touching finer things, then buy up the ladder, but don't buy up with the expectation that you'll get twice the performance going from $300 up to $600 because you'll be very disappointed.