Rebuild old reels or buy new?

[basspro05]

I purchased most of the reels I own between 2008-2012. I was out of fishing from 2015 until just recently. I have not kept up with advancements in fishing gear in over 6 years. I own several first generation revos and older shimano citicas and curados. 

I am either going to start replacing these reels with newer models, or buy some replacement parts and get them rebuilt. Am I wasting time and money on these older reels? Have the newer reels advanced enough that these old ones aren’t worth messing with?

[WRB]

If you like your reels they can  professionally cleaned and tuned for approx $35 each. Contact site sponsor DVT.

Tom

[Fallser]

I'm pretty sure some of my spinning reels are older than yours.  I still use them but they're getting a bit old in the tooth.  I have several Penn reels.  I live about 10 minutes from where they build/built them and I use to able to drop a reel off and have it rebuilt or refurbished and they would call me when it was ready.  Now you have to pack it up and mail it to them.

 The one problem around here is there doesn't seem to be anybody who rebuilds or refurbishes them.  If you got someone in your area that does it that would be the way to go.

 I use spinning reels and I don't see that much difference between the newer ones and older ones other than price.  I used to be able to buy reels that came with a spare spools that doesn't seem to be the case.  When you come down to it, a reel is just a line holder as long as the bail works and you have working drag, why not use them.

[Smalls]

Guess it depends on what they are. 

 

It's not worth it to repair a black max. A Chronarch, on the other hand, will last forever with a little maintenance and a new part here and there 

[basspro05]

I realize that a reel will hold line and cast regardless of age, I’m just wondering what has improved in the last 10+ years…am I going to see greatly improved casting distance, smoothness, drag? Compared to these older models. 
 

 gen 1 revo premiers 

 gen 1 revo sc (cabelas exclusive)

gen 1 revo stx 

curado 200e7

citica 200s (circa 2005-2007)

 

 

 

[QED]

Reel weight and bearing technology have improved immensely on the high end, so if you are a tech buff, then the newer reels are pretty cool.  In terms of basic functionality, old reels will work fine.  In bike racing technology (my favorite pastime ahead of fishing), FEM developed carbon fiber frames and ceramic bearings have made notable improvements to the gear.  There are similar gains to be had in fishing gear.

[bulldog1935]

I think I would mix it up. 

You could turn one of your Gen 1 Revos S into a BFS reel with a nice aftermarket spool and upgraded spool bearings

https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/abu.html

 

And try a new reel or two such as Daiwa Tatula SV and Shimano Stradic. 

 

The thing I really noticed after not having bought a baitcaster in 20 years was the big step in mag brakes. 

 

In spinning reels, it's longer, shallower spools with improved line management, and extreme rotor balance compared to older reels. 

[PourMyOwn]

I can't speak to the Abus, but the Shimanos are great reels. I still use the Citicas of that era and I would have to spend $$$$$ to get a reel much better.  

[TnRiver46]

What’s wrong with your reels? 

[basspro05]

6 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

I think I would mix it up. 

You could turn one of your Gen 1 Revos S into a BFS reel with a nice aftermarket spool and upgraded spool bearings

https://japantackle.com/tuning-parts/spools-casting-reels/abu.html

 

And try a new reel or two such as Daiwa Tatula SV and Shimano Stradic. 

I will definetly look into upgrading, I’ve been out of fishing so long, I didn’t know these aftermarket upgrades were out there!

4 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

What’s wrong with your reels? 

Nothing really wrong with them. I just really wanted to know what I might be missing out on performance wise…these were $100-$200 reels 10+ years ago. I’m just trying to find out if they are in the dark ages performance wise. If a modern $79 reel will outperform these then it’s time to move on! 

[NavyToad]

I have several 15+ year old reels and some new Lews and Daiwa reels. (Lews Team Lews lite & BB1 Pro and Daiwa Tatula 100 & 150) IMO my older reels are as good as my newer ones. The newer ones MIGHT cast further, but I’ve never measured and my old reels cast far enough. Most of my casts don’t require casting a lure as far as I absolutely can. I didn’t have problems with backlash on my older reels and I don’t have problems today. Nothing not to like about new reels. Just my opinion.

[TnRiver46]

5 minutes ago, basspro05 said:

I will definetly look into upgrading, I’ve been out of fishing so long, I didn’t know these aftermarket upgrades were out there!

Nothing really wrong with them. I just really wanted to know what I might be missing out on performance wise…these were $100-$200 reels 10+ years ago. I’m just trying to find out if they are in the dark ages performance wise. If a modern $79 reel will outperform these then it’s time to move on! 

Hahaha. I use reels way older than the ones you have. In my opinion it’s the person casting that’s important, not the reel. “It’s the Indian not the arrow”

[Aaron_H]

I think the biggest difference is going to be size/weight. I've compared an SLX to the older Citica 200D (similar-ish price point, the Citica was technically more expensive when new) and technology is similar, same braking system, castability is similar. But the SLX is much, much smaller and three ounces lighter. Sitting them next to each other, it's almost clownish how much larger the Citica is, but it's still a great performing reel that catches fish even 15 years later.

 

I'd say if you can get your reels back up and running for little cost, it would be worthwhile. But if the size/weight savings is significant to you, upgrading to newer reels could be the way to go.

[Smalls]

55 minutes ago, basspro05 said:

I’m just wondering what has improved in the last 10+ years…am I going to see greatly improved casting distance, smoothness, drag? Compared to these older models

All of the above.

 

But I think you'd be way better off updating your current reels with carbontex drag washers, and some good bearings, rather than replacing. 

[basspro05]

I really appreciate all the input from everyone. Tons of great input! 

[rtwvumtneer6]

1 hour ago, basspro05 said:

200e7

Great reel.  Worth a little TLC to keep it going if it's even necessary.  

 

Take a quick peek and see what "the greenies" are going for on eBay...

[The Maestro]

I don't think you'd see a very big improvement unless you were to upgrade to higher models. For example I own a few of the Curado E's and I don't think it would be worth it to replace them with Curado K's while they still work fine for moving baits.

 

However I have bought several Bantams and Metaniums mainly for short casting/vertical type fishing and they're a HUGE improvement over older reels.

[basspro05]

18 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Great reel.  Worth a little TLC to keep it going if it's even necessary.  

 

Take a quick peek and see what "the greenies" are going for on eBay...

Do you know anywhere to get replacement reel handles for these 200e7? A guy I was fishing with stepped on it and bent it. Other than that it’s pretty well ready to go. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

Might be worth checking with @Delaware Valley Tackle for parts.  He's also the guy for reel service that comes highly recommended by the users here.

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Pretty much any shimano handle will fit. 

Fwiw, I’d take an E series of Core over anything current. The “advancements” between then and now are more like minor refinements, not game changers as far as I’m concerned. Nothing wrong with the new stuff, but you’re not at any disadvantage. 

[bulldog1935]

My Lew's BB-25SW still casts great

 w/ 3/8 oz

 

It's just that my new Steez with Roro-X spool and KTF micro-bearings will cast 1/16 oz farther than the 3/8 oz cast above. 

It's also more fun to fish - the rod and reel weighs 1/3. 

 

ha ha ha ha ha

[Oklahoma Mike]

Materials have gotten lighter. Bearings have improved. Spool technology has gotten better. Better drags. Huge tech advances in some cases like Shimano’s DC reels. So yes, overall I’d say there have been some pretty significant advances. How much those things matter to you all depends on you. Certainly nothing wrong with an older reel that’s doing the job you’re asking of it, and in some cases they’re cool to have just for nostalgia’s sake. 

[Phil77]

Honestly the main improvements since you stopped have been the ergonomics and less reliance on your thumb. If you're wanting a reel that palms a little better and casts a tad bit better without a trained thumb then go ahead and upgrade. If not all those greenies and citica's need is a lube job and will be as good as most new reels. I'd take the greenies with the old VBS over the new SVS any day of the week.

[newapti5]

To me, rebuilding old reels is less about saving money but more about the fun doing it. If you'd like to have someone else to rebuild/repair/clean them for you, I'd suggest to get a couple of new reels, like Daiwa's SV reels or Shimano's MGL reels, to see how you like them, then decide how much you want to spend on fixing the old ones. 

[papajoe222]

IMO, the two recent improvements that are most noticeable are the reduction in weight and increased drag. You could upgrade to carbon fiber drag washers to increase your older reel’s drag capability and as long as you’re comfortable with the balace of those reels, weight reduction, may not even factor into your decision.