What would you do...sell my variety of nice reels and replace them with all the same brand/model or stick with the variety?

[clemsondds]

Just thought I would get your thoughts. I have finally amassed together a nice set of rods and reels.  It's a big mix of shimano, daiwa and lews reels.  Some examples of what I have are:

Shimano: Bantam, Metanium DC, 21 Scorpion DC, Curado K, SLX DC and several SLX 

Daiwa: Zillion SV, Catalina TW, and a few tatula SVs

Lews: hypermag

When I started out...I had no idea I would buy soo many...but the monkey got me lol.  

I know this isn't the most high end reels...but my goal is best bang for your buck and I think these reels are pretty solid.  

So the problem is: I don't fish that often due to having a young family....but when I do, it's difficult to remember each braking system and nuances when rotating through various baits (I like to have bait specific rod setups so I can maximize my time on the water). 

So would you just stick with it and try to keep these same reels (maybe change out the slx's ) and just try to learn them...or would you replace all of them with your favorite brand and even maybe the same model (as much as possible)?  

Again, not trying to get everyone to tell me what I should do...I know only I can answer that.  I just want to hear what you would do in my situation.   Thanks for your thoughts and time!

[jbsoonerfan]

I only fished Shimano for about 6 years, then only Daiwa for about 3 years and now only Shimano for the last 10 years. To each their own. 

[ATA]

In your Situation Ill do what I did, Which is keep what I like for every weight and lure ( 1 spinning/1 frog/3 for M/MH and H). This 5 will do the all you need, So you can keep reels that you like the most and fits your setups and sell the rest. In my Idea you have double of what you really need and use depending on what you saying about your fishing style. Even I am not a weekender and I fish 2 to 3 Tims Monday to Friday, I have that 5 combo I told you for my regular bass fishing.

[scbassin]

Several years I was in the same place. I decided to Keep My Shimano's & sell every thing else. I replaced what I sold with new Shimano's.  My reason was that it was easier to use one brand. I did not have to remember how to adjust settings on different brands while fishing. I have found that  pretty much the basic adjustments are close enough between models that it's easy to figure it out while changing set ups while fishing. My collection is from 1975 to 2021 models. Some of the older models are now put up but do take a few out from time to time just to remember how it was back when.  

[PhishLI]

 It's not unusual for me to be out with at least one each Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum, and Lew's, so I like variety, but if you're somewhat irritated by it then make a change.

 

However, reels within a single manufacture's line don't necessarily track in a linear manner from top to bottom regarding performance. This is one of the reasons I use a mix.

 

You have a nice selection of reels that should be bulletproof in the long term if you maintain them, and you'll surely take a loss in order to satisfy an intellectual itch. Only you know if this is worth it going by the numbers.

 

P.S. If you decide to jettison the Daiwas, please sell me the Catalina TW. I should've gotten two when the getting was good.

[GreenPig]

Variety is the Spice of life. I'd never only own one brand of Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, Squarebills, etc. and the same goes for rods & reels. 

[islandbass]

Go uniform if it meets your needs. If it won’t nothing wrong with variety if each item does what you need them to do. I prefer the best tool for the job and that also means I’m not brand loyal. 

[Deleted account]

Yeah, no right or wrong answer here. Either a variety of reels, or conversely the same reel (with different gear ratio on some) will get the job done, and there are pros and cons for both. I'm all about feel and ergonomics, so I go the latter mostly, but a few other different reels have creeped in as my fishing has become more recreational. I feel bad for ya'lls wifes and girlfriends with all the 50 and 70 reels out there...  

[dodgeguy]

I use one brand which is Lew's. I use different models but all have the 27 position external adjustable centrifugal brake.

[Msl819]

If ease of use on the water is a top consideration, it sounds like you answered your own question - one brand/braking system probably makes the most sense. Nothing wrong with variety, but I can certainly see why an angler would find a series of rods and reels that they like and essentially stay there. If the rod/reel is a tool for you, that’s what I’d do. If the rod/reel is part of the experience and fun, variety makes more sense. Just my two cents.

[garroyo130]

Thats a solid line up. I honestly feel like the difficulty in "dialing in" a reel is sometimes exaggerated. That's a great selection of reels none of which would appear to be difficult to dial in after a handful of casts. Problem isn't the reels ... 

 

8 hours ago, clemsondds said:

the problem is: I don't fish that often

 

[new2BC4bass]

7 hours ago, GreenPig said:

Variety is the Spice of life.

My thought exactly.  I have various models of Daiwa, Shimano, Abu, Lew's, Okuma, Quantum, and Pfluegers plus Pinnacle Primmus, Concept A, and BPS Carbonlite.  I enjoy them all.  I don't see a problem going from one brand to another.  All reels are already dialed in.  Occasionally a minor adjustment is needed on one, but it isn't rocket science.

 

As PhishLI said, not all reels of the same brand react the same.  My Daiwa reels have several styles of braking systems.  I believe I have Shimano reels with 3 different style brakes.  Lew's and Abu also have different style brakes.

 

My memory ain't what it used to be, but I can go from one style to a different style and remember how to adjust brakes and/or spool tension.

 

But, OP, as others have said, it is ultimately your decision.  Do you feel one brand would be beneficial?  If sameness is critical to you than I would stick with the same style braking in whichever brand you choose.  Even better would be to have only one model.  Just be aware that even then they might not all handle the same.  I have 2 Zillions from the same era.  One is basically a set and forget while the other often needs minor adjustments throughout the day.

 

 

[bulldog1935]

no offense, but matching different braking systems to specific niches is how you set up reels that never need additional adjustments. 

Just about every casting brake system out there has a weight range and line match where it's flawless, gives the best distance, reliability (e.g. wind, skipping), accuracy, etc. 

If you're on a learning curve, working one system over is a good idea. 

If you want to fish from 3 g to 2 ounces, you need different reels with different braking systems. 

[long island basser]

I’m not brand loyal.

I believe I have a half dozen different companies reels in assorted models and enjoy using all of them.

[Big Rick]

I love my Daiwa SV reels. That said, I saw the Lew's Pitching and Skipping reel with the shallow spool and had to have it. And I really like it. I am still learning how to maximize shallow spooled reels. How much line to put on and other things, but that is part of the fun for me. 

 

Just ordered some smaller baits to get the most out of my new kinda BFS setup as well. Can't wait to get them in to practice with them. Fishing is a total experience for me. I enjoy using my equipment. Sure, catching fish is the end goal but if that was the ONLY goal I could get a cane pole with a bobber and cricket and fill a bucket. YMMV. 

[DitchPanda]

I use a variety of 4 or 5 brands of casting reels anywhere between $50-$200. Honestly I don't think dialing in a reel is all that difficult and once your a decent caster its easy and fast to recognize how you want your reel setup. You have a very nice collection...I'd stick with em.

[Smalliefan2]

I narrowed down to one brand many years ago. Just change line sizes, types to match the technique I was using. Makes maintenance easy, minimal spare parts needed. The brand is also very reliable, so issues are minimal. Still have a number of different brands, they are in my retired box. Give them for the young anglers starting out. All have been cleaned up, plus I have the paperwork when I donate them. 

[clemsondds]

4 hours ago, Smalliefan2 said:

I narrowed down to one brand many years ago. Just change line sizes, types to match the technique I was using. Makes maintenance easy, minimal spare parts needed. The brand is also very reliable, so issues are minimal. Still have a number of different brands, they are in my retired box. Give them for the young anglers starting out. All have been cleaned up, plus I have the paperwork when I donate them. 

Yes this is what I’m thinking. But others have made good arguments for sticking with a variety. Great discussion! 

[EWREX]

i was a variety guy for a while until i found what i really liked. since then i’ve converted all my reels to daiwas, same with my rods. i’m super OCD with my gear, so having all the same brand really gives me an organized and comfortable feel when i pick a certain rod and reel combo up. to each their own though!

[FishTank]

A couple schools of thought on this subject.......

 

1. And this is what I would do.....  Keep what you have. Enjoy.  Those are some nice reels. I have a variety as well (I like to mix it up) and with one exception, I set them up pretty much all the same.  As a starting point, I set the cast control with a 3/8 to 1/2 ounce weight, which is about 90% of my fishing, and then the breaking system at or above 50% of the minimum setting.  This allows me to adjust each system pretty easily to the conditions and lures I am fishing. 

 

2.  Sell them and buy 5 or 6 reels with a line up that will fit your needs. I.E., 5 Curado with different reel speeds, if necessary and for rods, 5 Shimano Exprides for the different techniques you fish. The 6th one would be spinning setup for windy days or crappie fishing.  Also, if you are selling several setups, it may give you an opportunity to invest in better rods, which is were I would rather put my money. 

 

3. Pick one of your current reels you feel most comfortable with, then pick one that you like the most, sell the rest and buy other reels within that same line up to match the one you are most comfortable with.  Keeping the one odd ball will fill the need to fish something different. 

 

So for me I like a variety of reels. It's fun to change them around and use them as I see fit. To me, each of my setups have a personality and this sort of adds to the fun.  On the other hand, I also tournament fish and having the same reels would make life simpler.  I wouldn't have to guess on how each one is setup and transitioning from one technique to the next would be easier.

 

 

[WRB]

You have a dozen or so baiting reels, what about the rods?

Without a boat to carry all those outfits the decision should be easy, keep the reels you like to use the most.

Tom

[clemsondds]

8 hours ago, WRB said:

You have a dozen or so baiting reels, what about the rods?

Without a boat to carry all those outfits the decision should be easy, keep the reels you like to use the most.

Tom

Definitely have a boat ha. And I don’t really feel like different brand rods have as much impact as different brand reels. I love my rods and they are very specific to the technique that I use it for. But reels have external braking, digital braking, ergonomics, and various other attributes that make it a little more challenging to switch from reel to reel.  Again, not asking you to solve my situation…just want to hear what you would do if it was you.  Been great responses so far! 

[Darth-Baiter]

I’m not experienced enough to even notice the nuances between reels and their various brake styles.   This is the first I’ve heard of it.  I just grab a rod/reel and brrrrrrr - cast it out there and hope for the best.   It’s just casting. 
 

id hold the course.  Why but high (new) sell low (used) only to buy high (new) again?  The real sin is to buy stuff and not use it.  Don’t make it worse

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I’m not one for standardization. I like trying new things and just swap out any I don’t like. I also don’t fiddle much with braking. Each brand has models that excel in certain ways. Your collection looks to be good quality and performance wise.