Super User Koz Posted June 15, 2022 Super User Posted June 15, 2022 For years I fished with Lew's $100-$130 reels and they were great. I caught lots of fish and had no complaints. As a matter of fact, in the past I had posted here on BR that I didn't see the need to spend $200-$300 on a reel. But late last year with some "found money" I purchased some Shimano Curado's (DC, MGL, and K) and of course I noticed the quality was better, but for me the "feel" was better as well. That was the biggest selling point. At this point I don't want to fish with anything else. When I upgraded my reels I also upgraded my rods by adding Dobyns, St. Croix, and Shimano Expride's to my arsenal. I mixed and matched older and new reels on these rods and what I found out is that I think it is more important to invest in a high end rod than a high end reel. If I was on a limited budget, I'd invest in upgrading my rods more than upgrading my reels. In fact, I've got a new Expride coming in on Friday and I'm going to demote one of my St. Croix or Dobyns rods. 2
ska4fun Posted June 15, 2022 Posted June 15, 2022 4 hours ago, AmmoGuy said: Eh, that's hard to believe. I mean, I know the marketing says that, but if less weight & cost was not a factor, I doubt you'd see anything but brass gears in reels. Ant yet, both Doyo and Daiwa are using them on their high-end reels, like the Alphas and Zillion series. 4 hours ago, WRB said: Aluminum is a softer alloy with any anti gulling prosperities. Aluminum can be hard anodic coated, aluminum ion vapor or titanium oxide treated to harden the surface. The issue is wear, leaded brass self lubricates for years without wear, doesn’t rely on surface hardening processes. Tom That's why you use duralumin, with added copper, manganese and magnesium, to reach a middle ground between tenacity, hardness and corrosion resistance. Daiwa is using duralumin alloys on it's Zillion series, intended to freshwater big game like peacock basses.
ironbjorn Posted June 15, 2022 Posted June 15, 2022 Just used one of my new Max X reels a few hours ago. As expected. Bomb casts, handles well. Slightly sticky drag initially when manually checking, but did well with a Vision 110 fish around 2lbs. Not quite an SLX or Tournament Pro but doesn't leave me wishing for more.
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted June 15, 2022 Super User Posted June 15, 2022 I had a reply in mind.......7 pages later, I got nothing for ya. 5
Super User PhishLI Posted June 15, 2022 Super User Posted June 15, 2022 17 minutes ago, jbsoonerfan said: I had a reply in mind.......7 pages later, I got nothing for ya. No worries. I hear her elephantine footfalls as she runs towards the eject button....any minute now. 3
Super User jbsoonerfan Posted June 15, 2022 Super User Posted June 15, 2022 1 minute ago, PhishLI said: No worries. I hear her elephantine footfalls as she runs towards the eject button....any minute now. About page 5 or so I realized I wasn't smart enough to reply. Heck, I didn't even know who made transmissions for Dodge, why would I reply. 1 3
AmmoGuy Posted June 15, 2022 Author Posted June 15, 2022 25 minutes ago, ska4fun said: Ant yet, both Doyo and Daiwa are using them on their high-end reels, like the Alphas and Zillion series. Like I said, if cost or weight wasn't a factor. And the US Zillion SV TW has brass gears.
softwateronly Posted June 15, 2022 Posted June 15, 2022 19 hours ago, AmmoGuy said: I don’t disagree with that assessment one bit. You want to buy some used Tats and Coastals? ? On that note… Do the 21 JDM Zillion SV TW’s have brass gears? JDM 22 Zillion HD does. JDM Met for $236 is another answer to the original question. Really enjoyed the rant and responses, lots of informed opinions. scott 1
Super User WRB Posted June 15, 2022 Super User Posted June 15, 2022 15 minutes ago, ska4fun said: Ant yet, both Doyo and Daiwa are using them on their high-end reels, like the Alphas and Zillion series. That's why you use duralumin, with added copper, manganese and magnesium, to reach a middle ground between tenacity, hardness and corrosion resistance. Daiwa is using duralumin alloys on it's Zillion series, intended to freshwater big game like peacock basses. Duralumin tensile properties are higher then some aluminum alloys but corrosion resistance is poor like most molded or casted alloys. Beryllium aluminum alloys are about the same weight as Composite materials, stronger then aluminum alloys but cost prohibitive for commercial fishing reel use. I think we have beat this to death. Tom
waymont Posted June 15, 2022 Posted June 15, 2022 23 hours ago, AmmoGuy said: Warning. Bit of a long rant. Lately, I’m wondering why I spend money on “nice” reels. I usually look for the best value in reels in the $150-$300 range. My lineup includes reels like Coastal SV TW’s, Tatula 100s, Tat Elites, Revo SX’s, Curado DC’s, Curado MGL’s. Some of which have been hit or miss to say the least. My first Curado was so rough/geary I sent it straight back. The replacement was smooth. I’ve had three Coastal SVs, one is smooth, one is decent, and one is flat out terrible. These aren’t lube or maintenance issues. On the other hand… one of my best fishing buddies is NOT a gear head. He can easily afford any tackle he wants, but just doesn’t see the point in spending $$$. His regular lineup includes reels like $99 Lews Xfinity combos from Wally World, $60 Lews Classic reels, and Abu Black Max’s. When we fish together, he catches as many fish as I do, and to be honest, a few of my reels are gearier and louder than his. Specifically one of my Coastals, and one of my Curados are noisier on retrieve than pretty much any of his reels. I fished one of his $99 Lews Xfinity combos a good bit recently, and it casts and retrieves as well and as smoothly as any reel in my boat. I realize that making the jump to truly nice reels… Zillions, Steez, Metaniums, etc.. buys you more consistency and performance… and maybe I’ll decide to make that jump one day. But for now… I’m kind of having a hard time figuring out what the extra $ has gotten me, other than a lighter wallet. Sounds like you have bad luck to me. Maybe you should buy $99 reels, and when they feel bad you won't have to complain about it on BR.
newapti5 Posted June 15, 2022 Posted June 15, 2022 Come back after work and this post is already 7 pages. 6 4
AmmoGuy Posted June 15, 2022 Author Posted June 15, 2022 7 minutes ago, waymont said: Sounds like you have bad luck to me. Maybe you should buy $99 reels, and when they feel bad you won't have to complain about it on BR. But then where would you make your sarcastic or snide remarks?? I’d hate to take that outlet away from you. 2
RDB Posted June 16, 2022 Posted June 16, 2022 The problem is we are 7 pages into a post that is impossible for anyone other than the poster to answer. I may be wrong but I viewed the question as rhetorical (he said he was venting). The answer is in the eye of the beholder and no amount of discussion on tolerances or objective measurements is going to solve the problem. I’m reminded of this male habit every time my wife wants to share or vent and I have to sleep on the couch because I provided unwelcome feedback instead of listening. Add fisherman to the male habit and you get 7 pages of feedback to an unanswerable question. 5 2
Lead Head Posted June 16, 2022 Posted June 16, 2022 @AmmoGuy I would like to make a suggestion that will help give you an answer to your question. You mentioned that you have the ability to get the high end reels, get one (or a couple, maybe a Daiwa and Shimano). Use it for a few trips, if it makes you hate picking up your other reels, you will know you spent the money for a superior product. If it leaves you feeling that the cheaper reels really aren't all that bad and the money you spent on "high end" gear was wasted, sell it. Sell it, and all your "mid-grade" reels and go all in on the cheaper stuff. Fish on with a smile, knowing you have found your "diamond in the rough" scenario. You will almost definitely come out ahead financially. Unless the expensive stuff actually does make you hate your old reels... If another angler having just as much or more success as you with cheaper gear is something that will stick in your head and bother you, the budget gear path is probably the only one that will give you peace of mind. 3
Yuddzy Posted June 16, 2022 Posted June 16, 2022 Fellas, it's been great in here, but I need to go Swiffer my kitchen and eat some rotisserie chicken afterwards. I hope AmmoGuy someday finds the price point where reels feel worthwhile and consistent in quality for the price. ?? 1
AmmoGuy Posted June 16, 2022 Author Posted June 16, 2022 16 minutes ago, RDB said: The problem is we are 7 pages into a post that is impossible for anyone other than the poster to answer. I may be wrong but I viewed the question as rhetorical (he said he was venting). The answer is in the eye of the beholder and no amount of discussion on tolerances or objective measurements is going to solve the problem. I’m reminded of this male habit every time my wife wants to share or vent and I have to sleep on the couch because I provided unwelcome feedback instead of listening. Add fisherman to the male habit and you get 7 pages of feedback to an unanswerable question. An astute observation. 1
waymont Posted June 16, 2022 Posted June 16, 2022 59 minutes ago, AmmoGuy said: But then where would you make your sarcastic or snide remarks?? I’d hate to take that outlet away from you. Sorry dude, you ask an unanswerable question and expect what? I wasn't being sarcastic or snide, just real.
VolFan Posted June 16, 2022 Posted June 16, 2022 Two reasons: 1. Because it is there. 2. Because you can. But, you can’t buy happiness. You can only find it.
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 16, 2022 Super User Posted June 16, 2022 Good night Irene... 4 1 3 1
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