Motoboss Posted January 26 Posted January 26 I attended a local fishing show this weekend at Honey Creek Tackle and in a seminar by Fred Roumbanis he hinted to a new “major product development “ coming soon. The hints were aimed towards a new reel which possibly would have the ability to contain multiple gear ratios in one reel; ie. 8.3:1, 7.1:1, 6.3:1 and 5.2:1 (these ratios are an example and my input not mentioned or suggested ratio’s). Point being, one reel that with the push of a button, flip of a switch or adjustment of a knob one would be able to have the desired lure retrieve speed without changing reels or rods. I see this as a total game changer. As example a MH/F rod with one reel could fish crankbaits, tie on a spinnerblade or put on a midsized punch jig without having to change rods. I know this is totally out of reasoning of many tackle aficionados or gear junkie but could make sense for those on a limited budget or new to the sport who have limited gear availability. I have never seen such a reel and don’t believe one exists. I find it intriguing. Any thoughts? Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 Shimano made a freshwater baitcast reel in the 80’s the had a gear shift lever on it. Ask DVT about it 🤣 There are plenty of saltwater reels that can do that. I have zero interest in such a reel as you speak of. BTW, whom does he say will bring this reel to market? 1 Quote
Super User Tennessee Boy Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 I might be interested if it had an automatic transmission. Personally, I've never liked a stick shift. 😆 5 Quote
Motoboss Posted January 26 Author Posted January 26 19 minutes ago, F14A-B said: Shimano made a freshwater baitcast reel in the 80’s the had a gear shift lever on it. Ask DVT about it 🤣 There are plenty of saltwater reels that can do that. I have zero interest in such a reel as you speak of. BTW, whom does he say will bring this reel to market? He wouldn’t elaborate, name a manufacturer or dates but said “soon”. I am aware of saltwater reels that had two gear (ratio) capabilities but nothing for freshwater, specifically for bass fishing. Quote
Super User casts_by_fly Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 Because it’s a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. For the saltwater reels, you need the low gear to truly winch in the big fish. You don’t need that for bass fishing. And while you might optimize a setup for big crank baits with a 5 speed reel or prefer an 8.5 for top waters, just putting a nominal 6-1 or 7-1 ~31” retrieve reel on is versatile enough to do any technique. So a switchable reel is just going to add weight and complexity for negligible benefit. 8 Quote
10,000 lakes Bassin Posted January 26 Posted January 26 I’ve got a reel that I can adjust lure retrieve speed on too. I just turn the handle faster when i want it to go faster, and slower when I want it to go slower 6 Quote
Super User F14A-B Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 Sounds like something KastKing would do imo. 2 1 Quote
Super User FishTank Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 1 hour ago, Motoboss said: I attended a local fishing show this weekend at Honey Creek Tackle and in a seminar by Fred Roumbanis he hinted to a new “major product development “ coming soon. The hints were aimed towards a new reel which possibly would have the ability to contain multiple gear ratios in one reel; ie. 8.3:1, 7.1:1, 6.3:1 and 5.2:1 (these ratios are an example and my input not mentioned or suggested ratio’s). Point being, one reel that with the push of a button, flip of a switch or adjustment of a knob one would be able to have the desired lure retrieve speed without changing reels or rods. I see this as a total game changer. As example a MH/F rod with one reel could fish crankbaits, tie on a spinnerblade or put on a midsized punch jig without having to change rods. I know this is totally out of reasoning of many tackle aficionados or gear junkie but could make sense for those on a limited budget or new to the sport who have limited gear availability. I have never seen such a reel and don’t believe one exists. I find it intriguing. Any thoughts? How was the show? I was supposed to go but couldn't make it. Any good deals? 2 Quote
Motoboss Posted January 26 Author Posted January 26 Yes some serious discounts on tackle, rods at 25-50% off as well as clothing. All baits, line at least 15% + off. Mark Menendez was there along with Zaldine, Roumbanis and Patric Walters. Good seminars and a packed house. 2 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 26 Super User Posted January 26 I have worked on those old Shimano two speeds. Complete PITA. 3 Quote
Super User bulldog1935 Posted January 27 Super User Posted January 27 Two speed Penn Senator goes back a long way. First consideration for me is how they achieve multi gear ratios, and sounds like a lot of weight that may not be worth the "convenience" (if any). I vote with the marketing ploy camp. 1 Quote
KDW96 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 ABU GARCIA made one; XLT 2 SPEED. Early 90s late 80s. Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted January 27 Posted January 27 3 hours ago, J Francho said: I have worked on those old Shimano two speeds. Complete PITA. That’s putting politely. I’d get banned for using the words to describe my feeling about those. 1 2 Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 27 Super User Posted January 27 2 speed big game salt reels with lever drags are standard today. Fresh water just buy 2 reels with different gear ratio. Tom 1 Quote
Motoboss Posted January 28 Author Posted January 28 Yes, all the “con” comments are the obvious, not that there are any “pro” comments to offset the practical side of a multi-gear reel. Just the curious messenger for a new idea of reels, although all innuendo, speculation and guesswork at this point. Sizing, to me seems to be the biggest issue, three or four gear ratios in one housing would make a pretty hefty unit! Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 28 Super User Posted January 28 3 hours ago, thediscochef said: Sounds heavy The one I worked on was far less than 12 oz. Quote
MediumMouthBass Posted January 28 Posted January 28 If Shimano can make gears for a bike change ratios im sure they can make a reel do it too! It would undoubtedly be heavier/bulkier and its first quarter sales would more than likely be a flop, but it would be interesting. I would like a company to come out with a quick change gear set, but even that would probably go the same route. As today most anglers carry several reels with them no matter where they fish off of. Whether bank, kayak, or boat. But you never know, todays advancements in reels are pretty great. And to me theres not really much more room to move up since for the average angler who spends $100-250, what else can they add? Not too long from now these companies will have to think of something new (or old just brought back with a different name). And what can they offer that the masses (not the few) would want? A reel that can change ratios might fit that, for marketing atleast. 1 Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 28 Super User Posted January 28 They did it 30 years ago and it wasn't heavy. No one cared. 2 Quote
Super User Team9nine Posted January 28 Super User Posted January 28 18 minutes ago, J Francho said: They did it 30 years ago and it wasn't heavy. No one cared. 4 Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 28 Super User Posted January 28 The 2 speed pen International reels basically down shift to lower gear ratio 4.1:1 to 1.4:1 for example. Shifting is simple push in a button on crank handle center shaft. Down shifting helps fighting big game fish near the boat to put maximum pressure on the fish. Can’t see any reason to have a 2 speed bass reel. Looks like it’s been tried a few times with bass reels without success. Tom Quote
Motoboss Posted January 29 Author Posted January 29 I ponder new technology and manufacturing techniques that could use “space age” materials for gearing enabling it to be almost micro thus allowing for three, four ratios in one reel. I don’t see a new two speed but a multi geared reel offering the ability to change gearing for different presentations not for providing extra granny gear. Nothing at all similar to previous outdated models. Processes have changed from years past and new technologies have to think outside the box to be successful. There is nothing even close between a past production multi geared model to a (new) multiple geared reel. I believe our thinking is to narrow and focused on past experiences and products verses visualization of a completely new direction of production. Maybe not………….. Quote
ABU is overpriced Posted January 29 Posted January 29 I don't want to have a reel that weights 3 Bantams. Quote
Motoboss Posted January 29 Author Posted January 29 7 minutes ago, ABU is overpriced said: I don't want to have a reel that weights 3 Bantams. Once again, thinking of present production models technology -vs- cutting edge processes and materials. I think the fear would be “I don’t want a reel that cost 3 Bantams” Quote
thediscochef Posted January 29 Posted January 29 I mean if it's heavier than a tournament pro I'm usually complaining so "heavy" is relative 1 Quote
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