Are graphite reels really bad?

[Beeno]

No

[Manifestgtr]

Graphite reels are NOT as bad/bendy as some guys say (unless you’re out there trying to pull trucks with them or something...)

 

ive been throwing several Shimano casitas right alongside my aldebarans, curados and metaniums for years...they’re just fine.

 

the abu black max is arguably the greatest >$50 reel on the market...cheap graphite. 

 

 

the chronarchs that a lot of guys swear by...a lot of those are graphite and they’re high end, pro caliber reels.
 

Don’t let it throw you as long as the reel is made by a reputable company. 

[OnthePotomac]

This conversation reminds me of one on another site years ago when the merits of Curado reels were being discussed.  A poster joined the conversation to say he had purchased a new Curado and the third time he used it, it "exploded".  When asked to define "exploded" by others on the thread, he simply vanished from the site.

[Tywithay]

I think people confuse perceived vibrations with lack of smoothness. Graphite, especially the good stuff like ci4 and zaion, transmits vibrations far more than aluminum and magnesium. You could put stella gears in the ci4+ and it still won't "feel" as smooth, even if it actually is just as smooth. You'll feel the teeth mesh because of the nature of the material. The flexing argument isn't really relevant with today's reels like it was 20 years ago. 

[Shimano_1]

I think for the average weekend fisherman graphite reels are just fine. I personally don't buy them because for not much more money there are options that have aluminum frames.  I buy things thinking i want it to last years but its doubtful ill wear many out before upgrading so its a moot point. I've got several buddies that fish graphite reels hard and can't remember them having issues....but they definitely feel worse than the higher prices aluminum reels. 

[suzuki2903]

Have a couple graphite reels from a name brand company that are mid range price $140 ish .... had one bend the tabs that go into the reel seat which then put the spool in a slight bind.  Called the company and they said they’ve never heard of such a thing and after looking at pictures they sent out a new reel frame right away.  Since then, no more graphite reels for me. Maybe a odd thing but I’ll spend more for a better quality reel.  Oh and all I did was land a decent size bass on its second outing. 

[ChrisD46]

On 3/21/2008 at 8:16 PM, bilgerat said:

A poorly made graphite reel can twist and distort to a certain degree under a heavy load. I've seen this myself on saltwater (fighting a snapper blue for instance). In a case like this, a reel with an all metal frame would have the advantage.

HOWEVER, a well made graphite reel would be fine for 1 to 6 # fish. As previously stated, maintenance is the key. Excellent graphite reels can be had for 30 bucks.

*I'll agree with this statement - high end reels are now using space age composite materials  , so not ail high end reels are metal any more .   

[DanielG]

I dunno but here is a chart showing characteristics of various graphites and other materials. I think we're talking Graphite vs Aluminum mostly here right? If so Graphite is either far superior to Aluminum in many characteristics at least equal in some. People might have their own experiences but usually the data tells the story. Someone can say that fiberglass is stronger for example, but it really just plain isn't no matter how much someone says that it is.

For anyone not aware of this. In scientific notation that little raised number means the number of zeros in it. One downside of graphite is the cost. I think graphite is probably pretty good stuff. Ask any biker if they'd like an aluminum or graphite frame bike.

[DomQ]

Graphite reels are fine, they will work just fine for bass fishing. I'm sure shimano wouldnt spend money to develop and mass produce a reel out of it if they were going to have to recall every single one. 

[dodgeguy]

I would never buy a reel with a graphite frame. I've seen spinning reel necks flex and brake and baitcast reel feet break off.

[DanielG]

6 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

You do realize a carbon fiber object and a plastic object with some graphite/carbon power mixed in are not even remotely the same?  Graphite/carbon reels are actually predominately plastic reels.  They are not sheets of carbon cloth formed into a rigid object.  They are graphite power reinforced resin reels.  They are injection molded just like any other plastic object.  Why do people STILL in this day and age get tripped up into thinking that they are the same as airplane wings or carbon fiber sports equipment.  

 

That said is it a perfectly fine material to make a reel out of in the higher carbon content resins like Daiwa's Zaion and Shimano's Ci4+.  These top tier resins rival magnesium's rigidity to weight ratio.  While my preference is for aluminum for smoothness and noise reasons I do like the high carbon content materials for reel seats, locking hoods, drag starts and side plates (although I still prefer aluminum handle side plate for superficial reasons).  

Ah yes I do realize that... who mentioned carbon fiber? The chart is about graphite, the OP's question was about graphite. You're the only one talking about carbon fiber. I don't think carbon fiber is mentioned anyplace in this thread except in your comment asking if I know the difference. The chart I included though, does indicate the greater characteristics of graphite. If we were talking carbon fiber it would be even greater.

That being said I don't have any graphite, or carbon fiber reels (they do make them btw) I have a Curado which has Shimano's Hugane frame which I believe is an aluminum/titanium alloy. Weight and rigidity. And I hope to have a carbon fiber spinning reel one day.

[Tywithay]

5 hours ago, DanielG said:

Ah yes I do realize that... who mentioned carbon fiber? The chart is about graphite, the OP's question was about graphite. You're the only one talking about carbon fiber. I don't think carbon fiber is mentioned anyplace in this thread except in your comment asking if I know the difference. The chart I included though, does indicate the greater characteristics of graphite. If we were talking carbon fiber it would be even greater.

That being said I don't have any graphite, or carbon fiber reels (they do make them btw) I have a Curado which has Shimano's Hugane frame which I believe is an aluminum/titanium alloy. Weight and rigidity. And I hope to have a carbon fiber spinning reel one day.

Carbon fiber is graphite. 

[waymont]

They are ok, but don't last long under hard use. They also tend to be noisier, and transmit gear vibration to your hand more easily. I used to have some  graphite  Lew's reels, and they had about two years in them, then started getting loose, and vibrating more. However they can be good for lighter use, and for someone who doesn't fish that often.

When I started fishing more, and heavier line I had to switch to metal reels.

I do however love my Tatula LT spinning reels.

 

I am mostly critical of graphite casting reels.

[jimmyjoe]

   FWIW:

 

   I have a Casitas HG. My first plastic reel. When I got it, I thought from comments that it could take heavier lures that give a resistive retrieve. So I put 14 lb. test Sufix Advance mono on it and installed it on a MH/F rod to pull 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits. It casted great, but after a few weeks it had a "   ...sh .... sh ....sh" sound on retrieve. I took it off, greased and oiled it, put on 10 lb. Yo-Zuri and installed it on my M/MF crankbait rod.

   Problem over. It's quiet, smooth and casts like a dream.

   My opinion of plastic reels is that they are just fine ..... as long as you keep them for some light duty usage.

   There are plastic musky reels on the market. Whether this comparison means that they would be just fine for heavier use on bass rods, I don't know.

   I don't believe I want to find out, either.         jj

  

[dodgeguy]

46 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

   FWIW:

 

   I have a Casitas HG. My first plastic reel. When I got it, I thought from comments that it could take heavier lures that give a resistive retrieve. So I put 14 lb. test Sufix Advance mono on it and installed it on a MH/F rod to pull 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits. It casted great, but after a few weeks it had a "   ...sh .... sh ....sh" sound on retrieve. I took it off, greased and oiled it, put on 10 lb. Yo-Zuri and installed it on my M/MF crankbait rod.

   Problem over. It's quiet, smooth and casts like a dream.

   My opinion of plastic reels is that they are just fine ..... as long as you keep them for some light duty usage.

   There are plastic musky reels on the market. Whether this comparison means that they would be just fine for heavier use on bass rods, I don't know.

   I don't believe I want to find out, either.         jj

  

Sounds like you had to much line on it.

[jimmyjoe]

5 minutes ago, dodgeguy said:

Sounds like you had to much line on it.

 

   Nope. Checked that.      jj

[dodgeguy]

43 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

 

   Nope. Checked that.      jj

That's weird. Did you take spool out to put line on? Dirt maybe fell out ? 

[jimmyjoe]

   I figured it was possibly flexure from higher loading, and that it disappeared when I re-assigned it to a lower-resistance rig. Don't know for sure. Problem is gone, though.       jj

[CrankFate]

On 3/20/2008 at 9:52 PM, Guest muddy said:

Just more and more of the same BS!!!!!!!!! I have dropeed my Pflueger President, down the side of a rocky embankment ( actually more than once) at the river, on the floor (concrete and otherwise) with no I repeat no issues over a number of years and many trips.

 

Yes, it is BS. I throw and drop my reels on the rocks and bang them up all the time. They do not break. All metal reels actually holds up worse.

 

On 3/20/2008 at 10:14 PM, Mike-in-WV said:

The real truth can be seen just by walking around your house and your garage. Take a look at your truck or car inside and out PLASTIC! , Your computer, PLASTIC!, Your $2,000.00 plasma TV, PLASTIC! in the kitchen your wifes Microwave, PLASTIC, The handles on the pots and pans, PLASTIC!. I think you get what I'm saying here. Don't knock it just because it has plastic on it, so does most of your biggest investments. Some people feel it was all for the better, cheaper and lighter,   Mike

Plastic is an awesome material. Just like anything else. If it’s properly made it works better than metal. The old metal products feel silly now a days. I’ll never forget replacing the 300lb 30 year old all metal microwave And 3000lb all metal dishwasher that came with my house. It is an absolute sin to have been making products like that. Big, barely functional wastes of metal. No different than the cars that weighed 5,000+ pounds and got 5 MPG on the highway. Some of them are nice, and will last forever, but everything was just pure waste. Most of them were just garbage. I saw a car show at a local park few days ago when we were getting out of quarantine for a few hours. All I ever think is how you only see like 10 or 12 vintage car models at these things, because the other 100 models were so terrible.

[jimmyjoe]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

  Kitchen appliances are disposable 10 year items now.

 

   Ten? Really? How did you get that lucky?    jj

[fishwizzard]

1 hour ago, BaitFinesse said:

I for one wish they made kitchen appliances like they used to.  They lasted 30 years and you think that is somehow bad?  They're only heavy when moving them.  I replaced a fridge that was in my house from when it was built in 1974 with a modern stainless unit that I'm sure is pure trash by comparison but it looks neat and is counter depth which worked out well for my new kitchen design.  I wish my new fridge was built to last like my old one but I know it is not.  Kitchen appliances are disposable 10 year items now.

They are, but they are also vastly more energy efficient then the old ones, so it evens out a little bit.  I am about a week into having my first non-20yo fridge and man I am in love.  Not having to bend at the waist every time I want to get a beer is going to add years to my life! Only downside is that the light is so bright that it kills my night vision so there has been an uptick in stubbed toes.  

[redmeansdistortion]

5 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

I for one wish they made kitchen appliances like they used to.  They lasted 30 years and you think that is somehow bad?  They're only heavy when moving them.  I replaced a fridge that was in my house from when it was built in 1974 with a modern stainless unit that I'm sure is pure trash by comparison but it looks neat and is counter depth which worked out well for my new kitchen design.  I wish my new fridge was built to last like my old one but I know it is not.  Kitchen appliances are disposable 10 year items now.

I'd like to redo an old 50s Frigidaire or something but with newer energy efficient innards.  Chrome and seafoam green like a '57 Chevy.