Is reel weight an issue for you?

[senile1]

I've read numerous posts about the weight of reels.  Many seem to have issues with a reel that is, let's say 8.9 ounces, as compared to one that is only 7 ounces.  I thought it would be interesting to get everyone's input.   Some people say the heavier reel will tire you out quicker.  Maybe some have troubles with it balancing with their rod.  I can't say I've ever noticed that an ounce or two has made any difference in my fishing day.  I mean, we're talking mere ounces here.  What do you all think?   8-)

[roadwarrior]

It doesn't mean a thing to me as long as the package seems balanced.

My heaviest rig is a St. Croix EC70MHF/ Shimano Calais 200; my

lightest St. Croix AS66MLF/ Stella 1000. These rigs are complete

opposites and used for different applications. I don't notice anything

good or bad about the weight of either.

8-)

[Raul]

For people that cast with both arms reel weight shouldn 't be an issue, it isn 't an issue when I fish with swimbaits because I cast with both arms, but the rest of the time I cast with one arm and the shoulder not being what it used to be it is reel weight is an issue specailly with baitcasters, can 't cast for extended periods of time with a 8.5 or more ounces reel or the shoulder begins to whine, then it 's the neck and later is the right side of the back. With spinning reels is not that much of an issue, maybe it has to do with the reel hanging from the rod instead of on top of it.

[Daniel My Brother]

The only time I notice is when I switch reels. I can fish all day with a an Abu C4 and be happy as a clam. But if I switch to a lighter, low-profile reel, I don't enjoy going back to the heavier reel.

[senile1]

Thanks for the responses.  I can understand that when one has shoulder or wrist problems (compounded by aging  ) that a lighter reel could possibly make a difference.  I want to see what some of the younger guys say, as I have seen posts from all ages that favor the lighter reels.  

[Raul]

I can understand that when one has shoulder or wrist problems (compounded by aging ) that a lighter reel could possibly make a difference.

I 'm getting OLD !!!!!!!   :- , I mean in years, in spirit I 'm just a toddler ( well, that 's what the significant other says   ), too bad the skin wrinkles.  :-/

[hawgchaser]

I will notice the difference in a lightweight vs. a heavier but it doesn't make any difference to me. I fish allday with extreme combos and they aren't nearly as light as some of my Loomis rigs. But I still like them.

[Pencil Pusher]

I'm older'n dirt and I really don't like the lightweight reels. They just don't feel, for want of a better term, "substantial" to me. On the other hand, I like a light rod. Go figure.

[FishTank]

It did use to be an issue for me but after purchasing a Shimano Core and putting it on a Loomis BCR803, I am starting to change my mind.  There is just something about fishing a light weight set up.  Maybe it is just a little more fun or maybe it is just in my head......

[Jeff H]

 It is a concern for me but to a lesser degree than a well balanced combo.  Still, ain't never going to own a beefy Curado/Citica when I can fish a Castaic, Revo, TD-A HSTA etc.  1 oz can easily be felt in a reel, if that mass was spread out over 6' it's little different but when it's in the palm of your hand you can feel it, at least I can.

[flippin4it.]

                    After suffering a elbow injury, weight of the entire combo has become really important. I had do down size the weight of any combo that I use for pitching a jig, tube or any other soft plastic for that matter. If I could afford it I would buy all Chronarch MG's.  

[KevO]

It is not that big of a deal to me.  I have two curado 200 D's 1 on a shimano crucial rod and the other on a St. Croix premeire.  The weight of these setups is not that important to me and I do not find them to be uncomfortable in any way.  I also have a Carrot Stix/ Core 100mg and compared to the other two rigs its like holding a feather, but switching back and forth between them makes no difference to me.  Then again I work for a moving company and I have to carry heavy furniture all day so a couple ounces here or there is no biggy...

[burleytog]

Nope.

[Alpster]

It's a real big deal for me. I have rheumatoid arthritis and heavy equipment wears on me pretty quickly. I have 5 Mgs on custom built rods (built them myself) so I could balance them to my liking. The only two spinning rigs I use regularly are a GLX dropshot rod with a Stella 1000 and a SJR782 IMX custom with a Twin Power 2500. I have surf rods, swimbait rigs and many flyrods, but I have to be careful how long I use them. My situation is not typical.

Ronnie

[Georgia Jeff]

I can use both the heavier reels and the lighter ones but I find myself always wanting to use the lighter ones.  They do make a difference and are more fun to fish in my opinion.  I have a chronarch 50mg on a bass pro shops finesse rod.  It is crazy light and weighs less than many reels alone.  

[Jeff H]

My situation is not typical.

Ronnie

Possibly, but you might be surprised how common arthritis is and it isn't just an "old man" thing.  I'm 45 (soon to be 46) and this crap started to rear it's ugly head on me 10 yrs ago!  Started with my knees, and it's now in my wrists and shoulders.  Doc said I had it long before I knew it and it just creeps up on you.  I figure by 60 ( if I live that long) I'm really gonna be in trouble.  I bet there are a lot of guys on this site that have it in their future (to some degree) if they don't have it already.  My wrists really started to bother me quite bad last year and I know lighter stuff helps but that balance thing is really a great quality, as well as Ibuprofen.  I feel your pain Ronnie

[5bass]

Having tedonitis in both elbows, the lighter weight rods and reels help my situation tremendously.

[South FLA]

Lighter is better to a degree, taking balance into account, so yes to answer your post.

[Chad.]

Nope, but im still young and gunnin

[Raul]

This thread has become "we the hadicapable ones vs you healthy guys."  ;D

[Chad.]

This thread has become "we the hadicapable ones vs you healthy guys."  ;D

It's ok as long as you think your young

[Bassn Blvd]

I'm healthy and 40 yrs young.  I prefer light over heavy.  If your making a thousand casts a day in the heat then you want all the help you can get.  So to me, lighter is nicer.

[Catt]

All I have to do is pickup my old Abu Garcia Ambassaduer 5000 on a Heddon Mark Special Purpose #6277 to remind me how light my Calcutta is.

[skillet]

"older 'n dirt" pretty much describes my age also! Have 2 Citica 200Ds and an older (real older) ABU Garcia. Have never used the lighter reels so maybe I don't know what I'm missing. After a long day of fishing I sure notice things (arms, elbows, wrists and back, I guess that pretty much covers the whole gosh durned package)more than it used to . Don't think an ounce or so would make that much difference ...

                                 As Ever,

                                  skillet

[bassdocktor]

Could partly be because I am still young (21) but weight isn't an issue. I am using some of the new Quantum enerygy baitcaster which are some of the heavier reels.

However, for me it is about the fit of the reel in my hand. I always have the reel kinda palmed so the feel/size/fit is more important. I'd rather have a little heavier reel right now that feels right rather than a light one that doesn't. I do usualy try to balance it out with a slightly lighter rod.