The Lineup

[J Francho]

Since Jimzee posted his collection of fine, fine reels, I thought I'd post a pick of what I'm using. There's another Black Widow II not shown, mainly because its covered with trout and cured egg slime, LOL.

They're certainly not as nice as Jimzee's, but they get the job done for me. Almost all have upgraded bearings and Carbontex drags. In fact, the two beat up silver Capricorns have more $$ in them than I paid for the reels originally (about $40).

Left to right, top to bottom:

Zebco 33 Classic (don't laugh, solid reel, about 20 years old), Daiwa Capricorn XTC 1500, 2x Daiwa Capricorn XTC 2500, Shimano Stradic 1000FG (how did that get there???), an old Quantum IR3, for catshing and pike.

2x Daiwa TD-Sol, TD-Ito Alphas Ai, 2x Daiwa Capricorn Super Tuned

Black Widow II, 2x TD-X103HSDL

A little birdie told me there might be a more Shimano added to the mix, a Sustain 2500, and a Curado E... Might also be a Fuego in the pipeline as well. We'll see.

The Ito is my latest addition, and I couldn't pass it up. I got it today, and immediately dismantled it. Good thing I did, too. I learned a lot I didn't know, like the main gear and crank shaft being aluminum. Yeah, those SS bearings had to go, LOL. Abec 5 Ceramics for this bad boy. I'm sticking with the stock drag washer...for now.

If you ever wondered about the guts of a reel, here's what it looks like:

Yes, I got it together with no extra pieces (besides the old bearings) and it works better than new

Now, melt ice, melt!!!!

[SWMIBASSER]

Honestly do the aluminum gears take away from the warm fuzzy guarantee on the box feeling in your belly?

Because it does me. And I've got a couple reels in my future that have those as well......Hopefully those hold up fine.

[J Francho]

I'm usually skeptical of "aircraft aluminum gears" but in this case, it likely won't matter. This is a finesse reel, and will so no more than 8# line.  SInce this is a JDM reel, there is no guarantee.

[SWMIBASSER]

Oh the guarantee on the box comment was just a homage to Tommy Boy ;D

I don't use one, but in helping my son (he's 4) practice casting his zebco 33 I can't help but think that it would be the IDEAL reel for skipping docks.

Nice line up BTW!!

[rippin_lips]

What line is that on the Black Widow it looks amazing!

[SWMIBASSER]

Anymore info on the Black widow reels.....Metal frame/Sideplates?

Where are you getting your bearings, and have you used them from that source awhile?

Of all the reels to trick out I've thought about doing some stuff to a 4600C4 I have to put on a swimbait rod. ;D

[Big O Tires Angler]

You're very humble about your great collection of reels! They may not seem like much to you, but the effort you put into upgrading and getting them tuned is well noted!

[roadwarrior]

Well now, very nice, but it's the inside that counts!

Kinda like NASCAR running those "stock" Chevys,

Fords, Dodges and Toyotos.

8-)

[SPEEDBEAD.]

What line is that on the Black Widow it looks amazing!

I believe Sufix makes a line that color.

[J Francho]

I'll try to get to all the questions.  The Orange line is Suffic Siege in Tangerine.  Yes, it does look pretty sick on the BWII.  That is the line I use for steelhead fishing.  The water can get pretty crowded, and it helps myself, and other anglers see where my rig is drifting.  Pretreated with KVD L&L, this line is super pliable, low memory (even in temps far below freezing), and has a quite a bit of stretch, though that is a good thing.  I've landed many fish over 10 lbs. with 4-8lb. line.

I get bearings from a few sources.  Reel Mech has them, Smooth Drags has them, you can get them direct from Boca Bearings, Hattaras Outfitters has them as well.

SWIMBASSER, get your son a Daiwa Goldcast.  Its more like a spinning reel, with a line roller and oscillating spool, than it is a spincaster.

I'd have to double check the Black Widow again, but I am sure that the frame is aluminum, and the brake side plate is composite.  I just can't remember on the crank side, though I seem to think that's cast Al as well.  One gripe I had initially was the plastic star drag, but its actually a brass nut underneath, and I this arrangement has worked for years on older Daiwas.

Thanks all for the rest.