New Fishing Reels

[bigbill]

I started off with using tackle for trout when i first started fishing for bass. Of course the bigger fish just tore up my cheap reels. So i did some research into what reels were decent reels at the time. Not the top shelf stuff just something with 3 or more bearings and up to 10 ball bearings. Here's what i have noticed so far in the past 10 years or so.

With 3 ball bearings these reels seen looser to make 1,000 casts using spinnerbaits. With the less friction i'm less tired by the end of the trip.

With 10 ball bearings i can't use spinnerbaits because cranking these reels takes a lot of energy out of me with all the drg on them. I actually use these reels with plastics when there new to break them in first then when they loosen up a tad i switch them to crankbaits/spinnerbaits.

Has anyone else noticed this with the new reels?

I'm no pro but i'm very serious about my tackle. When i'm out fishing, i'm fishing against myself to see if i can do better. Bill

[OnthePotomac]

You have confused bearing count with performance. Instead, look at the manufacturer and the price of the reel. The Shimano Citica 200 E for instance, only has two spool bearings, a pinion bearing and an anti reverse bearing, but it is a dandy little reel and smooth as silk. Although discontinued, they are still available if you search the net and often for as low as $89.00. I also have a 10 bearing reel which performs on a par with my Citica 200E's. I do not understand how you have equated a high bearing count on a reel being harder to fish with. In many cases manufacturers will add a bearing at the base of the drive shaft (instead of a bushing) and either two, or four bearing in the handle. At least in the handle, this contributes to smoother cranking. My advise is don't get caught up in the bearing count.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

^^^^^^^^x2

[dave]

Confusing bearing count with gear ratio?