Benefits of expensive reels?

[panger]

There's been a bit of discussion of using high end high modulus rods but I'm wondering what are the benefits of using higher end reels.

I've never used anything like a stradic or a capricorn, and am wondering what am I going to get if I upgrade. Good rods I know for sure from experience will mean more fish but I'm not sure if the same is true for reels. I've used some real cheapo reels in the past and can't think of one instance where they have cost me a fish.

So what are the benefits? I sure they will feel nicer but I'm after real functional benefits.

[swoffa]

There's nothing like the feel of a quality spinning reel in your hand.

This topic is always a very sensitive issue, and before I start a fight let me just state that the following is my opinion and that really doesn't count for much.

A good quality reel really is a joy to fish with, it's the smoothness and the weight that make it that way.

If you pay the big bucks for something like a Stella or Airity you will get the smoothest and most reliable drag you've ever felt matched with one of the lightest bodies around. But you'd want to get a lot of use out of it to justify the money.

If you come down a level and go for something a bit more mid-range (more in my price range) like a Sustain or Luvias, you get something that will still be very pleasant to fish with on a semi-regular basis and has a very good drag system and is a compfortable weight to fish with all day.

Then there's the more "basic" reels with the "average joe fisherman" price tags like the Stradic and Capricorn as you mentioned. This class of reel serves the majority of keen fishos and is IMO the best value for money for those who don't fish comps and don't fish very often.

The next step down from there of course would be the price bracket for people who only fish on the odd occasion.

Basically, I've always thought that you should by the absolute best gear that you can afford and justify by way of how much use it will get. There's no way that I can justify a top-shelf reel at the moment as I'm lucky if I fish more than once a week, and I just don't have that kind of money to burn.

[panger]

Heh, heh, heh, your more "basic" reels for the "average joe fisherman" is my higher range reel. What reel do you use? I'm guessing a Sustain or Luvia from your reply.

[swoffa]

I only use Sustains and Luvias's at the moment, but I'm planning on ordering a few Airitys in the very near future.

I used to use Capricorns until recently, now they just feel so heavy and the drag is not reliable enough. The 1500 Capricorn is so big compared to the 1500 Luvias.

[Traveller]

Panger,

Once you get to the top end its hard to seperate the reels apart from winding and drag smoothness... feel, weight, etc. I think the Daiwa is better made than the Shimano....

But there is a noticeable difference between the low-med to the high-end.....


Andrew, Be careful once you go to the Airity its hard going back... and it can get very expensive...................lol... I got a couple of airities but I still like my Luvias shallow spool model 2004... its just so nice to use......

But seriously its hard to seperate the top end reels....the daiwa's anyway... In saying that I do have stella's as well.

[DAGGA]

Ok so when you say stella's you meen more then one right???????

[rigzz]

Hi,
The main difference is that, in 15 years time, you'll still be using your Stradic or Luvia or Ambassadeur or whatever. You won't be doing that with a cheapie because it will have self destructed about 13 years go!
Cheers,
Rigzz

[swoffa]

Originally posted by rigzz
Hi,
The main difference is that, in 15 years time, you'll still be using your Stradic or Luvia or Ambassadeur or whatever. You won't be doing that with a cheapie because it will have self destructed about 13 years go!
Cheers,
Rigzz

In 15 years time I will have been through another 15 reels, that's why they bring out new models every year...

[Traveller]

Dagga, I do have two with another one coming. Have 2002Year Model 2500AR, 2003Year Model 1000FA, the new one is the 2004Year Model 1000AR MG. Also just found a limited edition 10year anniversary Stella.... getting the 2000 size......

I kinda collect these babies........ but use it from time to time as well... but generally prefer my Daiwa's.. Luvias and Airity for fishing.

[DAGGA]

Oh ok
You wouldnt also happen to have a toilet made out of gold now would you?
Just joking sounds like a sweet little collection!

[Nath_18]

LMAO David he doesnt have a gold toilet i but i bet his jigs are made of gold
I can see it now, Traveller with gold plated fishing rods and all beefed up from wearing so much "bling bling" and tossing out gold jigs to Bream LoL

chears, Nathan

[Traveller]

Nah.... used up too many jigs........lol....

I just collect a few different reels......... that's all....
I buy them o/seas which also helps.......... The high end reel are f.... expensive in australia......

[Angry]

In answer to the original question, the major benefit of a quality (not necessarily an expensive reel) is the drag mechanism. a crap drag on a reel will cost you more fish than any other single functional component on a reel.

if your reel goes zzziinngraunchzziingraunchzziingraunchzzinng, instead of zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, toss it or fix it.


I made that word up, could ya tell.


and by the way, a well serviced mid range reel will out last an abused top end reel anyday.

[Angry]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by swoffa

"Then there's the more "basic" reels with the "average joe fisherman" price tags like the Stradic and Capricorn as you mentioned. This class of reel serves the majority of keen fishos and is IMO the best value for money for those who don't fish comps and don't fish very often."

sorry mate, But if you think that yor "average joe" is going to pay for a stradic or a cap, then you don't know too many "joes".
most of my mates think I'm a nutter for spending what I do on tackle. these averages joes choke at anything in the three figure range ( and I'm talking combo's with line here).

I'm not trying to have a go here, but you need to redefine your A.J. here. remember 80% of your fisherman buy their gear from Kmart, or from the bargain bin. they wonder why their gear fails when buried in sand, and catch F,all fish. They don't read or research their catch and they remain the 90% who only catch 10% of the fish.

The simple fact that someone bothers to ask a question on this website elevates them from average joe status. And I'd bet about 75% of the folks here on this website are using Stradics or less.


I'll get off my soap box now, and go and fondle my sustain. Not because it catches more fish, just because i can.

[Traveller]

You're right there angry......

One thing you missed out is that some of the reel shines nicer than the others...............lol..........

But seriously I also suggest that the winding mechanism is also very important.... not quite as much as the drag.....