I always like hearing people's opinions about tackle on this forum and as it's almost bday time for me so a new reel is in the cards. I've been using 2 okuma axions on my abu veritas and abu surfline (replacement for my 2nd hand/broken solaris) and will keep the one on the surfline. I really like the size of the wide spool on the axion and think I prefer that to the more narrow/cone shaped longcast spools that some surf reels have. Another thing I want in my reel is for it to be rigid. I always found the axion a bit wobbly under a heavy load. I'm leaning towards a Shimano Ultegra but keen to hear what every body else is using. CheersHere Fishy Fishy
Re: New reel time :)
Posted by Hangler on 18/10/2015, 7:37 pm, in reply to "New reel time :)"
I have a matched pair of Akios Scora 100 reels, the larger model with the slightly conical shaped spool that allows the line to leave the reel with greatly reduced friction over the front edge of the spool. The line is also held in a tighter pattern to give a good entrance to the first guide on the rod. They are wide spool and hold a good length of line, they also come with spare spools.
These reels replaced my Shimano Bait runners and I immediately gained a few extra metres, although oddly long casting is not a priority.
My previous reels were Okumas, reels I was very happy with until I put them in for their annual service. I can't recall the exact details but there was an issue with the centre shafts the spools fit over. I was told that when the spool and shaft were at their maximum extension, they come under enormous pressure. The engineer replaced both and showed me the shafts he had removed, both had a very slight bend (a kink) at the base.
The Akios reels are an absolute joy to use. Yes they are expensive but in my opinion worth every cent.
I hope this helps.
Re: New reel time :)
Posted by fin-nor on 18/10/2015, 7:39 pm, in reply to "New reel time :)"
Using a penn spinfisher 850ssm and a penn Sargus 8000 also going to be putting a spinfisher V with long cast spool to the collection as I have 9ft, 13ft and 14ft6 rods to provide reels for.
Re: New reel time :)
Posted by Rod Walloper on 18/10/2015, 7:51 pm, in reply to "New reel time :)"
I have used two Ultegra CI4 14000 XSB reels for almost a year now and there are a couple of things I would point out... 1/ You will notice that the drag knob has big slots cut thru the top of it. Sand and light gravel can fall thru directly onto the top of the spool and lie between the drag knob and the spool. There is a little bit of protection stopping grit actually getting into the drag itself but its far from ideal. The designer thought he was being trendy but it sucks from a surfcasting point of view. I use my Penn Spinfishers if its a sandblasting sort of day in the Wairarapa/Wellington. If I am gutting a fish on the beach and I have to run for a rod I cannot be stopping to clean fine gravel/sand off my hands - and that gravel drops off my top hand and thru the drag knob - bugger! 2/ Shimano brag about the instant drag...take your rod out of the beach spike and a small adjustment of the drag and you are fighting the fish. Early this year I caught a 14lb snapper. 20 mins later I had a big take - automatically gave the knob one rotation...as per a Penn Spinfisher...woops, 25lb line tightens in a second and snaps and I'm left standing there like a half sucked black ball wondering what the hell happened. I had actually locked the spool up. So the drags are really sensitive and take a bit of getting used to. (I think it might have been an eagleray rather than another snapper but I'll die not knowing). On the positive side one turn or so and you are ready to cast. Don't tighten it up hard like a regular reel or you will break something! The precision treatment of the gears makes this reel so smooth its almost spooky.
Re: New reel time :)
Posted by Phill on 19/10/2015, 7:31 am, in reply to "Re: New reel time :)" Tackle Tactics
Wharfrat purchase a reel that is easy to get parts /serviced. service ranking 1/ Diawa 2/ Okuma 3/ Shimano 4/ Penn- Abu pretty much anything else good luck.Remember tyhe reel is just somewhere to store the line let the rod do the work.
on 18/10/2015, 6:40 pm