What to look for in a BC

[fisherdad]

I know all about the specs of baitcasters and what to look for in a reel and what specs lend themselves better for different applications. What I'm asking, is when you get the store, after narrowing down your choices, what do you look for when you actually get a chance to hold the reels? How do you "kick the tires" when making a decision?

I was thinking one test could be turning off all braking and then release the spool and give it a spin and see how easily and how long they spin. Maybe then putting the brakes half on, and spinning it again.

Also obviously, just cranking the handle and seeing which one feels smoother, easier to turn.

[islandbass]

Spinning the spool is no real indication of performance.  Just make sure that the reel feels comfortable to you. That should be the bottom line.

[Dug]

I like to see how smooth it turns, but in cast and handle when cranking and heft, how heavy is it.    I disagree that spinning the spool is no real indication of performance, it can certainly help you to understand if the reel can spin well with different brake settings, and this to can be an indicator of how light you go with your lures.    Another think I like to do is tighten down the drag and see if I can spin the spool and if so, does it shutter/stutter or turn smoothly.


Dug

[Pro Reel]

Spinning the spool is no real indication of performance.  Just make sure that the reel feels comfortable to you. That should be the bottom line.

True statement. That can be like comparing apples to oranges. If you do that with two identical reels and one spins more freely than the other, that would indicate a problem. To compare similar reels of different brands this way, won't necessarily corespond to a better casting reel. Spool designs are very different from one reel to another. Some that seem to spin very easy might not cast any better than one that feels a bit stiff. I use before and after spin times to judge the improvements of tuning, but that is on the same reel. You already know the first step of comparing features in your price range. Bearing counts can indicate quality level but don't rely on that very much. Drag design and drag rating is a good indicator to judge comparable reels. Frame design is critical to me. I would definitely get a metal frame reel over a polymer or graphite frame. Once you have picked several reels that you are considering, the instore shopping should be done at a store that will let you mount the reel on a rod. first. compare fit and feel of the reels. 2nd, look for gaps in the joined surfaces. A quality reel will have tight tolerances. 3rd, mount the reel on a rod and see if it still feels comfortable in the postion you hold it. If you have a mom and pop style tackle shop, that might be your best bet. Many of the smaller stores will put line on demo reels and let you step outside to give them a try. Casting similar reels with the same line and the same practice plug is the only true way to compare them. The guy at my local tackle shop loves to help customer do this. Thats how he learns which reels cast better himself. They also are willing to show you some pointers in settings and techniques.