Modern Reels Are A Joke

[CommandoDude247]

I've been using baitcasters for 30 years now and have seen lots of reels come/go. On forums such as this there are always lots of questions about which reel/brand to go with. I will say I've used nothing but Daiwa/Shimano and would never switch based on the current crop of garbage on the market. I've handled countless brands in-store, rebuilt different brands for others and studied lots of schematics/pics and am seriously disappointed with the current materials and build quality being used. Sure manufacturers are under pressure to stay competitive with features, low weight, etc., but the modern lightweight materials gives a pathetic impression in my hands.

For example, I recently spotted the ABU Revo MGX in a sporting goods store and would expect MUCH more for a $350 price tag. Carbon fiber doesn't cost that much to produce these days and will never replace aluminum for my uses. FWIW if an angler has a problem using a reel that weighs 9-12 oz. for hours on end maybe they should hit the weights instead of spending tons of money on super light reels.

This thread may stir some debate, but I have an opinion like others and thought I would add my thoughts on the subject. IMHO manufacturers should give a better quality product with longer lasting materials if they still try charging what they do for subpar products.

[BassMan83]

[LgMouthGambler]

Meh, you got to know what you are buying. Welcome to the world of "plastic". I will tell you that there are a few reels the retail for $100 that will give you many years of trouble free service with proper care. All my reels are in the $150-350 range, but I know how they are made, and that always plays into my purchase decisions. Just keep in mind, any reel can be a piece of crap if you abuse it from day one. Take care of your equipment and it will take care of you.

[Jared LeBlue]

It all boils down to this, as long as people will pay $400 for a reel manufacures will sell reels at that price point. I saw some reel handles the other day that sold for $89. Really dude $89 for a reel handle. People buy it and they sell it.

[Ron Fogelson]

Quality isn't always the top of the price point it depends a lot on what the angler likes/wants/needs.

A few years ago I didn't want to jump from the older Greenies because I was so used to them and how they fit my hand, I just didn't have any idea how I'd hold and cast the tiny reels of today.  However going from 10 to 12 ounces per reel to under 6 is a god send for me "I have MS" & it's well worth the extra $$ for a light rod and reel as long as they hold up.

Simple things a young person can take for granted can be come much more of a challenge as they age or have health issues I know at least I did.  This year I put a stepladder on my boat, might not be cool looking, might add a few hundred to the price of a boat that should come equipped with a girlfriend but it sure helps getting in and out of it easier and that lets me go fishing more often.

Same with light weight gear.... a gym isn't going to help me and as joints and health start to be replaced with pain I'll keep looking for lighter and lighter gear. 

[TNBassin]

I agree with the OP on those that complain about a "heavy" reel. I always chuckle when I hear fisherman talk about fatigue.

[LgMouthGambler]

It all boils down to this, as long as people will pay $400 for a reel manufacures will sell reels at that price point. I saw some reel handles the other day that sold for $89. Really dude $89 for a reel handle. People buy it and they sell it.

$89? Thats cheap! Do some research and you will see most are $125-200!

[coldfront]

$89? Thats cheap! Do some research and you will see most are $125-200!

neither of those numbers seem 'cheap' to this frugal guy   

[Brocksdad1]

Commando

So just what do you buy?

[Canesfan]

Commando

So just what do you buy?

(Probably Zebco 33's)   

[LgMouthGambler]

(Probably Zebco 33's)   

They may just be out of his price range.

[njpaulc]

I worked in sporting goods retail 30+ years ago.  Durability doesn't matter when manufacturers change "models" of reels annually.  The Diawas D series, the Cardinal 50 series from the early '80's were good reels that I would reccomend to anyone.  They were replaced by lower quality items. When most consumers are out to buy the latest and greatest, durabilty and quality are not important.  How many of us have perfectly usable "last years reels" in a box in the basement because we had to buy the newest reel?

[Mike Cork]

I'm with Commando that some reels are way over priced, I can't lump them all into that category but a bunch.

I'm with Ron in that age and a worn out body make it painfully obvious that a set up is 5-6 ounces heavier over all after a day of fishing. Between the two rods and 8 bolts in my back, the anchors and wire in my right shoulder, and the elbow that I ruined by turning wrenches in awkward positions while fixing aircraft, 5 ounces makes a huge difference come tomorrow. To say an angler like me needs to hit the gym and get over it  well walk just an hour in my shoes and see what you think. You can't lump everyone into your "you need to hit the gym" until after you've done that.

If this came across as a rant I didn't mean it that way, just that there are reasons beyond "oh it's pretty" that anglers might need or want more pricy equipment.

[Brocksdad1]

I only have two bulging disc Mike but I'm with ya.

[coldfront]

How many of us have perfectly usable "last years reels" in a box in the basement because we had to buy the newest reel?

not this angler.   

and I've met a lot of folks who 'earned' their bodies, their aches and injuries in service to this nation.  Mike, I 'get' that it's just not all about hitting the gym.  didn't come off as a rant at all.

I confess that I don't think about 'lighter' rods/reels and what that can mean to a person.  So appreciate ron's comments as well.  Then again I am a recreational angler.  Not a competitor.  so I CAN put them down if I need/want.

thanks guys!

[LgMouthGambler]

I worked in sporting goods retail 30+ years ago.  Durability doesn't matter when manufacturers change "models" of reels annually.  The Diawas D series, the Cardinal 50 series from the early '80's were good reels that I would reccomend to anyone.  They were replaced by lower quality items. When most consumers are out to buy the latest and greatest, durabilty and quality are not important.  How many of us have perfectly usable "last years reels" in a box in the basement because we had to buy the newest reel?

Just because a reel changes doesn't mean parts aren't available or replaced by a lower quality item. Buy premium equipment, then you wont have to worry about it. Here is an example, take apart Shimano Curados. They are all the same inside. Brass, plastic, and steel are all a part of the construction of the internals. The important thing is where these materials are used. Knowledge of the product you are purchasing is key, and that goes for anything. Take a look at how many quality Shimanos and Daiwas are still being used today.

[Lee Smith]

Go through a few rounds of Chemo and see if those oz's make a difference?  If it weren't for getting thrown off this board, I would say what I think!

[LgMouthGambler]

Go through a few rounds of Chemo and see if those oz's make a difference?  If it weren't for getting thrown off this board, I would say what I think!

I can only imagine the difference it makes for you, especially over a few hours of chucking and winding. God bless you. I see it in my Grandfather every day.

[TNDiver]

I am sure CD was ranting about the younger generation and wanting lighter stuff.  When I was backpacking, weight is also an issue, but I am not going to sacrifice a quality and needed item because it is heavier for something that is lighter but not up to par.   Yet I would see this all the time with the youngsters    

I remember when the Wii gaming system came out and people were complaining about having to hold there arms up to play and Wii's response was, then you need to work out more!  LOL  Yes, there are those with significant injuries that NEED the lighter weight gear, but lets face it, the manufacturers are not producing this equipment for the injured, it is for the masses that will pay for lighter gear, most of which do not really need it.  And honestly, almost anything today is not made with good quality components.  If you want a John Deer tractor, then don't buy it from the big box stores because they are not the same quality as if you went to a John Deer retailer and bought one.  Why?  because the big box stores want to sell them at a discount for greater profit. Well John Deer wants their profit as well, so to meet the price they use inferior products.  Plus companies learned a long time ago that if you build a superior product, people don't buy your products as much because it lasts!  Most electronics don't last like they used to and that is because they use inferior products so you are coming back in 5-7 years to purchase another.

I could go on about the quality of stuff made overseas vs here in the US, and probably somewhat related, but that is for another day!

[CommandoDude247]

Commando

So just what do you buy?

Haven't bought a new setup since 2002 and have no intention of doing so. Prefer to use solid reels like the Calcutta, my trusty TD-X 103, etc. Use them, replace parts as needed and know they will last decades if cared for properly.

[Brocksdad1]

Ok how much was your most expensive reel

[LgMouthGambler]

A Calcutta is not cheap, nor is it garbage. This brings me back to my previous comment, quality reels.

[CommandoDude247]

Ok how much was your most expensive reel

$200 for the TD-X 103 HSD back in 2002. Think the Calcutta in the late 90s was $160-170.

[CommandoDude247]

Go through a few rounds of Chemo and see if those oz's make a difference?  If it weren't for getting thrown off this board, I would say what I think!

By all means PM me to say what's on your mind. I won't take it personally as I'm sorta in the same boat. I live with 60% lung capacity due to allergy induced severe persistent asthma that severely limits my endurance and static strength.

[Brocksdad1]

Ok now because of time going by and inflation. That same Money today 220+-15 bucks. Maybe more.
You still use your reels and that's great. And you replace parts when needed. That's cool.
Guys can do the same with today's reels, and have lighter more comfortable reels that are also more sevicable.
Also today's plastics are much more robust than that of 10 years ago. With polymers and such. For anyone to not take care of their gear is not smart and shouldn't expect it to hold up.
I'm not sure why you have come to your conclusion about today's reels. Where is your supporting evidence that they are inferior to your models. Especially if taken care of like you take care of yours.