I know Abu Garcia, Mitchell, Shakespear, are all good makes, how about shimano? I don't need it right now so I'll probably wait for the spring sale then, thanks for the info.
Is the amount of bearings a good indicator of quality? the more the better?
As for why they took my rod, They said I was within 25 yards of a darn and I wasn't (though some other guys fishing nearby were) So I'm taking a lawyer to court.
how about shimano? They are excellent reels, only possible exception might be the AX which is their lowest end model. Otherwise they have gotten pricey. I have a couple of them too and they are probably one of the best reels. But the price has turned me to go with other reels.
bearings a good indicator of quality? We've discussed this on other threads before. It's all marketing hype. More bearings will not improve casting, reeling, fighting ability. I have yet to open up a reel, and the drawings that come with them are so small and out of focus.
My 9 bearing reel is no smoother then my reel with only 3 or 4 bearings. Depending on your target species, look for the quanitiy of drag discs. Most will have 4 or more. You'll also want the reel to be balanced (no wobble) when you spin the handle on the retrieve. Take the anti-reverse off and spin the handle. When the reel is spinning see if it wants to come to rest at the same point all the time, if it does then it's not well balanced. You'll feel it wobble once you spin it, if it does move on to the next. The wobble will mask light bites.
Next turn the drag knob so there is no drag on the spool. With your hand turn the spool, is it turning fairly freely? If it does with zero drag, then slowly turn the drag on a bit at a time. Is the drag coming on little by little or is it instantly full drag? Little by little is good, the drag is working with multiple discs, they might still need oiling tho. But if it comes one quickly put it back.
Match the reel with your rod by putting the reel on to your assembled rod. Now try to balance the outfit on one finger. The proper balance point should be just infront of the spool by 1 inch. Too light a reel and it will balance further up the rod. Too heavy a reel and it will balance right at the spool, which is still better then the previous condition. The lighter reel will make the tip "feel" heavy and the outfit will be less sensitive, you might miss light bites.
Check the reel's line rating. It will be on the spool of how much line will fit on their spool. As and example it might state 8lb 300yds, 10lb 260yds, 12lb 200yds. If your rod says the same line class, i.e. 8lb 1/4 oz, 12lb 3/4 oz then they are now matched. If you rod says 4lb 1/16 oz, 8lb 1/4 oz then the reel is too heavy. Try to match everything up.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
