ARB VS. Dogs

[r8rs4lf]

I just recently started taking an interest in Accurate reels. Started off purchasing the Dauntless 600N 2 speed. Then they announced the Valiant 800 so I got rid of that. I ended up ordering an 800N 2 speed and a 600N single speed. The thing that attracts me about the Valiant line is the light weight. The thing that is starting to worry me is the ARB and no dogs.

I'd like to hear anyone's opinions on this as my order won't be placed until Monday. If adding dogs isn't too expensive and kill the weight savings I might just get that done on the order or should I just go with the Dauntless?

[akfish]

You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.

[Alto Mare]

You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.

I agree.

[r8rs4lf]

You can't just "add" dogs unless the reels are designed for that and from all I can understand, Accurate has not done that. For me, at least, I would be **very** worried about a 100# class reel with only an ARB. Remember that Accurate had quite a few problems with the ARB-only Boss reels. That said, if you keep the ARB clean and don't grease it, you might be OK. But for me, these new reels are a nonstarter.

I've read somewhere that it can be done, just not 100%.

That's what I'm worried about because that's what I'll be targeting, 100lb+ tuna.

[alantani]

the 600NN is an interesting reel.  it is possible to remove the brown nylon bushings, then press the AR bearing down to the bottom, and then press in a second AR bearing on top.  now you have two 14x20x16 AR bearings, each providing 15 pounds of "anti-reverse" holding capacity.  the jigging community demands "instant" anti-reverse, and this provides the greatest amount of anti-reverse "hold" of any reel on the market.  no other reel will gives you this much "instant" anti-reverse holding power. 

[Bryan Young]

Personally, I prefer reels with both, ARBs and ARDs (spring loaded), like Shimano Trinidads that have been upgraded with spring loaded anti-reverse dogs.  I like the non-slip of the handle, but if drag gets high, I know that the handle will not spin backwards on me.

[akfish]

Over on the Accurate Board, they are saying that they have washers to protect the ARB so that no salt can get in to corrode and cause the ARB to fail. I'm sure that helps, but gee, for a $700 reel rated for 130#, why not back up dogs???

[r8rs4lf]

Over on the Accurate Board, they are saying that they have washers to protect the ARB so that no salt can get in to corrode and cause the ARB to fail. I'm sure that helps, but gee, for a $700 reel rated for 130#, why not back up dogs???

I agree!!!

I changed my order and went with the Dauntless 600 2 speed. If that 800 Valiant proves itself, I'll buy it at the Fred Hall Show. I did order the Valiant 600N single speed for my yo-yo rod. A whopping 54" of retrieve per crank.

[handi2]

Ive been through a bucket full of the Valient reels and was impressed on how they are built. Great looking lightweight reels.

[akfish]

I agree, the Valient reels are impressive. But Accurate is coming out with 800 and 1000 size Valients meant to be fished with 100# and 130# line. Those bigger reels, IMHO, need dogs!!

[MarkT]

I have a DX2-400 with an ARB and dual dogs.  My BV-300 has 2 ARB's. Both are rock solid.

If I need another 100# reel it'll be a Makaira, not a Valiant! When I'm going into combat I want a tank.

[akfish]

Makairas are great -- but do check out the new internationals. I'm more than impressed.

[boon]

With only 36lb of drag (according to Accurate) I would call that a 80lb-class reel tops. My 65lb reels have more drag than that.

I think if they're fished within their capability and looked after it shouldn't be an issue.

[Rivverrat]

the 600NN is an interesting reel.    now you have two 14x20x16 AR bearings, each providing 15 pounds of "anti-reverse" holding capacity.  the jigging community demands "instant" anti-reverse, and this provides the greatest amount of anti-reverse "hold" of any reel on the market.  no other reel will gives you this much "instant" anti-reverse holding power. 

Now that is a good bit of info right there. Can these reels be pushed as hard as an Avet HXJ Raptor ? .... Jeff

[alantani]

now, i'm doing this from memory, so the numbers may be off a little, but they should be pretty close. 

the narrow hxj raptor holds a unique niche in my opinion.  it holds 300 yards of 80 pound braid and a 50 yard topshot of 50 or 60 pound mono or fluoro.  it also has i think 47 inches per crank and can generate 20 pounds of drag at strike easily.  i think that makes it the perfect reel for tossing jigs for yellowtail or wahoo, where speed is important.  the non-raptor hxj will perform to this same level so you can save some money! 

some guys have been using the standard width hx for 80 pound.  i think it's a little light.  i would rather see guys use a penn 16 or makaira 16 for 80 pound.