Tica Team big game reels?

[multifuel]

Hi Alan, I was wondering if you knew anything about the Tica 2 speed (30 series) reels. My local shop has a really(reely?!?!) good deal on the 2 speed 30ts. The reelis heavy as all get out @ 66oz. and the maching looks pretty much first rate. the reel felt good in my hands and with the dual drag system PLUS 2 speeds for under 4 hundred bucks each spooled w/ pp spectra 65# and 50# ande mono on top i am really thinking this might be the trolling reels i put on my new slammer trollers i got for x-mas. I was looking at tld30II series as I have a tld 25 (bought 3 of your handles for 'em, from white bear's site) and love my 'mano but the more i read the less good stuff i read; even you say it is one of your least favorite reels. Please let me know if you have any data, i am very curious about these seemingly beautiful well made reels.
http://fishingresorceguide.myblogsite.com/entry2.html      - here is a review
www.ticaamerica.com is website, not much good info there.

[alantani]

if these reels had greased carbon fiber drag washers, and IF the drag range was adequate, i'd say go for it.  i read the review and saw nothing about the drag system.  that has me concerned.  unless you find info to the contrary, i would assume that the drag washers are "something else" and i would avoid this reel.  i've had to custom cut a bunch of drag washers for these off brand reels.  it's getting to be no fun.  alan

[multifuel]

Hi Alan, thanks for the info, I emailed them and they said it was grahite so you know. Here is the reply:

"The drag material is Graphite. The grease is special for this drag. We include the grease with the reel. It is dry and needs only a very light coating. We have sold these reels at different country in the world & and customers like the product.

Bonnie
Tica USA
1-800-390-5268"

. I passed and picked up 4 Avet EXW 4/0 2 speeds for about 325 bucks each based on your opinion as well as the highly positive feedback i heard from many others. I read your posting on stripesonline and may take apart one to see if A) i can do it and B) see if i can do it! I was looking TLD30II 2 speeds but Avet's @ same price were hard to pass up. I will be fishing this Saturday, we are having a stellar sailfish season this winter on the treasure coast of FL and am planning an overniter on my boat. Thanks, appreciate your hard work on all these reels! Frank

[alantani]

wow!  you got a real bargain, even if they ARE used.  take a look at the 6/0 grip for this reel.  alan

http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=214.0