Spinning reel bail trip method(manual vs. trip lever)

[lifeofRiley]

I saw this youtube video and thought I'd post here to get opinions. I've mostly closed my spinning reels by hand, but probably crank them closed with the handle as well. The reason I've always heard to close by hand is to avoid line loops and that it's easier on the bail spring. This video talks about closing a reel via the trip lever causing gear wear.

[Cor]

I have never used a spinning reel in any significant way and don't plan to, but purely from a mechanical point of view what the guy is demonstrating in the video seems to make sence to me.

If it is important I can't say, reels all do have their wear and tear issues.

I recently asked a guy that fishes a spinning reel in a similar way as I do my conventionals if he needs to service his reels a lot and if he has a lot of wear issues.    Contrary to my expectation his comment was that spinning reels are very durable and easy to maintain.

I always felt spinning reels have more working parts and therefore require more maintenance, is this in fact correct?

[Alto Mare]

Nice video and thanks for posting, but we talked about this a while back on here, this isn't anything new for most of us.
I've been closing the bail manually as far as I can remember and so have many of my friends.
I still use the SS spinners, the 650 the most. Those have no springs, the bail arm hits a rubber bumper and snapps.
Very effective design, but I still like to close it manually, once you get used to it, it no big deal.
Most larger high end reels only come with bails that close manually and that's a good thing.

Sal

[Jeri]

Totally logical on fixed spool reels, a sound engineering problem. Been closing reels manually most of my life, and on the reels we sell in the shop, we offer to dis-engage the trip mechanism. On Quantum Cabo's its easy, just 2 screws to remove the trip ramp - then the reel just become manual.

Cheers from sunny Africa

Jeri

[Midway Tommy]

Interesting video and concept. I can see where that may absolutely extend the life on spinners with brass pinions and aluminum alloy gears. Loose tolerances even intensify the wear on that gear quality. I doubt, though, that a reel with quality steel worm pinion and heavy brass main gearing will evidence the wear he is suggesting. I've seen and used hundreds of old school quality reels that have trip mechanisms that basically don't allow manual bail closure, and honestly, I don't think I have ever seen quality gears worn as is described there. At the very worst I have only come across a couple of worn bail trip levers or studs.

Moral of the story, IMHO, is don't buy spinning reels with cheap pot metal alloy gears, and if you do plan on throwing them away eventually.   

[johndtuttle]

Auto-trip is a relic of entry level spinners to make them easier for beginners to use. No truly serious spinning reel is auto-trip anymore.

Auto trip beats up the gear train, the bail arms, leads to more gear wear and leads to lost lures.

Once you learn to manual trip I do it on every spinner I use without thinking.

[Midway Tommy]

Auto-trip is a relic of entry level spinners to make them easier for beginners to use. No truly serious spinning reel is auto-trip anymore.

Auto trip beats up the gear train, the bail arms, leads to more gear wear and leads to lost lures.

Once you learn to manual trip I do it on every spinner I use without thinking.

"Once you learn to manual trip I do it on every spinner I use without thinking."

That is no more than just habit. The same can be said for auto trip. 

Fifty or sixty years from now we'll see how many of these newer designed reels are like the "Energizer Rabbit" still "going strong."     

[johndtuttle]

There is not the slightest question that the current crop of super spinners are far stronger than any spinning reels made in the past, and they are catching far bigger fish.

If their lifetime is any shorter than a Penn 704Z then it is only because they are not landing Stripers, but Cow tuna.

[mo65]

   I have always manually tripped the bail also...but I got a Penn 720z for panfishing and you can't manually trip it...because of the way the mechanism works. Has anyone had a problem with excessive wear on these?

[David Hall]

Fifty or sixty years from now we'll see how many of these newer designed reels are like the "Energizer Rabbit" still "going strong."     
[/quote]

I got news for you, I won't be seeing anything fifty years from now!  I'm hoping to get another 20!

[Decker]

Fifty or sixty years from now we'll see how many of these newer designed reels are like the "Energizer Rabbit" still "going strong."     

I got news for you, I won't be seeing anything fifty years from now!  I'm hoping to get another 20!
[/quote]

Hey, we're all lucky to get another week!   Write a message to a future generation on the inside of your reel 

[Alto Mare]

   I have always manually tripped the bail also...but I got a Penn 720z for panfishing and you can't manually trip it...because of the way the mechanism works. Has anyone had a problem with excessive wear on these?

You are correct Mo, the 720 bail release arm gets locked into the bail arm. Those little reels are pretty tough, if fished to specs( something we don't do often ) the bail spring will eventually get weak, but that's about it.
The 550SS has one of the best design for the bail arm release...well, to me anyway, simple and effective.

Sal

[mo65]

Those little reels are pretty tough, if fished to specs( something we don't do often ) the bail spring will eventually get weak, but that's about it.

   I agree Sal, the 720 is a tough little fellow. It's something that is referred to as "over built" today,
but in it's time it was just "well built". I fished it hard a few weeks ago...lots of casting...lots of engaging that bail...and it performed like a champ. I checked and that bail spring is still available, so I think on my next order from Scott's I'll buy a few just to be ready.

[Midway Tommy]

   I agree Sal, the 720 is a tough little fellow. It's something that is referred to as "over built" today,
but in it's time it was just "well built". I fished it hard a few weeks ago...lots of casting...lots of engaging that bail...and it performed like a champ. I checked and that bail spring is still available, so I think on my next order from Scott's I'll buy a few just to be ready.

I agree with "well built" or "quality". I've often wondered who coined the phrase, "over built".  Probably some "Board" dudes answering to a bunch of conscious-less share holders that demanded growth rather that just sustaining the status quo of "mere" profit. 

I was taught, whether it be tools, tackle, guns or other sporting equipment, to buy quality, take care of and maintain it, and it will more than likely last you most of your life, therefor eliminating the need to spend needless money on replacements, leaving more dollars for necessities and the finer things in life like trips, time, funds, etc., to enjoy them. Seems like we've pretty much become a throwaway society these days. Kind of a shame, too, if you ask me  , but I guess life has been a little easier lately than it was for our parents and grandparents.      

[mo65]

I've often wondered who coined the phrase, "over built".  Probably some "Board" dudes answering to a bunch of conscious-less share holders that demanded growth rather that just sustaining the status quo of "mere" profit.   

   Exactly Tommy. "Over built" makes me laugh. Sounds like someone complaining that a product is built too well...sheesh!