I need an opinion on the strongest level wind reel

[Dominick]

Nice discussion.  I think Justin has made the best case so far.

I agree but $900.00 Dominick

[oc1]

Nice discussion.  I think Justin has made the best case so far.

I agree but $900.00 Dominick

If anyone deserves it, you do.

[steelfish]

Nice discussion.  I think Justin has made the best case so far.

I agree but $900.00 Dominick

If anyone deserves it, you do.

you only live once Dom, go for it 

[Dominick]

Well, my birthday is coming up on the 24th.        Dominick

[akfish]

I'm not trying to make waves, but the best answer to the question is to learn to use a non levelwind. I can't tell you how many levelwinds come into the shop that have been ruined fishing for halibut. A graphite (read: plastic) framed reel will torque under even moderate drag pressure and cause the levelwind to misalign and soon get hung up. An aluminum framed reel (Tekota, Fathom, etc.) is somewhat better but still far from reliable. A moderately narrow reel will solve your problem, especially if you don't fill it all the way with line. I would think the Penn US Senator 113HN would be ideal.

[RowdyW]

Dominick, I think that Sal built you the ultimate reel for what you are trying to do. Why not try taking "The Tank" side plates and putting them onto a Tiburon 113HL UN frame and spool to narrow it more and the line will almost self align by itself and you will have the strength of the Tank. 16 screws and you are there.      Rudy

[Brewcrafter]

Rudy speaks wisely.  I have been honored to fish "The Tank", and have my own Tiburon T4N and T4XN conversions.  And as Rudy says, a T4XN will certainly work "OK" for spooling, will cast "OK" (mine is outfitted with ceramics), and as far as strength - no contest.
Looking more modern, lots of good suggestions above.  Frankly, my casting ability is at best "OK" so I am a big proponent of the Lexa 400 - love mine and can cast the heck out of it.  Shimano Tranx and Okuma Komodo are also good in that regard. And the Okuma has the levelwind that tracks with the spool on casting or when drag is taken, similar to the Tranx. - john

[Porthos]

Dominick,

• What line class are you fishing it with? With a factory rating of 320/20, ~6 lbs max drag for 1/3 rule, ~8 lbs if bumped up to 25lb test
• Assuming you are using braid main to top shot, what is your main line weight? Even if going with 25lb top shots, you go with as low as 30lb braid main to max out capacity
• Is the braid solid or hollow? Possible bump up in capacity with hollow but it should be tested first. Best to ensure you have as much line possible if it's a big one hooked.
• Will the boat you are fishing from chase the fish if need be? 573lb marlin on 4 lb test is documented...with very synched up helm coordination.

If the maintenance is up to snuff, and the idler gear and worm gear are frequently inspected, then having extra idler and worm spares is prudent. A more exotic solution is to machine a custom METAL idler gear; makes the reel more dangerous to your fingers but may be worth the durability over the factory nylon ones.

To avoid excessive lateral stress on the level wind, always ensure the entire spool of line is in synch with the leveler. When outbound and safe to do so, let out the entire spool off the stern and retrieve back before fishing.

All of the above applies to all level winds regardless of $$ or $$$$ ones. Can debate mechanical advantages of one reel versus another until blue in the face, but universal techniques come into play as well.

I have intentions of a "level wind only" day (in addition to a true  "spinners only" day) on a SOA charter for up to 60lb setups (up to 100lb for spinners) but you may have already fished Baja several times before can I report back on the results.

YMMV and good luck!

[alantani]

would this be for roosters?  or something bigger. a 40 pound topshot with 12 pounds of drag, a 50 pound topshot and 15 pounds of drag, or a 60 pound topshot with 18 pounds of drag?   

[alantani]

having just fished cabo with you, i have an idea of what might work well.  i am still a fan of the 320/330 GTI series reels.  there is a 5-stack of drags that is similar in size to the 113h drag washers.  the gear teeth are a little smaller than the 4/0 senator 113h, but they are still fairly tough.  the levelwind assembly is prone to failure, but that problem nearly disappears with the addition of a small teflon shim under the levelwind pawl.  otherwise, i think that it is one of the strongest, heaviest levelwind assemblies available.  the gear sleeve is larger and i still have some stainless steel ones left.  and, most importantly, i have a 5/0 handle with a stainless steel arm that fits perfectly. 

the issue is one of line capacity.  if you are trolling for big roosters in the 20-30 pound class, the 320 gti/gt2 rigged with 65 pound braid and a 30-40 pound topshot would work fine.  for anything larger up to 50 pounds, i think that the 330 gti with 65 pound braid and a 40-50 pound topshot would have the extra line capacity needed.  for anything bigger still, i would only recommend a two speed lever drag for reels with topshots in a 60, 80 or 100 pound range. 

[Bill B]

having just fished cabo with you, i have an idea of what might work well.  i am still a fan of the 320/330 GTI series reels.  there is a 5-stack of drags that is similar in size to the 113h drag washers.  the gear teeth are a little smaller than the 4/0 senator 113h, but they are still fairly tough.  the levelwind assembly is prone to failure, but that problem nearly disappears with the addition of a small teflon shim under the levelwind pawl.  otherwise, i think that it is one of the strongest, heaviest levelwind assemblies available.  the gear sleeve is larger and i still have some stainless steel ones left.  and, most importantly, i have a 5/0 handle with a stainless steel arm that fits perfectly. 

Well, I think we have the answer... "Because Alan said so". 😎. Bill

[Wompus Cat]

Shakeyspeare made a Model Named HERCULES and by all Mythological reports the Son of Zeus was the Strongest Semi Mortal to date .
Surely this reel would be  the Strongest Level Wind according to lore ?

[Wompus Cat]

Can't believe no one has listed the Notorious Penn 350 Level Wind.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Can't believe no one has listed the Notorious Penn 350 Level Wind.

So someone else did make one! How was it? How was line lay?

[Wompus Cat]

Can't believe no one has listed the Notorious Penn 350 Level Wind.

So someone else did make one! How was it? How was line lay?

Never tried them on Marlin but fo Mr. Whiskers always worked fine .