PSA to those selling reels re: fresh braid

[JasonGotaProblem]

(the below is a statement of opinion. Some comments have shown me that there may be more nuance to the issue than I realized.)

I don't think the ohana needs to hear this. But I know lots of people visit the site without posting and maybe this will help someone.

If you're selling a used reel, and considering getting it respooled with fresh braid or mono, because you think doing so will increase resale value or desirability...

DON'T BOTHER. YOU'RE WASTING YOUR MONEY AND TIME.

I don't know a single person who buys used reels and uses it with the line that's already installed, unless they know the seller personally. Nobody. Step one is remove existing line and throw it away.

If you've got a reel that seems to be worth about $100 based on eBay completed listings, there's just not a snowballs chance in hell that spending $40 on getting it respooled is gonna make the reel worth $150. Or even $105. It does not add one penny of value. It's just less profit you will walk away with.

You wanna make a reel appear more valuable? Remove all the line so the buyer can see the spool isn't corroded (or see that it is corroded, know what they're buying, and be less likely to leave bad feedback or ask for a refund). That's a winning strategy.

Rant over.

I will add a caveat that when I wrote this I was thinking about vintage reels, and it seems many who search for vintage reels agree with me. The weekend warrior looking for a discount on a modern reel may feel differently.

[Reeltyme]

Have to TOTALLY agree with EVERYTHING you said! I'm always concerned when buying a new treasure if it has line on it. What will I get under that line?

[Swami805]

Totally agree, especially on eBay, I want to see the condition of the spool.  Been looking at 10/0 senators and see them full of wire line, I'd never buy one like that

[Jenx]

Apparently I care less about spool corrosion than others, because I have no problem using the braid that the reel came with. I guess it depends on the reel, but For some of the ones I own I can probably just buy a new spool for cheaper than what it would cost to re-spool it with new braid.

Granted, I won't pay extra for the braid, BUT if there are two comparatively priced reels for sale, and one is filled with braid, and one isn't, then nine times out of ten I will buy the reel with the braid.

[Mjg378]

When it's "freshly spooled" makes me suspect there is corrosion that is being hidden....
  I did though  buy one with new line after much discussions with the seller. 

[JasonGotaProblem]

Apparently I care less about spool corrosion than others, because I have no problem using the braid that the reel came with. I guess it depends on the reel, but For some of the ones I own I can probably just buy a new spool for cheaper than what it would cost to re-spool it with new braid.

Granted, I won't pay extra for the braid, BUT if there are two comparatively priced reels for sale, and one is filled with braid, and one isn't, then nine times out of ten I will buy the reel with the braid.

Well I'll be danged. So much for my absolutist position. There's an exception to everything.

[Jenx]

Well I'll be danged. So much for my absolutist position. There's an exception to everything.

Honestly I have just never thought about spool corrosion. Maybe I should. Usually I don't replace braid on my reels unless it's getting low, or I want to switch to a different size. Recently I took all the braid off of my Fathom 25n to get it respooled with something lighter, and I didn't see any corrosion on the spool, despite the fact that that reel went for a swim in the surf a couple years ago.

[steelfish]

Granted, I won't pay extra for the braid, BUT if there are two comparatively priced reels for sale, and one is filled with braid, and one isn't, then nine times out of ten I will buy the reel with the braid.

Probably 90% of weekend warriors are like this too.

so, offering a reel WITH braid on it, still seems to be a good sales strategy

[JasonGotaProblem]

I've added some nuance to my initial post. Namely that when I wrote it I was thinking about vintage reels. The weekend warrior looking to roll the dice on something used to get a discount on a modern reel may feel differently.

[Jenx]

If nothing else this thread taught me a couple of things.

I always just assumed if someone was selling an empty reel it was because they were saving a few bucks by keeping the braid for themselves. I never thought they might actually be trying to show you the condition of the spool.

And now I know if I ever sell a reel on this site to remove all the line first.

Cheers.

[oc1]

Back when I was interested in vintage lines, I bought a reel just because it was loaded with what appeared to be unused Cuttyhunk.  Still have the line but the reel was given away.

[oldmanjoe]

Back when I was interested in vintage lines, I bought a reel just because it was loaded with what appeared to be unused Cuttyhunk.  Still have the line but the reel was given away.

I have done the same also, but we have keen eyes sight ,,

[MarkT]

I prefer reels that come with braid but I don't pay extra for it. I have 3 reels I bought with braid and use it... Avet HXW w/100#, Shimano Saragossa 14k w/65# and 8k w/50#.

[ourford]

I have to agree with Jason. I've sold reels both ways and there's really no advantage to respool. Sometimes I put good used braid on a reel just to see it get some use. I once bought a new unused Ahab 12 that was spooled with Daiwa Samurai. Sometimes you get a little bonus.

[Gfish]

It'ed be nice to get some braid on a spool(the one that the braid comes on when sold)possibly for backing, but yeah, de-lined on the reel spool so's you can check. eBay sellers don't hide flaws!