U-Tube Hack Job

[Maxed Out]

 Watched a U-Tube video last night on converting a 140 squidder over to Cortez Conversions sideplates and custom seat. This same guy has hundreds of videos on servicing Penn reels. He was pretty clueless on this video. He did grease the gears, and the yoke, but only where the pinion hits the yoke. No light coat of grease anywhere else. No grease on perimeter screws, or any mating surfaces, and no oil on the bearings. Also had no rod clamp. When he was finished, he gave the spool a hard thumb flip and got about 5-7 seconds of very noisy freespool. The dry bearing noise sounded like a freight train going down the tracks. This video to me, is how NOT to convert your reel with Cortez plates. He obviously has never clicked onto Alantani.com

 I don't know how to post a link, but you ain't missing a much if you don't see this hack job

[Keta]

This halfwhit?

https://youtu.be/5lshFT1yIog?si=L41WXCRph-QAHi3E

[Maxed Out]

 Yep, thank you Lee for the link

[Keta]

I wasted my time watching one of his earlier videos and I had a good idea who you were referring to.

[foakes]

Few things we might realize here, fellas —-

First, we here on Alan's site are at a much higher level than nearly any other reel servicing, upgrade, and repair shops.

We know where the grease goes, what type of grease, how to assemble the reel using carpet or a microfiber cloth so there are no scratches, what type of oil to use, how to properly coat the drags washers with Cal's, what tools are best, how to grease the screws, how to make sure the spool adjuster is not tight until the screws are tightened, and a whole lot more.

For us it is second nature —- and a higher level of care, tuning, and adjusting is what we do.

I have watched some of this gentleman's videos in the past —- and I still cringe at some of his shortcuts, the wrong everyday tools, lack of oil & grease at critical points for future services and less potential damage, and a lack of knowledge about many of the reels he is working on, plus breaking parts on some of his videos.

However, this does teach the guy who has never taken a reel apart —- how to do so fairly effectively using regular homeowner tools that most folks might have.

At Alan's site, regardless of what we may think otherwise —- we are still a small group of professionals, amateurs, and teachers on reel-working. And folks may just need to know some basics before determining if they want to get to our level, or just fix a reel to go fishing.

As a matter of fact, I have visited many tackle shops around the country over the years —- and possibly 80% of the "reel techs" do not do as good a job as this guy.  You know what I'm talking about —- basic removal of a sideplate, wipe off some crud, pop in some drag washers or a bail spring.  Couple of drops of oil, then a WD40 spray and wipe so that it smells like some real work was done.

They charge the same price we do, or more —- and can "finish" a reel in 20 minutes —- where it might take one of us 2 hours to do it right.

One thing that also makes me cringe is the fact that he doesn't give credit to those custom parts from Tom and Ted —- there should be an acknowledgement and respect for these superior products.

However, this is how 90% of the world works on reels —- and we shouldn't be critical.  There is plenty of room for everyone.

Plus, he is doing a service for a lot of folks by putting himself out there and doing these videos.  I appreciate that!  He is a good man doing good work.

Just my opinions.

Best, Fred

[ExcessiveAngler]

Wow, that was not nice!
I just happened to like Dennis!
And although a little crude in his videos, he's helped me out quite a few times when I was stuck!
On that note, I'm out!

[Gfish]

"Dennis, no, no, grease, come-on, GREASE buddy GREASE! Oooh man you didn't grease the threads!"
Kinda hard to watch, but I like Dennis. He has the right base-level idea; 2nd Chance Reels, the old-good stuff. Hope the screw threads don't corrode as time goes on, those are some nice aftermarket parts.

[MarkT]

I don't care if you frame a Squidder. It still has dime size drags and very slow 3.3:1 gears. Yeah, best upgrade is to sell it and buy something better! I do like the blue frame. I put a purple frame on my 146.

[Keta]

For some uses the older reels are often better than the current high speed reels with  bearings that are not needed.  However if you look at what I take on a LR trip you will see few if any "vintage" reels, all 2 speed LD reels from the tiny FTH10N to a International VISX 20.

[MarkT]

For some uses the older reels are often better than the current high speed reels with  bearings that are not needed.  However if you look at what I take on a LR trip you will see few if any "vintage" reels, all 2 speed LD reels from the tiny FTH10N to a International VISX 20.

My 25# reel is single speed as are my Lexa 400, TranX 500's and spinner for poppers/stickbaits. Last year I only used 40#+... hopefully this year too!

[Lunker Larry]

Quote from Fred-They charge the same price we do, or more —- and can "finish" a reel in 20 minutes —- where it might take one of us 2 hours to do it right.

Thanks for posting that. I had to show that to my wife. She keeps telling me I spend too much time on a reel and should charge more. I take my time and treat every reel like it's my own.

[festus]

I watch his videos, but at times he's a comedy of errors. But I do appreciate his endeavors, at least I get to see the innards of some reels I may consider buying in the future.

[jgp12000]

I only watch him to see where parts go,I wouldn't let him near
My reels.Who knows how many screw heads have been boogered & paint jobs scratched.Seems to be rough with the reels IMO