what is the best coventional surfcasting reel at this point in time

[snagger]

i have been using  peen squidders for a long time and they have been good to me but i would like to get something more tough.......i mean i have stripped gears in them and rounded the bridge sleeves .....changed over to stainlesss but still worry about gears. the stripers  i get are pretty rough on gear(the one in the ID picture is an example)......i looked at newells but worry about the company........the reel has to cast good.......be basically bullet proof (stainless gears)....reasonably easy to maintain...hold approximately 300 yds of 30 lb mono...any recomendations would be appreciated

[floating doc]

This is a good question. How important is it to have the most modern reel, as opposed to something that's older but will work for you?

I'm not up to date on the newest tackle; that's why I lurk on this site but rarely post. My likely useless contribution: I'm going to make a plug for a Penn 990. 325 yards of 30 pound mono, stainless steel gears, super stout drag system from a 4/0, magnetic cast control, ball bearing spool, and 4.7:1 gear ratio (a lot faster than the squidders).

It's only been out of production for 18 years .

There's always one or more listed on ebay. There's currently a listing for the entire set of three (970,980 and 990, new-in-box), plus a very nice looking 990.

I bought mine in 1980 when they came out. The only thing that's ever been replaced was the drag washers; I switched to HT 100's when they became available in about 1982; otherwise I've never had to change a part.

[floating doc]

Oh, and that's an incredible striper! I always wanted to catch one, but I was in NY and NJ during the years when they were really hard to catch (76-86).

[Makule]

Normally, when someone asks a "best" question, there will be as many recommendations for different products as there are responses.  It's because what is best depends on ones point of view and needs.  That you require about 300 yards of 30 lb mono, be very durable and strong, helps to narrow the range, but still leaves a whole lot to consider, and affects the mix of compromises and recommendations.

How important is overall weight?
How important is high speed?
About how much braking power do you need?
Is ease of repair/maintenance important?
Do you prefer ball bearings to bushings?
How much of a factor is price?

The more specific you can be about what you want, and don't want, the easier it is to come up with recommendations.  Please don't misunderstand.  I'm not saying any of this to chastise you, but to help narrow down the list of potential suggestions.  Don't feel bad about your question either as we've all asked about "best" this or that.

BTW, I don't think the Newells could be considered to be "bullet proof" by anyone.

[snagger]

most important is line capacity about 300/30 ......strong gears......i was looking at avet lx but one of my buddies said if u get sand  anywhere near it theres problems. with the squidder i just dowsed it with water and i was good to go. i still like the looks of how its made as far as sevice it looks pretty simple

[broschro]

most important is line capacity about 300/30 ......strong gears......i was looking at avet lx but one of my buddies said if u get sand  anywhere near it theres problems. with the squidder i just dowsed it with water and i was good to go. i still like the looks of how its made as far as sevice it looks pretty simple

what about the jig master 505 hs

[Alto Mare]

You can't go wrong Sticking with the older stuff. The Penn 501 might be just what you need, it is a little faster, but that shouldn't be a problem for you. Gears are stronger than the Squidder, bushings instead of bearings that will last forever and servicing them is a breeze. I do a little surf fishing myself, but use my older 650ss or 750ss spinners to tame those stripers. I never mastered casting with  conventionals, but I always have a couple on my boat.

[snagger]

i could educate your thumb in one lesson alto.......i built squidders with magnets. start you off with two mags then one then none.

[Alto Mare]

Thanks for the offer snagger, but I do enjoy my ss spinners. If you look around here you'll see how much I like them. I also have lots of conventionals, not good at casting them, but there is no need for my type of fishing. Good luck with your search, there are lots of knowledgeble guys here that can help you. Try not to pull away from those Penn's . Sal

[CapeFish]

Why don't you look at the new Penn Fathom if you want to get a Penn or the Torque, but that's a bit pricey. Otherwise a Daiwa SL30SH, Shimano 15/30 or a Saltist 30 or Torium 16 or 20. Having used a jigmaster and other of the old school Penns for many years for surf casting you just can't compare distance, cranking, drag etc with the modern reels and none of the annoying line swallowing ever happens. All these reels listed require very little maintenance or upgrades. All you do is give them a good pre-service and stick in carbontex if they don't have carbon fibre already and you simply keep on fishing. They are extremely corossion resitant (other than the old model saltist) and you can simply give them a wash when you get home. THey last for years and years. Honestly, I spend my days on the beach and other than Penn having lost market in South Africa (which they are now slowly regaining), you will hardly see anyone using an old Penn in the surf and people are poor here so they have to select tackle carefully. Not trying to start a brand war or any type of mud slinging just giving my opinion from a beach anglers perspective where we fish reels extremely hard, need to be able to cast well over 100m and often wade neck deep with reels so they are really getting tested. Plus big fish around as well. 

[snagger]

thanks i'll check them out

[Alto Mare]

Hey Snagger, how about you show us how you built those squidders with magnets....if you have time.
Sal

[conchydong]

Look for a Penn 525Mag. That is the answer to your question.

[snagger]

alto if i can figure out how to upload pictures from my phone ill show you ..........got it off the internet along time ago. i see if i can find the link to the article

[snagger]

try this alto ...... the cups and mags are from lee valley products use epoxy only ......it really works you can cast  a mile with no birds nest .........http://www.songslinger.net/magsquid.htm