Looking for a new ultralight spinning reel.
What's the smallest of any year?
What's the most durable?
The 200 series from the '80s are small & light. Graphite & made offshore. The small ones don't have a whole lot of demand as far as I know, but some of the bigger ones still get attention from steelheaders. Not sure about parts availablility. Rear drag.
Frank
Not sure if it is the smallest, but I picked up a 4200SS graphite brand new in the 90's and it is still one of my favorite "goto" setups in freshwater. Multiple spools, and holds about 165 yards of 4# mono. One spool has Carbon drag and the other Teflon. Love it! Box and owners manual says "Made is USA" but for all I know, that may just mean the box and owners manual ;D. When I lived in SW Missouri it was seeing use 2-3 times/week. Nowadays it gets used about as much as any of my other reels, which is to say, not enough!
420, 430ss, 716, 714, Z or greenie and don't forget the dam quick 110 or Microlite.
These are the best in my opinion, but also demand a premium price.
Quote from: xjchad on August 01, 2018, 03:01:28 AM
What's the most durable?
Looks like you've got the sizes covered pretty well...so on to that durability question. The boring truth is...they're
all the most durable. These particular models...the 714/716 and 420/430 all have that indestructible worm gear design. Any one of these models will fish fantastic and handle loads larger than it was designed for. On these reels, the bronze/brass main gear will be the one to shred, the pinion is steel. Some models those mains are harder to source...same with the drag knobs. That's the only detraction. 8)
Awesome, thanks for the great info as always!
I'd love one of those DAM Quick Microlites, but the seem to be going for more than my budget will allow.
I'll start looking for a 714 or 420.
Thanks!
I have a Penn BTLII 1000 that is small and lite. It works well for bass, walleye and trout.
Love my 420's and 4300SS. can't say you really 420 metal body for 4-6 lb test but you cant kill it either...I'd prefer them over Z for skirted spool with fine lines. My 0.02. But the Microlites are awesome also.
Add the 720/722 with the Mystic 43-720 aluminum rotor block installed to the list of durable small Penns. Great upgrade for these two model reels.
They are about the same size as the 714/430SS/4300SS.
Quote from: xjchad on August 01, 2018, 02:58:55 PM
I'd love one of those DAM Quick Microlites, but the seem to be going for more than my budget will allow.
I'll start looking for a 714 or 420.
I'd say you'll find a Micro for less than the Penns Chad...they are bringing crazy prices right now. 8)
Quote from: mo65 on August 01, 2018, 04:24:54 PM
Quote from: xjchad on August 01, 2018, 02:58:55 PM
I'd love one of those DAM Quick Microlites, but the seem to be going for more than my budget will allow.
I'll start looking for a 714 or 420.
I'd say you'll find a Micro for less than the Penns Chad...they are bringing crazy prices right now. 8)
I was just looking and noticing that. As much as I love Penns, I'm also really happy with my Heddon so far and think I'll have to go for the DAM Microlite. The search is on!! ;D
Chad, the guys are giving good advice.
The ss will feel a bit smoother than the other models mentioned, but all are good choice.
If you take your time you could find s nice 420ss , or 430ss for $80, but stay away from the new ones, there getting up there and won't surprise me if some new ones will hit $300.
I sold one two months ago for $255 and he was extremely happy.
If you never opened one of these little guys, here is an idea on what they look like
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13961.msg141982#msg141982
George mentioned the 720&722 as well, those have aluminum main gears, but still very capable for their size.
Sal
For Microlite or Ultralite spinners — there are hundreds of options.
And most all will do a capable job on your target species — even those with alloy gears and Tupperware bodies...
I really enjoy Microlite spinners due to our 100's of close mountain lakes and streams.
What I expect in a ML spinner is:
Worm drive with steel and bronze gearing, aluminum body & rotor, 1:5 ratio, good and simple appearance, and the biggie for me:
Where we fish, there is always the chance and hope of hooking a very large trout or bass. The reel must be capable of bringing in a 12 pound Brown, Alpers Rainbow, or a Hawg Bass — on those rare occasions.
I have a personal arsenal of 50 different Microlites that I use.
3 of my favorites are the Penn 716, Cardinal 3, and the DAM Quick 265 Microlite.
There are plenty of others that will do a decent job — but these are all 100 percenters.
Lastly, find a good quality fiberglass rod such as a Fenwick, Eagle Claw, WonderRod, UglyStik, etc..in 5' to 6' length — this is as important as the reel, if not more so — for playing and landing your catch successfully.
The drags on these are not as important as the solid components and a decent old school rod.
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
Thanks for all the help guys!
I found a 714z on the 'bay. Made an offer and got it for $40 shipped.
I was doing this on my phone and it looked great, but now after seeing the pics larger on my computer it's a bit rough looking.
Oh well, as long as it functions properly I'm happy :)
Should see it in a few days to find out...
Quote from: xjchad on August 02, 2018, 04:11:08 PM
I was doing this on my phone and it looked great, but now after seeing the pics larger on my computer it's a bit rough looking.
Don't worry about the paint Chad...Z series reels are pretty easy to repaint. The real problem lies in parts...not only inflated prices but availability. I asked if anyone had a #52-714 drag knob to sell a few months ago and the room fell silent. Had to wait a week or so for one to pop on fleabay. I did keep the cracked one though, and epoxied it, who knows how hard it can be screwed down...I'm scared to try...HA! 8)
Well the 716 didn't get delivered. Apparently, the seller dropped it on the way to the post office and some stuff broke so he refunded my money. Nice of him to be honest about it.
Still on the hunt for an older ultra light!
Not sold on using a Penn anymore, you guys have opened my eyes to a lot of other options!
Just trying to find one that fits the budget ;D
Quote from: xjchad on August 08, 2018, 03:32:52 PM
Well the 716 didn't get delivered. Apparently, the seller dropped it on the way to the post office and some stuff broke so he refunded my money. Nice of him to be honest about it.
Still on the hunt for an older ultra light!
Not sold on using a Penn anymore, you guys have opened my eyes to a lot of other options!
Just trying to find one that fits the budget ;D
I know it's hard struggling with a budget when it comes to this stuff. It's all out there...lots of it...if you have the money they have the reels! Try to be patient though Chad, because killer deals pop up all the time too. I'll keep my eyes peeled for ya. 8)
Thanks for the wise words Mo! I appreciate ya!
You might like the Shakespeare 2052. They can be found on ebay for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of a Penn ultralight. They are also Made in USA.
I'll check those out too, thanks!
i will keep eyes open...i get a deal occasionally. what about Mitchell 410???
Garcia-Mitchell 300 or 308? My son last month gave me a Garcia-Mitchell 300, Penn 722, and a Langley 830a he picked up at a flea market with 3 vintage brown rods for $30. Only the anti reverse on the Langley needs repair. Keep your eyes open bargains are out there.
Chad, the seller may have backed out on the 716Z because he realized you got it too cheap. They usually go for more in any condition. The Spinfishers always look terrible because the paint does not hold up well.
George, if you decide to take photos of your treasure I would be interested in seeing the rods too.
-steve
Quote from: oc1 on August 08, 2018, 08:27:38 PM
Chad, the seller may have backed out on the 716Z because he realized you got it too cheap. They usually go for more in any condition.
That was my exact thought. How easily will a well packed 716 or 714z break by dropping the package on the way to the post office?!!
My favorite 714z has been banged and dropped on river rocks so many times with no breakage that if it were not the reel it is it would have been toast decades ago. Also purposely bought a worn, banged-up old 712 last month (advertised as a parts reel, but an easy fix) just to use on rough, rocky river terrain & jetties.
I agree dropping a Penn Spinfisher usually does not result in damage except a bent bail wire. (Easily straightened)
As a wise man once said is all about the Benjamin's, sounds like seller got a better offer.
That being said the 716 I got from flea bay was sold as a fixer upper. Fixed it in minutes.
I'm with others on the fact that I don't worry so much about cosmetic looks of reels I intend to use on rods cause they will most likely get dropped in the boat, bang around with other rods/reels in the car or boat, get dropped on banks on accident. As long as they function well that's my only concern I don't have reels for display purposes really. I know some love having mint ones for collections, but my thought is whats the point if it's not gonna get a line wet.
I'm a fan of all the mentioned reels two of my favorite reels I have for general lighter fishing are penn 430ss and a 4300ss I have. I have them paired on older falcon 6' 6" rods. Their great for throwing lighter jigs, flukes, and senkos for smallies in my rivers/streams. They have handled the occasional catfish, and hybrid that have given them a good run for their money. I also have a cardinal 3 great reel very smooth very robust for it's size. I also really like the dam microlites and 110. The microlite to me seems a little smoother when reeling it than the 110 cause the anti reverse clicks aren't as noticeable to me when I'm reeling in a small finesse bait. The 714/716 have nearly the same internals as a 430/420 I have a 714 I like a lot as well. I don't have a 716 or 420 I prefer the added line capacity of the 430/714. The 722 is a great reel as well I have one as well it's another favorite of mine with cf drag upgrade it's great for 6-8lb mono holds a lot of 6lb. It's a little bigger overall in appearance and line capacity than 420 or 716.
If you guys need schismatics on penn spinning reels I have some here.......................Joe
I prefer non-skirted spools for light or ultralight splnners, especially the old-school stuff. Fred's comment about the solid stuff ana good quality flexible rod being the most important aspects for little spinners reminded me a that. The drag function ona spinner from back in the day, just didn't seem to be that important for real finnese fishin for bigger fish.
So, I learned to thumb( actually forefinger) the rotor when playing a fish on 4 or even 2 lb. test. A big runnin Eagle Lake trout(2-6lbs.), or a 1.5-3lber. in a heavy river current needed instant control and my MG 300 with 4lb. test, wasn't up to it usin the drag only. A durable drag-yes! as long as you didn't store it with tension on the washer.
That said, have never used a Penn spinner and have never had a drag pullin fish on a DAM Quick. I like the 2052 Festus showed--- the best of both worlds: good multi-disc drag, durable reel overall with worm gears etc., relatively inexpensive, and a rotor you can thumb.
That 2052 sure looks like a sweet little reel. I'll keep my eyes open for one!
Ultra lite,,,the reel weight,,, pflueger patriarch or president special edition ;D
Thanks for the help!
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=26252.0