I got an offer I can't refuse on my Okuma Solterra 20L, so it's upgrade time.
I want a really nice, really strong, smaller sized reel. I'm down to three horses in the race....
Truth SG
Looks great. Warranty is tops.
Avet SX Raptor
Dual drag. Not a fan of the glued down drag washer.
Pro Gear V30 or V40
Love the looks and design. The fact they were out of business before makes me worry about warranty.
I'll also be in the market for a custom rod to go with it, so fire away, help me spend some money my wife doesn't know about.
Hi Patrick --
Either Dwight or Jon on this site -- will build you an heirloom quality rod for a fair price.
Their skill and experience are over the top.
Other experts will add their opinions regarding the reel choice.
One thing, IMO --
Warranty is not a big thing, to me...many of us prefer doing our own work and set-up, if possible.
Future parts availability is the bigger thing -- and is important as a consideration -- and like most of life today, is not always 100% predictible -- but other's experience, along with your best judgement, will help.
Looking forward to seeing what you decide on.
Best,
Fred
I vote for the SX Raptor. I don't like the aluminum screws on the Truth or the fact that the handle screw is loctited into place. The Pro Gears are new and I can't be sure what problems will crop up over time.
Quote from: spc7669 on June 30, 2016, 03:13:29 PM
I'm down to three horses in the race....
Truth SG
Looks great. Warranty is tops.
Avet SX Raptor
Dual drag. Not a fan of the glued down drag washer.
Pro Gear V30 or V40
Love the looks and design. The fact they were out of business before makes me worry about warranty.
Truth SGs - I like my Truth reel. Decent drags and innovative design. Warranty is great and easy access to the top people in the organization (Wes and Justin) A little wider than the SX with slightly better drag numbers than the SX.
Avet SX Raptor has a floating drag washer. Therefore, Avet was able to produce about 1.8 time the drag as the normal SX since both sides of the drag washer is stopping the spool with the same amount of thrust force. Free spool is hindered very so slightly since the washer is in a floating system which means that the drag washer may side between the two pressure plates. Not a deal changer in my book.
And last, PG. Nice reels with SS main gears making this a strong star drag reel based on their historic and reliable design. I only own the original designed Classic Series 500, 501, 550, 551, 600, 625 and 650 and I love them. They are smooth. I'm not sure if I would personally buy this reel because the gears seem noisy to me, unlike the bronze gears of the original classic series.
Not sure if this helps, but it really depends on the type of fishing that you are doing. Star drag reels are good for some type of fishing but may not be good for others. Ditto with Lever Drag Reels.
Custom Rod, I would recommend Jon Vadney here on the West Coast. Dwight (Newell Nut) in Florida, but I think he is in Hawaii at the moment and not sure when he'll return. Also some great wrappers in SoCal, Carolinas, and New Jersey that I know of.
Quote from: spc7669 on June 30, 2016, 03:13:29 PM
I got an offer I can't refuse on my Okuma Solterra 20L, so it's upgrade time.
I want a really nice, really strong, smaller sized reel. I'm down to three horses in the race....
Truth SG
Looks great. Warranty is tops.
Avet SX Raptor
Dual drag. Not a fan of the glued down drag washer.
Pro Gear V30 or V40
Love the looks and design. The fact they were out of business before makes me worry about warranty.
I'm sure any of your reel choices would perform admirably. My two cents: I just took a Penn Fathom 40N on my 8-day, and couldn't have been more pleased. The price was entirely reasonable, too:
(http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/879347/view/FTH40NLD2.JPG)
Quote from: spc7669 on June 30, 2016, 03:13:29 PMI'll also be in the market for a custom rod to go with it, so fire away, help me spend some money my wife doesn't know about.
There are several outstanding rod builders here on AT. From personal experience, I can state without reservation that Newell Nut (Dwight) crafts some of the finest rods you will ever see, to your optimal personal specifications. Definitely can't go wrong. :)
Have fun shopping... (but don't be so certain Mrs. Wife is in the dark, LOL) ::) :D
~
A~
Since Aiala brought up the Fathom, I would recommend the 25NLD2 as it's more comparable to the size of reel you are looking at.
Quote from: Bryan Young on June 30, 2016, 04:12:18 PM
Since Aiala brought up the Fathom, I would recommend the 25NLD2 as it's more comparable to the size of reel you are looking at.
Excellent point, Bryan. Much obliged. :)
~
A~
I have the SX/JX/HX Raptors and Fathom 25nld2. I use the SX with 30# and the Fathom with 40#. Fathom performs at Raptor levels, way above a non-Raptor, at half the price of the Raptor and $100 less than the regular JX 2 speed.
Raptors and fathoms, great reels. I'll throw this one in as well:
http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=10800.0
Been playing with it for some time now, it shouldn't let you down.
andros 5 two speed.
So I've managed to go from 3 horses in the race to 5. I read up on the Andros and Fathom 25 and could find no fault with either.
Cosmetically, I've only handled the SG in person and it's beautifully machined. For the money, the Fathom is a steal. For simplicity, the Pro Gear wins the day. The Andros offers two speeds and drag to spare. The Omoto sure has the drag, but I'm totally unfamiliar with the company.
I am now more undecided than when I started.
Patrick
Take a look at a Fin-Nor Marquesa MA 50T II, it's a 2 speed reel that is the smoothest reel I have ever felt. My go to trolling reel with 60# braid. Lots of drag power. It's also made in a 20, 30, & 40 size. Rudy
Since Alan mentioned the 2 speed Andros, I have a confession to make. I have never owned or fished a two speed. I have a Shimano Torium 16 with the Trinidad spring/dog upgrade and an Okuma Solterra 10L which have both served me well.
I only get to fish the salt 3 or 4 times a year, and, under fear of banishment, a lot of that is done with a fly rod. Catching a tarpon on fly was the greatest fishing experience of my life. We do, however, chase sharks frequently and usually go offshore once a year for AJ's and grouper.
What are the pros and cons of the two speed? I know I want a machined reel producing at least 25# of drag that can be very versatile. If the two speed adds utility at no sacrifice in reliability, I'm ready to add that to the list.
Patrick
Check the gear ratio of any 2 speed reel you may be interested in. I like the high speed no higher than 5 to 1 in a bottom fishing reel. Usually the low ratio will be around 2 to 1.
If you ever have a big fish on digging for the wreck low gear will save the day. I use low all the time for other reasons but in low you can just reel them up without straining.
I have the Avet's in all configurations and really like them. They have never let us down. I've had the Fathoms and Torques too but just like the bullet proof Avet's.
Not saying a Torque isn't bullet proof. The ones I had were the International Torque's that were heavy.
I recently got some Shimano Talica 16II 2 speed reels. They are super strong and really smooth. The drag ratings on the reels is crazy but they are expensive!!
I've never had an Okuma other than the Makaira. I have 4 of those. I might get one Alan recommended just to try it out. You can never have to many.
I have to sit this one out Pat. I only have three two speeds. They were meant for one thing. ;)
There are so many fine reels out there. Maybe I need to buy two or even three new ones. Seems like that would be much less stressful.
Daron, I do believe that handle is larger than any reel I'm looking at. What a beast!
Everol 20/0 two speed. Fine Italian Craftsmanship. Accept no Substitute. ;)
Now that you mention it, I knew nothing about Everols. Did some Googling and now you can add the VJ 2.5 to the list. Those are some beautiful reels.
Okay, since Daron threw Everol into the mix, the list has changed.
I am looking for a super stout small reel.
Currently the Andros 12IIa and Everol T shot 20 have my interest. This is a reel I plan on keeping forever and as such, I don't mind spending some extra money.
I have dealt with Okuma's customer service one time and they were great. I'm having a hard time locating very many Everol dealers, but their customer service reputation appears to be excellent.
Any thoughts between the two?
Quote from: spc7669 on July 04, 2016, 03:28:17 AM
....
I don't mind spending some extra money.
Then why not consider the Penn Torque?
I like the Fin-North Marquesas as well.
Older Internationals are bullet-proof little reels as well.
Guess it's good to have options.
In that case include a Torque 30 2 speed in the list. Personally, I wouldn't even consider an Everol. I have AbuGarcia, Accurate, Avet, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, ProGear, Shimano.
Mark, why would you not consider the Everol?
The Torque is a fine looking reel and the Marquesa has one of the nicest finishes of all the reels I've viewed. Good lord, there are too many nice reels in the world. I've got some more reading to do....
Too fringe and unsupportable for me. I get an expensive tool, it has to stand the test of time.
And that was my biggest concern with the Everol....parts have to be reasonably available.
All reels listed are great reels. I would vote Avet. The sx is great little USA made reel.
Pat,
I only have big Everol's. Serious Shark Fisherman use them. Parts are only an email away.
They are just not that popular here because they come from Italy. They have been in Business since 1958.
You don't see a lot of Ferrari's driving around. ;)
Never really looked at the T Shot. It is a Sexy little Reel. Like the Ferrari Spider.
Looks like Something Tom Made. ;D
http://488spider.ferrari.com/#en/home/video
Daron, I am pretty fascinated with the Everols. The machining is incredible and so are the drag numbers. I'm glad to hear of the longevity of the company and someone that I know vouching for their customer service.
Where do you buy an Everol in the US? I can't find a dealer here with an Internet site that works.
Well I like Alan's choice. Being a Okuma nut the choices would be:
Small and light the Andros A-5II
Heavy duty small the Makaira M-10II
A little bigger the Andros A12SII
For a star drag a Pro Gear
For a Penn it would be a Fathom.
Just looked at a Makaira SEA. Somebody at Okuma reads this website. It appears to be pre-hot rodded.
We need to pay attention to Okuma --
They are possibly the next Shimano --
They have been steadily growing their quality and reputations by looking at the successes and shortcomings of Shimano, Daiwa, and a few others.
Just look at their product line in person, or online, and crack open a few of their reels.
Listen to a few of the pros on this site -- and we will realize that Okuma has made a commitment to quality and good service.
And they are in this for the long haul.
Good company and excellent products.
And they do know and listen to Alan...
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
If you are looking for a powerful small reel then nothing is going to surpass an Okuma Makaira 10 II...
If you want something just a little lighter and more all purpose (ie better caster) then nothing better than a Penn Torque 25N.
John,
For a hundred bucks more than the Andros, the Mak SEa is a whole lotta reel. And Charkbait appears pretty reasonable on spooling.
Patrick
Quote from: spc7669 on July 05, 2016, 01:30:57 AM
John,
For a hundred bucks more than the Andros, the Mak SEa is a whole lotta reel. And Charkbait appears pretty reasonable on spooling.
Patrick
Yep, Mak is very, very good. A Torque will fish a little nicer (lighter and better caster) and is superior to the Andros.
Mak can't be beat for straight strength and toughness with a little more weight for a small reel.
I'll second Sharkhunter's position on Everol. I've worked on them and parts were easily available through email (got some stuff free) from Paolo. Built like military tanks.
Quote from: Shark Hunter on July 01, 2016, 12:11:38 AM
I have to sit this one out Pat. I only have three two speeds. They were meant for one thing. ;)
Damn Daron...I would still need a bigger beer belly to levrage that reel ;D
BT
So, What are you trying to say Big T?
I'm Pushing 230. I have never been this fat. ;D
I finally made my decision. And it's none of the above. I was pretty set on the Makaira 8II SEa. I still think it punches way above its weight class.
The only two conventional reels I own are a Shimano Torium 16 with the dog and spring upgrade and carbontex drag washers and an Okuma Solterra 10 with a full Tani clean and lube. Both put out a little over 20# drag and have similar capacity. The addition of the Mak 8 would not expand my capabilities very much....but a Tank sure will.
Rather than buy a new reel, I think I want to roll my own. Thanks to Sal and Rudy for setting the hook. I already put my name in the hat for one of Adam's new titanium handles. Time to order some parts!
Thank you all for the input.
Quote from: spc7669 on July 13, 2016, 11:10:04 PM
I finally made my decision. And it's none of the above. I was pretty set on the Makaira 8II SEa. I still think it punches way above its weight class.
The only two conventional reels I own are a Shimano Torium 16 with the dog and spring upgrade and carbontex drag washers and an Okuma Solterra 10 with a full Tani clean and lube. Both put out a little over 20# drag and have similar capacity. The addition of the Mak 8 would not expand my capabilities very much....but a Tank sure will.
Rather than buy a new reel, I think I want to roll my own. Thanks to Sal and Rudy for setting the hook. I already put my name in the hat for one of Adam's new titanium handles. Time to order some parts!
Thank you all for the input.
There is more than one way to skin a cat. But, think about why no one makes a reel like a Tank other than the Baja Special which is still considered a niche reel.
spc, if I were you I'd make a parts list with prices of everything you want on your tank. This is the only way you can compare the cost of building one to the cost of a new reel.
When you started this thread the reels you were looking at are way smaller than a tank and IMO in a very different class. There are some things you should think about before you either buy new or build your own reel.
Like, how will you mainly use the reel?
Fishing mainly live bait?
Using the reel mostly with jigs or iron?
Is casting distance with either bait or jigs a big concern?
Will you use the reel mainly for trolling and would you like to fish live bait also?
What lb test are you looking to use and how many yards do you need?
Are you going to use braid on your reel? If yes long or short topshots?
Type and size of fish you will mostly use the reel for?
These are just a few things off the top of my head one should think about before buying or building any reel.
In certain applications a single speed star drag will fish better than say the same sized lever drag reel. Other times a lever drag is the way to go. Also many times a two speed reel will offer more flexibility in methods of catching and size of fish targeted, but do you really need one for the type of fishing you will be doing? Until the above questions at least are answered it makes it hard to recommend some reels you should look at and even harder to offer rod suggestions as well.
SoCal,
I don't really see a Tank as a cost saving measure, but more of a do it right the first time measure. People on here have put so much R&D into the reel and it's well documented.
My saltwater trips are limited. My gear has always been pretty limited too. I've done LBSF with the Torium 16 and with Abu Garcia 5500's. Way less than ideal, but any reels I do buy will be pressed into multiple duties until a stable of reels is acquired.
Most commonly, I bottom fish nearshore and inshore, balloon live baits, and freeline live baits targeting tarpon, sharks, and whatever else will bite.
I surf fish with bottom rigs and these reels get pressed into that duty as well. At some point, I want to get dedicated surf reels.
I go offshore about once a year bottom fishing and freelining with grouper, snapper, kings, and AJ's being the targeted species. This is the type of fishing I have the least experience with, but want to do more of in the future.
I have never chunked iron, but would do so if I had a chance.
I use braid on my reels currently. Both have JB Hollow 60 with short topshots of 40# Big Game. Both are on 6 1/2' Fin Nor Stand Up rods and get swapped over to 10' surf rods as well.
The Mak is by no means off the list. I'll pick one up sometime soon just because I like it. Probably one of the new Truth Surf Casting reels as well. The Tank will become my big reel when we are ballooning for sharks near Alligator Point in Florida.
Quote from: foakes on July 04, 2016, 07:46:55 PM
We need to pay attention to Okuma --
They are possibly the next Shimano --
They have been steadily growing their quality and reputations by looking at the successes and shortcomings of Shimano, Daiwa, and a few others.
Just look at their product line in person, or online, and crack open a few of their reels.
Listen to a few of the pros on this site -- and we will realize that Okuma has made a commitment to quality and good service.
And they are in this for the long haul.
Good company and excellent products.
And they do know and listen to Alan...
Just my opinions...
Best,
Fred
Check out their new stuff announced at ICAST 2016... new Helios, Metaloid and Makaira spinners, an Android 12n, Komodo 350 and 450 size baitcasters with stainless gears, a Metaloid baitcaster and more.
Mark,
I bought my Solterras to flip until I opened them up. Stainless gears, double dogs, and carbon fiber drag in a reel that can be had for a hundred bucks if you shop around. Okuma is doing all kinds of nice stuff to the guts of their reels. I fished a Komodo on a guide trip for muskies. It was solid as a rock. They were never on my radar due to their prior reputation for building junk. That's changed.
Quote from: spc7669 on July 14, 2016, 05:19:47 PM
SoCal,
I don't really see a Tank as a cost saving measure, but more of a do it right the first time measure. People on here have put so much R&D into the reel and it's well documented.
My saltwater trips are limited. My gear has always been pretty limited too. I've done LBSF with the Torium 16 and with Abu Garcia 5500's. Way less than ideal, but any reels I do buy will be pressed into multiple duties until a stable of reels is acquired.
Most commonly, I bottom fish nearshore and inshore, balloon live baits, and freeline live baits targeting tarpon, sharks, and whatever else will bite.
I surf fish with bottom rigs and these reels get pressed into that duty as well. At some point, I want to get dedicated surf reels.
I go offshore about once a year bottom fishing and freelining with grouper, snapper, kings, and AJ's being the targeted species. This is the type of fishing I have the least experience with, but want to do more of in the future.
I have never chunked iron, but would do so if I had a chance.
I use braid on my reels currently. Both have JB Hollow 60 with short topshots of 40# Big Game. Both are on 6 1/2' Fin Nor Stand Up rods and get swapped over to 10' surf rods as well.
The Mak is by no means off the list. I'll pick one up sometime soon just because I like it. Probably one of the new Truth Surf Casting reels as well. The Tank will become my big reel when we are ballooning for sharks near Alligator Point in Florida.
Great info here to people looking to make recommendations on a reel.
I would look at a Penn Fathom 25Nld2 very hard. I fish a Fathom 25n star drag for 30 lb test and just love the reel for that test. For 40 lb short toppers I like the two speed levers better for the type of fishing I do, though I fish another reel for this line class that I bought many years ago.
The Fathom 25nld2 will fish 40 lb fine and could even be bumped up to 50 if needed. I purchased one for a friend in Baja and spooled the reel with 300 yards of 60 lb braid which left room for around 30 yards of 40 lb mono on top. This little reel is nice to hold all day, could be used for shore casting and since it is a two speed will cover many fishing applications
Here is a pic of around a 175 lb thresher my buddy caught in Baja with the 25nld2. I was down there a few weeks ago and opened up the reel and it showed no signs of ware and was still fishing great even though he has caught many other fish with it since the thresher. In this pic you can see the 25nld2 on the left next to a 113H to kind of give you a size comparison of this reel and a tank.
(http://i1372.photobucket.com/albums/ag355/SoCalAngler1/SeaMonsterDays_zpscnlxzony.jpg)
If price is not a issue I'd look at the Penn Torque reels way before a Mak 8. Don't get me wrong I love the Okuma's but I feel the robustness/weight of the 8 makes it more of a nitch reel.