A guy local to me is asking $350 for this Tiagra 30 2-speed that has had the top bar on the frame removed. Is this a viable modification to this reel? Is there potential for this frame to fail during a fight with a big tuna with the cross bar removed? If so, what is the biggest fish you would feel comfortable targeting on this reel?
Thanks,
Smols
i wondered when someone would do that. i think it should be fine. the shimano is a "pull" system, so the frame only has to support a lateral load, not lateral and axial in "push" systems such as in the old penn internationals. any possibility of a close up photo of the top? i'm curious to see what they did to support the lugs.
and a 100 pound topshot with 35 pound of drag should be within range for this reel.
Nice prototype topless frame. It takes some kinda stones to chop up a frame like that. Must have been a rich man.
I personally wouldn't pay that much for it but I do think it will work fine. For $350.00 there are plenty of options on other reels.
Quote from: alantanithe shimano is a "pull" system, so the frame only has to support a lateral load,...
You're thinking of the TLDs. The Tiagras are most definitely of a push system; for most intents and purposes a mechanical knock-off of the Penn Internationals.
This i thought was a not at all uncommon mod among long-range folks, when topless reels were desired. I know it has been discussed before. It would seem probable the owner considered this before he did it, and added the Tom Testa handle. I should think it would hold, there being little difference between this an another born topless frame.
.
crud, doc, you're right again!
I think Cal's offers removal of the top bar as an option. I've seen reels with it removed before. I don't think it weakens the reel much at all. There's a lot of metal there.
Quote from: handi2 on January 12, 2018, 11:01:44 PM
I personally wouldn't pay that much for it but I do think it will work fine. For $350.00 there are plenty of options on other reels.
Handi2, you bring up an interesting point. What 100lb, 2 Speed tuna reels do you like in the $300-350 price range?
Well a little over the $350.00...
I really like my Makaira reels. The 20II would be plenty. You may be able to find the gold series of reels at a discount. That's what mine are.
Keith
I just checked the prices and wow I didn't know they were still that costly.
Maybe someone else can recommend a similar reel in your price range.
The reel will hold with no issues --
As to value, to me it would be worth market price -- minus the cost of a new frame.
That doesn't mean I would replace the frame -- that is just what I would reasonably feel is fair to all concerned.
Best,
Fred
Bula all,
That's a nice setup Smols, I've seen one like that before. I'd have no qualms fishing 80lb-100lb with that.
Shimano claims 100lb range on the Tiagra30LRS.
How old is it? I'd imagine it has some groceries too LRS cam and been blueprinted too.
And $350 is close to ½ the price of new, not including upgrades, and still ½ the price of a comparable new Avet or Accurate.
I'm glad Doc chimed in to ID that upgraded handle, I was immediately wondering who must have made that arm.
I'd target just about anything that swims with that reel ;)
I think you have a good score there.
Erik
Thanks for all the feedback, I appreciate all of you experts weighing in! I would prefer to buy a mak 20 but it's out of my budget right now. Going to try to look at this reel next week.
Smols
Smols if you pull the trigger I recco you take off the frame and clean the cuts up a bit with Emory cloth and paint it ya seal against corrosion. Black would accent handle. Gold metallic usually comes out crappy.
John
I have a 16 with a baker topless frame, a buddy has one cut like that. about the same amount of metal just not as pretty. That top bar is a PIA, don't know why they built them that way to begin with.
I second Makaira reels! Buy once and cry once and at $350, you are not far from buying one! I have seen them go for $450-600. Just keep your eyes peeled on the bloodydeck forum and you will come up with one.
Quote from: Swami805 on January 14, 2018, 03:50:15 AM
I have a 16 with a baker topless frame, a buddy has one cut like that. about the same amount of metal just not as pretty. That top bar is a PIA, don't know why they built them that way to begin with.
Tiagras are heavy trolling reels. If you want something from Shimano for live bait get a Talica.
I though the cross piece on the frame was so you would not warp it when pulling with a harness. The drag puts axial pressure on the frame but a harness also puts some lateral pressure pulling the lugs outward.
-steve