I will buy one of these reels within a day or two. I will use it for big tuna. I am not sure which way to go. I now have a 16VSX that I love & a 30 VSW that I also love. I am not sure of the benefit of an open-face big reel because I do not anticipate casting with it. But I might be wrong. I do perceive a strength benefit of a top bar. But I might be wrong here as well. The VSW holds a lot more line that might be unnecessary. The reel will be used for stand-up fishing.
Thanks so much,
Tommy
I vote VSX. Spool it with 80 or 100 solid braid and join that to about 50-100 yds. 130 hollow and Bob's your uncle.
Narrow reels have a greater coolness factor. In addition they wobble less under load and the topless reel is just plain easier to fish with; you can manage line easier when using bait and free up those occasional "professional over-runs" that always happen at the wrong time....
i'd have to agree. i'm not a big fan of wide spool reels.