My son hinted to Santa, via Mrs. Santa, about a new reel...a spinner. He knows I'm a conventional guy so I imagine he anticipated some pushback if he had approached me directly. I got my marching orders from the boss and consulted the web. Reviews are what they are.
I haven't bought a NIB reel from a store since a pair of ABU 5000 AL's caught my eye in a hardware store, whenever that was. On top of that, I last used a spinner in 1981. I remember the date because a carp spooled me in the Guadalupe River. Nothing against spinners, I'm not a hater, I just like conventionals.
We are surf guys so I got him a reel that he can also use offshore should he ever decide to go out....and I believe he will. I'll pair this up for the surf with a 10-12' MH fast 2pc. Not sure what brand yet. Looking at Rockaway's at the moment. Bigwater's taper is a bit stiff, but doable. Pluggin' along with surf rods....just don't want a noodle because they give up height when parked.
This is a big ### spinning reel! It will hold enough line and has enough drag to haul 95% of what we hook from shore....40# or less is what we get into. It ought to drag a stingray off the bottom as well.
So, my line question is about backing. I'm not sure if it's necessary on this reel but I'm thinking 100yds of 50# mono (supposed to have 40# of drag here) and then 60# braid. That should get him halfway to the Yucatan ;)
Next, what spare parts should I keep handy in the field and on the bench? Does it NEED upgrades?
Lastly, the VI9500 has been out for a while. Anybody love it, hate it, broke it? Caught a bunch of fish with it?
no upgrades needed. 12' or up; I havent seen an 11 that balances. It's a beast. I put backing on, otherwise braid will cost a hundred bucks.