Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Had chance to handle the line counter version of the smaller Sealine and was not at all impressed with the slop in the handle.  (Lack of instant anti reverse if my understanding of terms is correct).  ...compared to the Squall which felt like a much more solid reel and seemed to have true anti reverse.  other than casting distance is the Squall comparable to the Sealine from an overall quality standpoint?  Will be buying the 20/30 sized reel spooling it with 20lb mono or 40lb braid. Trolling, live/cut bait, jigging and maybe some occasional chunking lures n bait from the beach.   Using 6' or 6'6" jigging rod. 

Thanks

To me "true antireverse" means a dog like in the Sealine reels. A dog in most cases is stronger and more reliable over time than a anti reverse bearing. The Squalls have a ARB as well as a dog on the 25N and larger reels but the dog only will come into play as a backup if the ARB fails. The 12 and 15 Squals only have a ARB and no dog and I think they don't make a 20 sized reel.

A ARB takes out handle slop but a dog is stronger. At around 10 lbs of drag (30 lb test) is where I like a dog, even the backup one in the 25N and larger reels makes me feel better. 20 lb test and lighter a ARB should be fine.

Great explanation.   Knowing that I can live with the slop.  I'd rather have the beefier set up. 

Thanks.

There is more to a reel than the dogs that make them beefy. If it was my money I'd look hard at the Squalls. Just for me I'd want a dogged reel even a backup dog for the 30lb test reel.

Now if you want to go with some after market upgrades the Sealines have a few. I think all the Sealine reels come with felt drags and I'd change them for carbon fiber. Here is a pic of my Daiwa SL20SH just to show you how far you can take these reels.

Quote from: indoman on May 11, 2014, 11:23:38 AM
Great explanation.   Knowing that I can live with the slop.  I'd rather have the beefier set up. 

Thanks.

The best all-around size is the Squall 25N. It has both instant AR and a back up dog. The best of all worlds in terms of size (3/0), ease of maintenance, strength (if you are fishing no more than 30lb test long term) and is a terrific caster.

And if you want a beefier 25N get the Fathom with IAR and 2 backup dogs. I have the FTH12 and the spool spins forever after the AT treatment.

SoCalAngler -nice looking reel.

ML B - I checked out (on line) the Fathom. I like the idea of IAR and 2 dogs.  May just step up and spend a few more bucks for one of those.   Cool looking reel too.

Thanks.

you can find the fathom online for about 140 to 160 shipped.

I have a Penn Fathom 25N and 30 I will sell. The 30 is brand new and the 25N was used 3 times. It also is like new.

120.00 each shipped. Alan can vouch for me..!

I'll vouch for Keith (handi2) He has a very good reputation and does impressive work.    Bob

Attempting to contact you handi2. Sent a couple of PM's.  Please respond!

Leo

I can't find the reel..!!

Leo I have refunded your PayPal payment until this reel is found.

Last night I printed the shipping label and this morning went to box it up and get it out to you. I have looked in all my usual places and everywhere else and cannot find it. The last time I saw it was about 2 months ago and I was sure it was still there. My son told me I may have sold it.

I sincerely apologize for not having the reel in hand before posting. I still think it's here somewhere.

Keith Rawson