Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Ok I'm gonna ask a dumb question again. Where does one draw the line between a levelwind and a baitcaster?

are you looking for the strongest reels that have LW, or reels that have the strongest LW mechanism?
I know, both "strongest" in same reel would be nice, but then 3rd "strongest" is likely: PRICE-TAG 

never tried, but what about those big, old, cheap(ish) Dohzuki reels
name?  ...level-bar?  ...spiral-wind?  (no worm shaft, no guide)
line stays in constant contact w/ a rotating "twisty thang" that levels it
doubt it levels line as well as proper LW, but seems simpler, stronger, more durable

Nice discussion.  I think Justin has made the best case so far.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on July 14, 2022, 03:57:11 AMOk I'm gonna ask a dumb question again. Where does one draw the line between a levelwind and a baitcaster?

one doesn't 
some levelwinds are baitcasters
most baitcasters are levelwinds
most baitcasters are used for lures, rather than bait
most people would agree on those 3 things & little else

So many choices.  New stuff, lexa, Tranx, fathom.  Shimano Calcutta F series.  Penn 10 or 210 may work and don't cost too much

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on July 14, 2022, 03:57:11 AMOk I'm gonna ask a dumb question again. Where does one draw the line between a levelwind and a baitcaster?

A LW reel has a level wind mechanism.

I really liked the Penn 10 and 210 reels for salmon but their LW system was the same as the 209/309 reels. 

I worry I'm derailing the conversation in an attempt to add to it, but I may have answered my own dumb question. A baitcaster switches from free spool to retrieve when you start reeling.

Hopefully I may be forgiven for having this entry level epiphany in the midst of a more advanced discussion.

Roman, that's a very interesting design. Wonder why that never caught on. Someone may be waiting for a patent to expire.

Quote from: oldmanjoe on July 13, 2022, 09:18:29 PMThis sounds like a trick question .    The Italian Gladiator does not need a level wind , it just come natural to reel up a level spool with out looking .      Than some have said that you catch small fish , so a level wind will live   

        Than  there is the lack of information , are you fishing from a rod holder or are you hand pumping  fishing ??     
   

I realize that I am getting too old to complicate my fishing fun.  So level wind for me.  Your are right, I am a gladiator but an old one.  The fishing is done stand up in a panga.  I'm glad I can still do it.    Dominick

If you're looking to use a levelwind for strong fish I'd make sure to get one with a synchronized levelwind so that it will go back and forth as the fish takes drag.

Quote from: oc1 on July 14, 2022, 05:26:49 AMNice discussion.  I think Justin has made the best case so far.

I agree but $900.00 Dominick

The 320 & 330LD's(I have this one) have pretty strong lookin LW units. But, they are basically Graphite reels. Only had a 1/2_____'ed test with mine once; what I think was a Wahoo, went long and strong on me 'till he bit through the mono leader. The drag was set perfect, though. Overall though, I think there'd be durability issues with these reels and the line capacity is not that great(LW unit reduces the spool size for this rather large reel).
I did a "look inside" kind of tutorial, located in the Penn conventional reel section, a while back.
Still, this is a great question. Interested to see the results. The Penn 350 has a tuff, IMO, LW system. But the frame and drag systems are prolly not up to the task for larger pelagics.

Dominick,

What about the shimano charter special?
https://alantani.com/index.php?topic=12.0
Post #3 from Captain Archer
Strong levelwind that did well on reef species. Relatively inexpensive and only needs a  couple small upgrades; Alan's handle and handle arm, a cf drag and maybe heavy bellvilles. I put the aluminum frame on mine, but it could be kept with the levelwind. I got 14lbs of max drag with no loss of freespool, if you add in the 10% for the rod, you are at 15+lbs, which makes it good for 40lb topshot. If you try the heavy bellvilles, 16 to 17lbs is possible and should not affect freespool, so a 50lb topper would work. Small reel with lots of potential.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on July 14, 2022, 01:42:05 PMWonder why that never caught on. Someone may be waiting for a patent to expire.

guessing it's bad juju to have a "leveler" w/ line pressing "DOWN"
same direction as fish-on...  compound stress...  probably bad for line, rather than reel
then again, that feature was probably intended for stiff mono/wire
wonder how it would work w/ silky braid that's 3X-4X stronger

A Miya Epoch or a Daiwa Marine Power 3000, but I doubt either of those are really what you're looking for.

Next up would have to be those reels Justin linked, mostly due to the metal level wind mechanism, as opposed to just about everyone else that uses nylon gears for finger safety.