Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Is there such a thing as a "SLEEPER REEL"? 

By sleeper, you mean a reel that is much more capable (in some way) than it appears? I suppose drag capability is the main thing that can be upgraded, then perhaps changes in gear ratio, stainless sleeves, dogs, gears, bridge plates, etc. Our senator upgrades certainly qualify, I would think. Frame upgrades aren't as easy to miss, but to the unaware they might look stock.

A two speed conversion might fit this category. If someone wasn't familiar with them they might not recognize the button in the handle or the adapter plate under the right side plate. One of Cal's blueprint jobs also might qualify for the description; an older International 12 that can handle way more drag than stock would qualify.

For stock reels, any of the modern small reels that are built with the intent for fishing braided line at heavy drag settings might qualify as a sleeper. Something like a torque or raptor I suppose. I don't know much about these reels; I'm priced out of that category.

you got it Doc! I had a car that can be classified as a "sleeper". Everything that's externally visible was stock(OE), but what's under the hood the suspension and the teeny little things that i've done made the difference in the performance of said car...

An Avet  EX 4/0 with Alan's mods might be one.

I's say a factory aluminium spooled Surfmaster 100 with stainless sleeve, steel gear, double dog and dgag upgrade would qualify as a sleeper. Factory reel holds 8ish pounds of drag; sleeper reel holds 15-20 #s, is smoother and more robust.
Ron

Like this 100 and the Narrow 250 on the right in the bottom photo.

Mel if I had to vote on a sleeper reel I'd vote on the Penn 113.  Look at what the guys have done to that model.  Dominick

That's it exactly Lee, although the Newell bars kind of give it away.
Ron

My sleepers are the Newell 300s with 6 stack drags and 40 lb momoi diamond.

I really want to go on a longer trip this year or hope that the big bluefins (80-120 lbs) show up this year.  Would love to test some of the Newells and Progears that I upgraded.

I know it's not the point of this discussion, but I'm curious: what was your automotive sleeper?

Quote from: Keta on April 11, 2014, 07:21:17 PM
Like this 100 and the Narrow 250 on the right in the bottom photo.

You have a 501 spool on that 250 Lee?

Doc,

it was a 1st yr 2nd gen mitsubishi eclipse gsx...

Quote from: Mel B on April 12, 2014, 12:07:36 AM
Doc,

it was a 1st yr 2nd gen mitsubishi eclipse gsx...

Definitely a sleeper. Other than the evo, no one expects much from a Mitsubishi. I have a first generation ralliart wagon, btw.

I don't view any of the newer reels as "sleepers" because they were factory built with the express intent of having high drag capability and using spectra line. They are advertised exactly that way. In my opinion the ultimate sleeper is the Pro Gear 545. Line capacity is 350 yards of 25 lb. mono line, narrow spool, aluminum construction, accepts many Penn 113H factory and aftermarket parts. Are a pleasure to fish as originally manufactured and can be partially modified or given the full Tank treatment many on the site  seem to treasure. Even without changes, the reel is compact,has excellent free spool, casts well and can easily fish 40 lb. test. My only disappointment, other than being out of production, is that I only own 2 of them..