Seanstone
Catfish Freak
Multi-Specie Catch and Release Angler
Posts: 1,166
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Post by Seanstone on Mar 29, 2011 19:00:18 GMT -5
Does anyone upgrade their reels? Add extra ball bearings, add drag washers, etc. I was thinking about buying some drag washers to see if I could get a few more pounds of torque out of my drag, and it wouldn't hurt to make it smoother either. I know the ball bearings are supposed to help casting distance, but I wasn't too interested in them. Can anyone attest to these upgrades? Do they help, are the easy to install? What other upgrades would you recommend? I was thinking of upgrading some abu ambassadeurs 6000's and 6500's if that helps.
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Post by katfish on Mar 29, 2011 20:21:28 GMT -5
Sean I changed handles on one 6500. I was debating on installing teflon drags and ceramic bearings but my reel repairman advised that it would be to expensive for the benefits gained.  You could probably gain if you bought a pro rocket with these features. |
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Seanstone
Catfish Freak
Multi-Specie Catch and Release Angler
Posts: 1,166
|
Post by Seanstone on Apr 19, 2011 12:04:37 GMT -5
What are the benefits of installing a larger handle on a reel? Basic physics tell me that you gain leverage, but it will also take more time and energy per revolution. So I guess its a double edged sword in a sense. Whats your opinions?
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Post by katfish on Apr 19, 2011 15:14:51 GMT -5
When you get older seeing and grasping small objects
becomes harder ;D
It's all about leverage.
When you fight big fish you sometimes need to regain line
as soon as they quit taking drag. The larger handles aid you to put and keep pressure on big fish. I put these handles on
6500s that hold less line and that I normally have lighter
lines (with lighter drag settings).
If you look at the evolution of 6500s you will see the
company realized the wisdom of larger reel handles
and first started putting on double paddle handles then
put the larger counterbalanced handles on TC models.
The point I was hoping to make was that I thought the
handle was cost effective but upgrading drag disks and
bearings did not improve the reels performance enough
to justify the cost.
If you fish a lot the better alternative is to buy the rocket
reels with the equipment installed at the factory.
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Seanstone
Catfish Freak
Multi-Specie Catch and Release Angler
Posts: 1,166
|
Post by Seanstone on Apr 19, 2011 15:31:21 GMT -5
That's what I had figured.
I really appreciate the help, I changed my mind and didn't go with the improved drag washers. I have been looking into getting a new reel, just don't know what I want yet. I was simply curious to why reels had evolved to have these larger handles. If a fish were to swim in at you, it would take more energy to take up the slack with a larger handle. But leverage is a definite plus.
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Post by Catfishrollo on Apr 19, 2011 19:01:48 GMT -5
I have never upgraded any of mine... Def. a good thing to look into. But, likesaid.. only if the benefits out weigh the rest for sure. I try to take care of what I buy today .. Two young kids and a wife keeps me on a budget these days!  rollo |
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rollo