4500B or 8000D?

[Chamelion]

Hi there,

Looking to get a baitrunner for my jewie fishing in the estuaries and I am at a bit of a crossroads on what to do.

I am needing to be conscious of budget...

Firstly, is it correct that the 8000D is the closest in size to the 4500B?

I can get a 4500B for $153 brand new, I guess a 8000D would set me back around $260? So there is a significant price different.

I intend to use braid, probably 30lb... I really can't stand mono it's far too stretchy.

Insights appreciated :)

Oh, it will (at least in the short term) be mated to a cheap Shimano GTS 6-10kg or my Penn Slammer 6-10kg rod.

Cheers :)

Matt.

[jayvee]

go the 4500B mate. tried and tested reel that has proved its worth over and over. i'm not sure if 30lb braid is necessary tho for estuary jewy's unless you no jacks hunt the area's your fishing with nasty structure near by.
JAYVEE

[ant_72]

If the 8000d falls within the budget i would prefer to use it.They are definately an upgrade on the older B series. Stronger drag, better waterproofing in the drag, better handle, designed to cast better, better balance, even down to the fact that the baitrunner lever is reversed so when not in use it sits flush against the reel so is out of the way. Just remember it is your decision! Good luck with which ever way you go and i hope you put some fish in the boat

[Platitudinus]

Hey Matt;
I used my 8000D yesterday floatlining for snapper in 65+ m of water. It handled beautifully and is very lightweight - similar to the 4500B. In spool size I believe it is similar in capacity to the 6500B but the spool is deeper and not as wide as the 6500B. This gives slight problems with 30lb packed braid coming off after you have 100m+ of line out if you have the bailarm open, but obviously not in baitrunner mode. The other difference is minimal but the baitrunner in free spool mode on the 8000D is not quite as free as the old 6500B. Not a real issue unless you want absolute zero drag.
I match mine with an 8-10kg outfit and a 10-12kg outfit - no problems.
Cheers
Plato

[Spot82]

Thats a bit like comparing a hyundai with a mercedes really. The new baitrunners are so much nicer to use in every way than the old version, I have the 8000D and it is a great reel, looking at getting the 4000 version also for plastics fishing. I'd spend the extra money, you won't regret it, especially not once you match it to a good rod.

I've sent you a PM about a site to buy them off a fair bit cheaper than $260 also, a few members have purchased off the said site with no issues.

Anthony

[Spaniard_King]

I have bought 6 x 8000's from the same site Anthony is talking about (3 for me)

well worth it and great service for under $200 each

[Lovey80]

Yep agreed. I bout the 4500B last year and just bought the 8000D and love it. If you are going with Braid definitely go the new version the old one lays braid on horribly.

[Chamelion]

Cheers :) I just need to confirm that the 8000D is going to be the right size for me. I guess it shouldn't be too big for what I intend to do and might be big enough to have the dual purpose of slotting onto a 10ft surf rod.

Matt. :)

[Spot82]

Cheers :) I just need to confirm that the 8000D is going to be the right size for me. I guess it shouldn't be too big for what I intend to do and might be big enough to have the dual purpose of slotting onto a 10ft surf rod.

Matt. :)

I'd go for the 8000, good all round size, not too big not too small, and as you mentioned would be suitable for a number of situations. Will take about 200 metres of PE4 braid.

Anthony

[charleville]

I recently bought an 8000D from that overseas place as well. I am very happy with both the reel and the service from the overseas vendor.

I use the reel as my active working hold-on-to-all-day reel and it is a very comfortable reel for that purpose. I also have a 6500B, which is also a beauty, but I perceive a noticeable improvement in the new reel.

A little while ago, Tackle Warehouse had a three day sale in which they had excellent prices on the new baitrunners. So good in fact that it would be better buying the reel locally at those prices to get the local 10 year warranty. Not sure what their current prices would be now that that sale has finished.

The 8000D would double up quite nicely on a 10 ft rod as you suggest.


.

[Chamelion]

Thanks lads, I really appreciate the advice :) I'm settled on it then, an 8000D. I'll shop around a little over the next day or so and if I can't find somewhere in Aus that's well priced I'll give 'THAT' overseas store a try :)

Matt.