Contraversial Opinion

[PlasticFantastic]

Just thought I would stir things up a bit by asking what's the go with Shimano TSS4's. Everyone seems to worship them as if they were the only reel for spinning. I know they have a high speed ratio but thats about all it has going for it these days. Alot of the newer reels these days are smaller just as strong and more versatile and as robust. That should stir things up a bit ;)

PlasticFantastic

[NeilD]

You may be right but then again I really doubt that the other reels will be working too well after well over 10 years of surf and small boat spinning as mine has.

[Clint06]

The old TSS4 is a bit of rough reel in terms of balance, anti-reverse etc. but the drag system is tough as nails and will outlast other spinning reels. Also its not just the retrieve ratio thats important its also the length of line gained per turn of the handle. So while smaller reels may have a high retrieve ratio they wont retreive the same amount of line. I think youll find that other spin reels are not as strong as the TSS4.

[StevenM]

Still dont own one and doubt I ever will

must same I came close a few times

[rick_k]

I reckon people with broadband ought to put meaningful subjects in their posts for us Luddites with dial up.

[spinner]

Just wondering if anyone out there has ever tried a counterbalancing weight on their TSS4. I once had a `92 model Stradic and it was a bit wobbly, so I put a self tapping screw into the base of the rotor, which was graphite,and it made the reel a lot easier to live with. I must add that it took a while to find the right spot (tapeing the screw on with sticky tape at first)
Much the same method as counterbalancing a wheel rim.
I think the test of time has given the nod to the TSS4 and has earned it`s place as a classic.
cheers
Reggy

[wheezer]

i think the reason the TSS4 is so popular is not that it is a particularly great reel...but that there is simply nothing else like it for anywhere near the price! how many large capacity high speed retrieve big waterproof drag spinning reels can you find for under $200?? I can only find one....

[Big_unit]

Yep Wheezer hit the nail on the head.

They are cheaper than everything else and very reliable.

Cheers
James

[Duyz72]

Sure there might be just as good or better (for more $$), but if someone came up to you and gave you the option of 'just as good', wouldn't you choose the one that has lasted for years and years and proven itself to be a winner?

I did - and am actually yet to have used it, 12 months since (never had the chance to get it out there) so as yet I cannot provide the "test of time" testimony. But plenty of blokes here who can.

Now I got my 8' Live Fibre spin stick (who hasn't lol), this season I am sure to be able to give my version of events for a change! YEAH!

[marlinqld]

I havent got a live stick Duys.............

[DazSamFishing]

I use okuma epix efs20's 40's 60's and an 80...

Never had any problem... great retrieval ratio and cheaper than the shimano...

I have caught tuna after mack after trev after tailor after kingie after giant herring after queenie on those reels... the list goes on and on!

But there seems to be such a negative approach towards okuma and some shimano stuff...

Best bet is to give the reel ago PlasticFantastic... so many opinions...

See how it goes for you!

Daz