Reels

[2manylures]

Disregarding Makes & Models what is the main criteria you look for in reels?

[reggy]

With regard to overheads;

Drag...Has to be greased carbon.

Anti reverse system.....Has to have a ratchet and dog, with preferably a spring loaded dog. Double dogs even better.

Frame...One piece metal, machined from a solid billet preferably, but cast is OK.

Gears...all stainless is best, but not imperative.

[revs57]

1. Drag, drag and more drag...preferably carbontex, but quality materials will do rather than just oil impregnated felt
2. robust construction, prefer alloy frame and casing, graphite is ok, but never just plastic, oversized main shaft, sealed ball bearings and machined gears
3. Retrieve ratio of at least 4:1 - nothing worse than the feeling of beating egg whites
4. spool line capacity
5. infinite reverse nice but good anti reverse will do
6. warranty and reliable back up network for service and spares

[2manylures]

My reasons for asking is that since the inception of super lines quite a lot of reels manufacturers have “added max drag” to their stats.
Also since the inception & moreso use of superlines more & more “high end” {hate the term} reels have been killed.
This seems to be caused by, from what I believe, anglers being over enthusiastic with superlines, drag settings & not quite understanding the manufacturer’s product details correctly.
Put simply when a manufacturer states MAX DRAG ??kg, this is to reel lock-up, not actual usable drag.
Usable drag in practise is generally 1/3 of maximum breaking strain line recommended for any particular reel.