How to choose a reel for spinning – expert advice

Like almost any other fishing method, modern spinning rods are unthinkable without the use of a suitable fishing reel. For a long time, the classic inertial models, as well as their multiplier counterparts, were popular, but they all yielded the palm to inertial reels – mainly due to the excellent functional features, excellent functionality and extremely high ease of mastering the latter.

The main elements of the coil

Currently, a great many companies are engaged in the production of spinning reels. Despite the fact that each of them sees the design of the mechanism differently and introduces their own proprietary engineering solutions and technological developments into it, the general structure of spinning coils certainly includes the following elements:

1. The reel body is made of durable and lightweight material. Graphite, aluminum, magnesium alloys, carbon – these are the main materials that are widely used;

2. The reel rotor is a rotating element on which the line stacker is fixed. The rotor must be perfectly balanced, not bother with parasitic vibrations and all kinds of backlash;

3. The main pair of gears and other related assemblies are used to transfer the force of rotation of the handle to the rotor. Depending on the number of teeth on the drive and driven gears, the exhaust speed and traction characteristics change;

4. Ball and roller bearings are a logical solution in order to neutralize mechanical stresses and reduce the overall wear of coil assemblies.

5. Spool – a special reel designed to store fishing line. It is made from various materials – both polymer and various metal alloys and can have different depths;

6. The friction brake system is a separate mechanism designed to deflect the line after the pecked fish. Differs in a wide range of adjustments and can be configured for a variety of actuation forces;

The above-described units and assemblies are typical for all spinning coils without exception and represent a kind of a kind of base from which the developers start, bringing their own developments and trying to improve the design in one way or another.

Line laying mechanism – which one to choose

Currently, this issue has lost its relevance, but 20 years ago it could be heard very often. The thing is that the then spinning coils were divided into two conventional types – the well-known open spinning coils and their closed counterparts, the spool of which is wrapped in a special metal or plastic casing. In fact, all the mechanical and rotating elements of the latter are hidden under the casing and are supposedly designed to protect the mechanism from adverse external influences, but in fact they are not able to bring anything except deterioration in performance. It is for this reason that closed spinning coils have ordered a long life, and at present it is almost impossible to find such models in the manufacturer's catalogs.

What to look for when buying?

When choosing a spinning reel, do not be too lazy to study the reviews of anglers who use certain models on specific gear and who have managed to identify specific pros and cons that interfere with operation. In addition, you should not blindly believe the seller's words and try to find a universal model for all fishing conditions – such reels simply do not exist. When considering several different options for buying, pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Coil size. The balance of the tackle is primary in any fishing method – the mounted tackle should be balanced in the area of ​​the handle and not outweigh to the tip or butt. This can only be achieved with the correct choice of coil size. So, models of size 500-1500 are good for tackle of ultralight and light class, 2000-3000 size is universal and excellent for wide use in spinning fishing, reels of size 4000 are very specific models designed for powerful and long-range tackle;

2. Gear ratio of the main pair of gears. The regularity here is as follows – the larger the gear ratio, the more high-speed and the less high-torque this or that coil is. In order to ensure a decent exhausting speed without losing traction, for spinning fishing, you should select reels whose gear ratio does not exceed 5.2-5.4: 1;

3. Number of bearings. In theory, it is believed that the more 'balls' – the smoother and easier the coil is. In practice, an excessive amount not only helps, but even hinders – without improving the stroke at all, they add extra grams of weight to the reel. 6-8 high-quality sealed bearings are more than enough for both an ultralight class model and a powerful jig reel;

4. Friction brake type. A quality multi-plate clutch is important in any situation, no matter what size fish you are going to fish. Pay attention only to the location of the adjusting screw – some anglers prefer the front brake adjustment, others – the rear. Both options are good and provide decent functionality, and which one to choose depends entirely on the preferences of the particular angler;

5. Linear roller and its design. At first glance, this small detail can cause a lot of trouble for the angler if the choice is wrong. It is the design and material of the roller that determines its ability to work with braided cords, as well as its resistance to mechanical damage. A low-quality roller will be sawn through with a braid after 2-3 active fishing;

Attention should be paid to the winding of fishing line, first of all, thin cords. Smooth, high-quality laying without dips and bumps, without a pronounced direct or reverse cone and distortion – such a winding should be possessed by a correctly selected spinning reel.

Whom will we catch, what and where?

Without a doubt, the selection of a spinning reel should be based on the specifics of a particular tackle, its technical characteristics and purpose. And she, in turn, is selected for work in certain conditions and for catching specific types of fish. The dependence in this situation is as follows:

1. Catching a medium-sized predator using compact spinning lures and microsters – perch, trout, chub – requires the use of delicate spinning reels 1000-1500 in size, equipped with a front friction brake, a gear ratio of about 5.0: 1 and 6-8 ball bearings;

2. Hunting medium-sized fish using both lures and silicone baits – pike perch, pike, asp – necessitates the use of a more powerful reel. Model size 2000-3000, 6-8 ball bearings, main pair of gears made of cold forged aluminum, the presence of an 'infinity' and a sensitive friction brake – these are the main characteristics that this or that model should have;

3. Fishing for large pike, catfish, trophy pike perch and other strong rivals with wobblers, poppers, jerkbaits and other large lures is possible only when using a sufficiently powerful reel. The power main pair of gears and a gear ratio of 4.5-4.8: 1, 8-10 ball bearings, a powerful friction brake with front adjustment, the presence of all kinds of mechanisms that ensure high-quality line laying and many other characteristics should be fully present here.

Let's talk about brands

Today, you can find spinning coils on sale from a wide variety of manufacturers, from 'unnamed' Chinese models to top-end movements from generally accepted market leaders who are trendsetters. One should not think that all coils are the same and differ only in what is written on the case – due to the scrupulous approach to production and total quality control, even budget models from well-known European and Japanese manufacturers will last much longer than unnamed Chinese coils, positioned for several classes above. If we talk about specific firms that have won not only an excellent reputation, but also popular love among anglers, the following names should be noted:

1. Daiwa;

2. Shimano;

3. Abu Garcia;

4. Mitchell;

5. Spro;

6. Drennan;

7. Preston;

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose thermal underwear for outdoor activities and the secrets of choosing a fish finder for fishing.

Spinning reel selection video

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.