What's Your Favorite Reel to Work On? 2025
FishTank reply :
I usually spend my downtown time servicing my reels and a few for friends. It got me thinking about which reels I like to work on, some others that are a little more difficult, and some that leave me scratching my head.
I think my favorite to work on is the Shimano Core. It's simple and straightforward. The parts are well made. It kind of reminds me of the first car I was shown how to take apart, a Chevy Nova.
So far my least favorite to work on is the Daiwa Steez. I do love this reel and believe it might be the best reel ever made but taking it apart is a pain. It does make me appreciate how well it is engineered though. It's sort of like taking a Rolex apart. I might also group the used Antares I just picked up. It was hard at first. Now that I have done it, it will be easier just time consuming.
Some that leave me scratching my head..... A few Quantums, Abu Garcias, and 3 Lew's reels I have taken apart. All seem to have some really well made parts but others seem to be not so well made. Case in point.... The Quantum Vapor. This is about the smoothest reel I have picked up with a great set of gears and bearings but the rest of the parts are questionable. Only time will tell. Another one that makes me go, what were they thinking, is the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast. Everything about this reel is overkill. It's sort of like a Mac truck but somehow it's smooth as silk. I take it apart and think it's going to be geary and unrefined based on what's in it but put it all together and it's a gentle monster.
OnthePotomac reply :
I stuck with Shimanos over the years because their internal design while very efficient, is not complicated and easy to get into and work on. There are minor differences in their newer reels, but easy to figure out once inside. That said, I got into a Johnny Morris best reel a few years ago and it was pretty simple. I think I am hot stuff until I think of the various brands DVT works on every day and wonder how they differ.
FishTank reply :
On 2/23/2020 at 2:39 AM, OnthePotomac said:I stuck with Shimanos over the years because their internal design while very efficient, is not complicated and easy to get into and work on. There are minor differences in their newer reels, but easy to figure out once inside. That said, I got into a Johnny Morris best reel a few years ago and it was pretty simple. I think I am hot stuff until I think of the various brands DVT works on every day and wonder how they differ.
Yap. The Antares mentioned above will be going to DVT just because I want an expert to work on it. It's great peace of mind to have a professional working on it instead of some weekend warrior, like me. I will probably do the same thing in the future with the Daiwa Steez.
Most things though are pretty easy on reels and I enjoy tinkering with them but I am no expert, that's for sure. The worst thing to run into, for me, is to loose a small part like an e-clip or a spring. Other than that, it reminds of making models as a kid. There is just something relaxing about working with small parts and putting them together.
OnthePotomac reply :
A tip, when removing the e-clip put a dab of grease on it and it goes no where. To put it back I position with tweezers and the grease holds them in place then a gentle sqeeze with small hobby bent needle nose and it glides right back on and the bit of grease keeps them from taking off.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Old Shimano Calais, old Tour PT Quantum are a pain to take apart. Tatula TW reels especially the original are more complicated than others. I’ve done so many D n E Curados and Gen 1-2 Revos I can assemble them easily even from a pile of parts. High end spinners like a Stella or Certate have tons of washers and shims to keep track of. The ABU spinners that come apart from the rear are horrible. I could go on all night. Lol
iabass8 reply :
TD-Z and the non TW Steez. I've done so many of them I could do them with my eyes closed. Mindlessly easy reels to work on. Close second is the Steez SVTW. I like the things they did internally for tolerances.
TnRiver46 reply :
My favorite to work on is the ambassadeur 4600c because I have owned several
Beam reply :
Shimano Chronach and Curado E series and also the Shimano older gold and or silver Calcuttas.
FishTank reply :
On 2/23/2020 at 12:33 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Old Shimano Calais, old Tour PT Quantum are a pain to take apart. Tatula TW reels especially the original are more complicated than others. I’ve done so many D n E Curados and Gen 1-2 Revos I can assemble them easily even from a pile of parts. High end spinners like a Stella or Certate have tons of washers and shims to keep track of. The ABU spinners that come apart from the rear are horrible. I could go on all night. Lol
I had the 201A Calais. I loved this reel but ended up selling it. I was offered more than I paid for it and couldn't pass up the money at that time. It has always been a regret of mine when it comes to fishing stuff but it was hard to work on. If I remember right, there was a spring connected to the the clutch plate that was almost impossible to get into place and if you didn't hold it down, it could go flying.
I also had one of the old Tour PT reels. It was the one with shiny blue finish. It was great until it wasn't. I tried getting it right and so did Quantum. But as the years went by, I gave up and pitched it.
I have been doing my Curado E for years and my buddies Curado B's and BSF's. I think I can take these apart in my sleep.
Bankbeater reply :
When I clean a reel I always think about how I've used it over the years. My Favorite would probably be some of the older reels I have. The Zebco 33 that I got from my grandpa comes to mind. My daughter learned how to fish using that one.
FrankN209 reply :
My SV103 is the easiest to work on that I have. My 19' Antares was a doozy, but I was able to figure it out.
FishTank reply :
Just FYI.... Shimano has free shipping on anything. I needed a $5 bearing and shipping was free.
swhit140 reply :
I'm getting pretty good with Daiwa's I disassembled and serviced 8 of them. I sold 2 of my older reels to fund another new reel. Sometimes a guy has to get some fresh gear every 10 years or so.????
DomQ reply :
Quantum and Lews are the easiest for me, only difference is the flipping switch on the Quantum reels, but if you leave it alone theres no issues. Nothing I've worked on was really difficult to be honest, but I haven't touched a steeze so no comment there.
Smelter96 reply :
200e Shimanos and like-reels are mindlessly easy to work on. Love them. The worst are calais dcs and antares, like stated above
Born 2 fish reply :
I’m good with my Lews I haven’t tried my Daiwa tatula sv TW yet.
jeffo21 reply :
my own reel's
Mobasser reply :
I've kept two ABU 4600c reels working good for a long time. I think these may be easier to work on compared to newer reels. Now, I also have a Quantum and a Lews LFS. Both are low profile reels. They seem like they might be harder to work on
J Francho reply :
I can break down a Daiwa Alphas or Shimano E series reel with my eyes closed.
Guitarfish reply :
Newby to your site, but not to reel work. I work on all my own but still run in to one that just won't work right sometimes.
I have a bunch of the old Bantam Mags. 15x, 250's, and 350's. All smooth except one 15x. I still have it in a baggie until I have the patience to look at it again. Just love these old classics.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I did two JDM Conquests yesterday and still traumatized. lol
FishTank reply :
On 3/1/2020 at 1:16 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:I did two JDM Conquests yesterday and still traumatized. lol
What was difficult or different about these reels? Just curious...
Bluebasser86 reply :
200B Curado is about as simple as it gets.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Any c series abu garcia
.
So easy a cave man can do it ...did i mention parts are EVERYWHERE.not that they need workin on much but its nice when u got a 50 yr old reel that can interchange a part with a 10 yr old reel
PourMyOwn reply :
My old Ryobi V Mags are pretty simple...they don't have bearings!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
On 3/1/2020 at 1:29 AM, FishTank said:What was difficult or different about these reels? Just curious...
Just small stuff. The release for the left side plate and DC unit are hidden and not intuitive. Of course the manual is in Japanese that’s no help except for pictures that eventually saved the day. The crank shaft and level wind are attached to a shared plate. The e clips are extra small but tight. Just stupid stuff but when you’re under the gun any delay no matter how slight gets to ya.
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