going conventional

[redrick]

i am looking for some opinions i hope i came to the right place. i am thinking about getting a conventional reel for the surf. my first choice was the calcutta ct700 non levelwind,second sl30
and third 525 mag. opinions welcomed.

[Cdog]

Switch em around. For a newbie to conv I would suggest the slosh 30 with both red brakes in to start with. Excellent reel and what I learned on. Second would be the 525, would move it to first if ya add the HO conversion kit. Don't know squat about the calcutta except they make great boat reels. JMHO.

[Drumdum]

Is a good choice,easy on the wallet,and you'll get a lot of use out of it. Best first reel choice,IMHO,cause they can withstand abuse.. Droper in the sand,dunker and keep on fishin.. They cast as well as most of the magged models when set up properly.When and if you do decide to upgrade,makes an excellent backup..

[big brother]

just a few things i have learned about using conventionals (since 1952). before i buy the newest, greatest, best thing since sliced bread reel, i always open the box and look at the schematic, if it is more complicated than the engine in my car, i put it back on the shelf. that's probably why i do not own a calcutta of any kind. a reel does not have to be complex in design to be effective. i use penns and abus and have never had major problems. learn to do some basic maintance on your reels and they should last a lifetime. one other thing i would suggest is that you never let a tackle shop put the line on your reel, they are in the line selling business. it only takes a couple of minutes to put line on a reel and you know it is laid on level with no underwrap.
charlie

[Bonito6t9]

But im all for the Sl30.... The Abu's aren't bad reels either, but i dont suggest them on 8nbaitin', but i would suggest them on casting them silvers! :D tightlines


Fred

[redrick]

thanks for the advice. i am new to the saltwater conentional reels,but i have fished with baitcasters,i bought one of the first lews speed spools that sears sold a long time ago, still have it. but i no throwing weight is going to be like softball to baseball, much bigger backlash. sounds like the sl30 is for me.

[CrawFish]

I have both the daiwa gwz 30 and penn 525mag, if you're in Richmond, I might let you test it. But if you blew them up, you'll pay for the line. :D :)

[Rockstar]

i'll vouch for the 525mag. i wouldn't waste the money on the HO conversion though... with a little practice it's fairly easy to control.

[oldsalt]

I'm old school Penn 970 or 980 if you can find one.Don't make them like them anymore.If you can find one for 100 or less in good condition you got a deal. :cool: ;) :D

[Fishman]

one other thing i would suggest is that you never let a tackle shop put the line on your reel, they are in the line selling business. it only takes a couple of minutes to put line on a reel and you know it is laid on level with no underwrap.
charlie


I would dissagree with that I worked in a tackle shop for 4 years and you can never get line on a reel as tight as a line machine can. Ive tried it a home and i will have my reels spooled and my local tackle shop as compaired to dionng it myself.