Conventional Newbie Post

[SeaSalt]

Alright. I'm new to conventionals and its seems somewhat more complicated than just using a spinning reel. For all you seasoned vets, can you please answer the following questions for all those who are tempted to jump into the world of conventionals?

1. Does conventionals have better drag than spinners?

2. Does conventionals more line capacity than spinners?

3. It seems that some conventional reels have level wind and some don't. What functionality do level winds serve?

4. What does magging a reel mean? And what purpose does magging a reel serve?

5. Do you get more distance from conventional setup than spinners?

[Cdog]

Alright. I'm new to conventionals and its seems somewhat more complicated than just using a spinning reel. For all you seasoned vets, can you please answer the following questions for all those who are tempted to jump into the world of conventionals?

1. Does conventionals have better drag than spinners?

2. Does conventionals more line capacity than spinners?

3. It seems that some conventional reels have level wind and some don't. What functionality do level winds serve?

4. What does magging a reel mean? And what purpose does magging a reel serve?

5. Do you get more distance from conventional setup than spinners?

1. Depends, Daiwa drags are great on their spinners and Conv.
2.Depends, most spinners can hold more line but the weight of a big spinner vs a Conv gives the advantage to Conv.
3.The level wind is great for when tossing lures. Some claim that the level wind will cost you distance but I have seen people throw their LW just as far as their Non LW.
4.Magging a reel is when you add magnets to help slow down the spool. Has to do with eddy and currents and stuff I dont understand except it works.
5. For me yes I can get better distance with Conv vs spinners.

[Mark G]

Well I'll give it a shot

Question #1 Better drags on conventionals ? generally yes- but a high dollar spinner can have a much better drag system than a low budget conventional.

#2. LIne capacity is dictated by reel spool size- not type- you have to get specific- model to model to do a comparison

#3 level winds lay the line on the reel in an even manner- can be handy when throwing lures that need fast retrieve- for most fishing with large weight and bait a level wind can rob you of distance on the cast. Most use their thumb to guide the line on in place of the level wind.

#4 a magged reel uses magnets to slow the reel down from spinning too fast, they help prevent backlashes,birdnesting, etc. Some reels come with magnets, some use mechanical brake blocks- they both (along with proper oil in the bearings) help control the reel during the cast. Some people add magnets to a reel that spins too fast.

#5 In general,yes (sorry Sarge) but here again it depends on your ability. Technically a conventional throws the line off the reel, on a spinner the line is pulled off in large coils which hit the first guide and are choked down, this causes friction as well as the line being pulled over the lip of the spool.


There are advantages to spinning equipment in some situations so it is not as black and white as one is better than the other.

[Mark G]

ya beat me to it!!

Looks like we're pretty much in agreement