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View Full Version : Gear: Nice reel from Grey

Orest
10-17-2008, 05:23 PM
http://www.greysfishing.com/index.php?if=view&pc=244&pid=637
AtlantaKing
10-17-2008, 06:28 PM
Hmm, interesting reel. It has elements of a Pro Gear, a 525 Mag and an Abu. It seems that the left side plate is a quick detach, similar in design to a Squidder or Jigmaster. That would be a nice feature as it would make servicing the bearings much easier. The freespool release is a lever instead of a button, which would eliminate accidental gear engagements. I don't know about the chrome plated alloy frame paired with graphite side plates, though. An interesting reel to be sure, but I have a strong feeling that it's made in China, with a mishmash of internal design.
NcRon
10-17-2008, 07:46 PM
This is an interesting reel for sure,I'm pretty sure we'll here more about this one.

Ron
AbuMike
10-17-2008, 08:07 PM
patent must be up on the Sport Mag. There's no way it will ever be a Swedish Abu.
SALTSHAKER
10-17-2008, 08:53 PM
FYI Neil MacKellow is now on staff at Grey, has been for about a year now.. salt
lil red jeep
10-17-2008, 09:11 PM
I agree that it is a nice looking reel, but does the price tag of $250.00 give or take $5 plus shipping deter you from wanting one? Heck, my OM Cape form NTKG and my Daiwa 30 SHV from Cdog combined didn't cost me anywhere near that amount, and I didn't have to pay shipping. That kind of money would be grounds for divorce if my wife found out I spent that on a reel.
inshoreangler95
10-17-2008, 11:51 PM
Very nice reel for sure but like lil red jeep said is it worth 250? it sure is nice but dude wow 250? My mom would have me hanged!
RuddeDogg
10-18-2008, 12:50 AM
yep it sure is pretty.
eric
10-18-2008, 05:46 AM
garbage.
Digger
10-18-2008, 07:25 AM
Well if Neil is there:). It appears to be a Brit design. I'm down with it as soon as I find the extra coin. I'm sure I will see one in the not to distant future. I would suspect it's performance will be worth the money.
Orest
10-20-2008, 08:33 AM
If Neil had a hand in the design, it will perform and be worth the $$$$.
basstardo
10-20-2008, 11:22 AM
Neil had a hand in the 525 Mag IIRC, but it's got its issues as well. The clicker flat out sucks, and the drag leaves a bit to be desired, although it isn't nearly as bad as an older stock Abu. If the clicker and drag are updated, this will probably be a killer reel. Just can't justify the price when there are reels available in the US that are as good or better than this one.
AtlantaKing
10-20-2008, 12:27 PM
IMHO, the trouble with this reel from Grey's is that although the design may be good (and I think it is), I fear the execution is probably subpar. Just looking at the pictures alone, I can see that it lacks the level of "refinement" in an Abu, Daiwa or Penn. Like I said, probably "Made in China" by a company that's building to a list of specs (and a price point) without having a genuine understanding of how a reel should work. Every feature on the reels looks to be reverse engineered from an existing reel, not necessarily designed to work together. The performance might be decent (but then again it may not due to lousy bearings, poor tolerances, and mediocre workmanship), but for how long?

As far as the clicker goes, if this is an "Ultracast" type of reel with inboard spool bearings, the clicker will probably suck as well. This is due to the design of the clicker cog, which are usually plastic. Plastic cogs don't lend themselves to loud clicking, unlike metal ones found on a Daiwa, which do not have inboard spool bearings. I think that in order to make an Ultracast spool in a reel with a metal clicker cog would require a good bit more engineering and machining. I doubt the Grey's reel has that.
Digger
10-21-2008, 08:37 AM
Basstardo the Penn 525MAg is a HT100 drag. Which is better than the Diawa IMHO. If you are having problems there, check the installation. I will never for get Mike Vaughan fighting a car hood with mine, he really like the drag and he laided the heat on.
Clyde
10-21-2008, 09:09 AM
Digger you're usually on target, but the 525 drags are awful, especially compared to the Daiwa's.
basstardo
10-21-2008, 10:00 AM
I gotta agree with Clyde. The drags can definitely put some pressure on a fish, but the problem is when make a run and take some line. Mine was almost as bad as a stock Abu. I've cleaned the drag out, and even greased the drag washers. It helped a little, but it still sucks.
Jebson38
10-21-2008, 10:55 AM
Why put a 5.1 gear ratio in it....I have had drum hall butt in at me and the only way I kept up with him was 6.3:1 drag. I know some like the slower gear for more power but I would rather have the speed to keep up with a fish coming in.

Next issue. Why use the graphite end plates? I would love to see a mag adjustable reel like this with all alluminum frame and end plates that is not an abu.

Last issue...Drop the slidey and go with a knobby similar to the 525 super extra mag.
basstardo
10-21-2008, 04:19 PM
Latest thing I read was Neil did NOT have a hand in designing this, and it was a done deal before he started working for H&G. Personally, I'd rather have an Abu or a Saltist.
Orest
10-21-2008, 04:29 PM
I gotta agree with Clyde. The drags can definitely put some pressure on a fish, but the problem is when make a run and take some line. Mine was almost as bad as a stock Abu. I've cleaned the drag out, and even greased the drag washers. It helped a little, but it still sucks.

on HT 100 drag system.

http://www.pennfishingstore.com/penn-graphite-gs-reels.html

See link. Scroll down until you the pic of the drag washers spacing chart.
basstardo
10-21-2008, 04:37 PM
on HT 100 drag system.

http://www.pennfishingstore.com/penn-graphite-gs-reels.html

See link. Scroll down until you the pic of the drag washers spacing chart.

The same thing is in the user manual. Doesn't make much difference if you ask me. The drag is still jerky and flat not smooth.
Digger
10-21-2008, 06:11 PM
Sorry my experience is this on drags. Penn (Jigmasters(blew the sideplates out on this once), GS555, Misc senators) all serviceable and relatively smooth, hard to start but smooth afterward. Then would come the Diawa a very strong drag that has a tendency to hang a little, a very big problem when laying the heat on the fish. Abu's well they fade way to much.

Another thing to look at is the action of the rod involved. This is very important. If you don't think so then pull 7lbs of drag with a friend with line straight and don't change the settings bringing the rod up to 45 degree's.
snowy
10-22-2008, 10:14 AM
Why put a 5.1 gear ratio in it....I have had drum hall butt in at me and the only way I kept up with him was 6.3:1 drag. I know some like the slower gear for more power but I would rather have the speed to keep up with a fish coming in.

Next issue. Why use the graphite end plates? I would love to see a mag adjustable reel like this with all alluminum frame and end plates that is not an abu.

Last issue...Drop the slidey and go with a knobby similar to the 525 super extra mag.
Not cheap but the new Avet SX 6/4 MC addresses all these issues.
ffemtreed
10-22-2008, 11:49 AM
If the clicker doesn't suck I will buy three of these reels, maybe 4.
basstardo
10-22-2008, 12:46 PM
If the clicker doesn't suck I will buy three of these reels, maybe 4.

You might want to read some of the reviews on the European forums. This reel is getting beaten up pretty bad. Apparenlty it kicks back into gear very easily and that's caused some problems with casting. I'd love to get my hands on one to try it out, but I don't think I'll be spending that kind of money when I can get a reel that's just as good or better from the US market.