Old Baitcasting Reels vs. the New Stuff

Hello, all-I'm brand new to this site and look forward to learning and sharing what I know. My question today concerns whether I have what I need or would be better served with a new purchase. I own several Daiwa and Abu Reels that were purchased 10-15 years ago that have 5 ballbearings,almost "infinite reverse" and what was considered "high speed" (5.1) back then. Do you think the current offerings with 9 or 10 ballbearings and 6-7.5 speeds are "stronger", smoother,and worth the money, or do you subscribe to the "They don't make 'em as good as they used to" school of thought?

Oh they make them as good as they used too but you'll pay some money for them. It really depends on what models you currently have. If you're looking at getting one to try out look at the bass pro shops pro qualifier. Its a great reel for the money. And they just go up in price and value from there. There are some cheaper ones that are decent but I'd start there and work up. I may have some used ones for sale if interested.

And don't get too caught up in the ball bearing numbers. There are plenty of $40 ebay Chinese reels that have 12 ball bearings they say. Its all in how they are made and the quality of materials.

Wow! I could sit here for hours and type answers to all those questions and they would still be nothing more than one man's opinion. Let me just hit some high points. As far as the old reels, if you're talking about round reels, some of those things would literally last a lifetime, especially the ABU Garcias. To me, their biggest fault was not being able to cast light baits with them. Those huge capacity spools were just too heavy for a lighweight bait to get started spinning. I think gear ratio is overhyped to a degree. Seriously, how hard is it to speed up or slow down your retrieve speed. They do become a factor in some techniques. You wouldn't want to make too many casts, for instance, with a really deep diving crank while using a reel with a 7:1 ratio. By the same token, if you're pitching to laydowns or weedbeds all day (or any other scenario where you're not working the bait all the way back to the boat), that 8:1 reel is going to allow you to keep the bait in the strike zone a lot longer. I see bearing count as being somewhat oversold, too. Having good, well-maintained bearings on the spool shaft will get you maximum distance on your casts, but all the other ones merely allow for a slightly smoother "feel" and act as a selling point for the manufacturer. I've got $250 reels that are on their last legs after about 10 years and I have ABU Garcia round reels from the 70s that are still kicking. So what is the "best reel"? I don't have a clue how to answer that, but I think it has a lot to do with what feels right for you and what puts a smile on your face while you're using it.

Hairball pretty much nailed it. To back up what he said, the number of ball bearings is more of a selling point than a performance point. I've heard people try to sell a reel based on "this one has more bearings so it ought to last you longer". Hooey! There are basically three bearings along the side plate and spool assembly (in most newer reels) that matter as far as casting performance goes. Manufacturers have started putting bearings in other places on the reel where they aren't really out of place, but don't offer much to the overall performance of the reel. A couple examples are bearings that are sometimes located in such places as the on each end of the levelwind (worm gear) and in the handle grips...places that will give basically unnoticed or at least neglible performance to the average user. Nothing wrong with older reels unless you're looking for a more comfortable low profile reel that fits most hands better than older bulky reels or round style reels.

I will say one thing for the old reels, when you learned to cast with one, you learned to cast with one. If you learned how to throw a light or medium weight lure in the wind with a Garcia Ambassadeur, you can throw anything, at any time, with today's reels. Feathering a cast may be a lost art.

One thing about the old Garica reels,they will last forever. Replace worn out parts and keep fishin !! New reels are not made as well . But they are good while they last .