Thread: High quality ultralight spinning reels

So this shallow spool Revros holds 100 m of 2.5 lb test line and 70 m of 3 lb test.
I'm not really an expert, but I've read that shallow spools cast farther, and that has sure been the case with this LT 1000S.

I paid $80 for this one from a Japanese web store, because I wanted the shallow spool, and I thought maybe the JDM version might be a better reel than the American version. In hindsight, the only difference might be the shallow spool. It is heavier than a Ballistic FW (200 g to 160, about one and one-third ounces) and it has fewer bearings.

The JDM Revros has been an awesome reel for for the price. But if I buy another reel, it will probably be another Ballistic FW.

The TSS mentioned is a Leland Lures trout slayer series. As it stands now it’s the lightest longer rod that I own and a pleasure in your hand. Mine has airwave or microwave guides on it and casts better than I expected. I found mine used with a President 25 series on it and really don’t see the need to improve on it much. I’m pretty rough on my gear sometimes and fish some tough cover. I even poke the tip down in the water where I can’t see it to dislodge the jig. I don’t think that’s advisable with tiny tip JDM gear. All that said,if the TSS was still in production I would probably look up another one as this one suits me fine. I’ve recently bought a Diawa Regal in 2500 and with ten bearings it’s probably one of the best I’ve ever owned. Currently looking for one in 1000 size that isn’t twice the price I’ve seen them for when I was on the fence about them. A shallow spool version of this is near $200. But a light shallow spool reel would be a very good match with the TSS. I can only dream of the fight of an 11” shellcracker would be on this rig.

I have a Mitchell 300 and it came new, many years ago, with a shallow spool and a deep spool. Fill a deep spool with light line and your gonna need a coffee and a lunch break. Shallow spool is for light line. heavier line goes to the deep spool. I can't imagine how much 4# line a deep spool must hold or how little 20# line a shallow spool will hold!

Originally Posted by Don Fischer

I have a Mitchell 300 and it came new, many years ago, with a shallow spool and a deep spool. Fill a deep spool with light line and your gonna need a coffee and a lunch break. Shallow spool is for light line. heavier line goes to the deep spool. I can't imagine how much 4# line a deep spool must hold or how little 20# line a shallow spool will hold!

I remember that well. I never took advantage of it but should have.
Bob

My Dad and Brother had 300’s and while they were smooth and well made I was never a fan. I felt it took too much effort to get em moving compared to some of the others I’d handled. I guess I’ve liked the cheaper stuff for a while.

On another note, anyone know anything about the Diawa gekkabijin 1000 reel? Looks to have some of the bells and whistles and a lower price point. Caught my eye while surfing eBay trying to learn something.

Originally Posted by skeetbum

My Dad and Brother had 300’s and while they were smooth and well made I was never a fan. I felt it took too much effort to get em moving compared to some of the others I’d handled. I guess I’ve liked the cheaper stuff for a while.

On another note, anyone know anything about the Diawa gekkabijin 1000 reel? Looks to have some of the bells and whistles and a lower price point. Caught my eye while surfing eBay trying to learn something.

Which model...they have several.


Regards

That just shows how little I know about them. I didn’t note any of the details on size and model other than 1000 size. I found this one that showed I had looked at it.
Daiwa Spinning Reel 20 Gekkabijin X LT LT1000S-P (2020 Model) | eBay

Originally Posted by livemusic

I bought the Abu Garcia Revo MGX Theta 1000S. Probably will return the brand new Shimano Vanford 1000F. Other than the Theta, what other reels are exceptional quality with the following as benefits? These are just things I recall reading, I don't know as much as you guys, but I am going to need another reel in addition to the Theta I just bought because it turns out that I can get my Major Craft ultralight rod tip replaced, yippee!

- small spool size
- more bearings
- good drag
- smoothness
- light weight
- 4.8:1 is a plus
- less than $350 USD

The price is just an arbitrary limit I have for myself at this time. A more expensive reel, I would need to be super convinced it would be worth it. I am not even sure these higher end reels are 'worth it' compared to my Pfleuger President 6920! We'll see! I am going down the rabbit hole to find out. One thing, on a personal note, is that I normally do not fish over 7-8 hours at a time, so, fatigue is less a factor for fishing all day!

Never ever admit to not knowing much. Lying is about the most important part of fishing! :-) My old Mitchell 308 was the best ever I think. 308 and 300 went away and it was a long time before I found another spinning reel I really liked. For whatever rreason they all just seemed cheap to me! But these newer reels are pretty nice, UL's anyway. I've got a very light Ocuma that challenges my old 308! Also have a small Shamano and a small Kastking I like really really well. The bigger reels usually means the fish are size enough to drag out my round level winds! I suspect that the UL class rods and reels is kind of a specialty class. They are either hard to find or simply appear to me kinda junky. Don't tell anyone I said that! I bought a Shakespear UL combo just to get the rod. Then after looking at the reel that came with it, I put it on an Eagle Claw rod; 6'6" feather light. haven't been out for crappie this year, res is pretty low and don't want to make the trip, 70mi one way, to find I can't launch my boat. But I'm thinking this little reel might cut the mustard. If it doesn't, the rod and reel together was only about $20 so I'm not out much. But just got a feeling this reel will make it. Then never been a huge fan of Shakespear reels but have liked their rods. Reel doesn't have a model number on it but if the OP runs into a small light Shakespear combo for $20, for $20 ya might give it a try. Shoot, my favorite little Ocuma cost more than that. The Kastking was bought for no other reason than how much I liked my Rover 40. If I wanted another right now, I wouldn't bat an eye at looking at A Kastking. The Shamano what can OI say. I've had this one Shamano spinning reel and several Shamano casting reels and in my view, Shamano is first cabin! Only negative I can see is they cost more!