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| Looking to purchase a new spinning reel and am looking for some help regarding the drags. Can someone tell me if there is a functional/performance difference in front versus rear drags. Thanks in advance.
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Member
Posts: 1382
| I believe the rear drag pulls the spool shaft to compress the drag washers, while the front drag pushes from the top. I don't think one is better than the other but I'm hardly an expert. |
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| Front drags have larger discs (larger surfaces) and are generally considered to be superior to rear drags because of it. |
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Member
Posts: 1656
| I've always been under the impression that rear drags are superior to front drags, but you "pay" for the better drag with extra weight.
Maybe I've been wrong all this time? |
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Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Front drag is absolutely the superior system and that is why none of the top shelf reels have rear drags except bait-feeder reels. DO NOT buy a rear drag reel if you are fishing tournaments. The biggest problems with rear drags is that they stick, they are not consistant, they weigh more and they can't make sensitive adjustments. The plus side is they can be adjusted easier while fighting a fish. Here is the deal, if you have a clue, your drag is adjusted before your line hits the water every day. In summary, DO NOT buy a rear drag spinning reel unless it is a baitfeeder.
Edited by Rich S 3/10/2006 3:55 PM
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Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | One more thing, if drag is a big issue to you, go with Okuma. They have by far the best drags on the market. The Epixor or Inspira are my recomendations. Great reels for the price. |
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Member
Posts: 1656
| Damn it, Rich, I'm gonna have to give up tournament fishing. haha
See ya later. |
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Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | Actually rear drags are perfect for a guy with your jigging ability:) You can't loose a fish if you never have one on. You know I love ya man. By the way, you owe me an email on your last fishing trip. |
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Member
Posts: 1656
| an e-mail?....let's put it this way....you can't lose a fish if you never had one on!  |
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| Checkout Okuma Alumina Reels, 8.3 0z. Add a little Power Pro. You will want more than one.
Lefty |
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Member
Posts: 714
| Front drag all the way, no question about it.
Take a look at the Mitchell Avocet Gold reels as an option for an introductory reel. It has an 8 ball bearing drag/drive system and can be had for under $30!! The drags are the smoothest you can find and they are very dependable. I use them on all my smallmouth spinning rigs.
I understand Gander has them on sale for $19.95 right now, or you can check Cabela's.
Definetly great reels!! |
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| Well, I prefer the rear drag models. I have been able to land some very large fish on light tackle and I attribute that to the rear drag. You can easily make adjustments while fighting the fish. I use 2000 and 4000 size Shimanos for Steelhead and Browns. I have landed several large Muskies on the same reels, that were caught while Walleye fishing. Try them both, it may come down to a personal preference. |
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Member
Posts: 874
Location: Neenah, WI | I've yet to find a spinning reel with a drag that's consistant enough for me. With a lot of you guys gearing up for spring action, why not plan to learn how to backreel? You might lose a fish or 2 at the beginning but you'll learn a new technique for fighting a fish. Just keep the line tight and enjoy the fight. Good Luck. |
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| Rich S,
Who carries Okuma reels in the Oshkosh/Appleton area? |
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Member
Posts: 2300
Location: Berlin | I don't believe anybody around here carries them. Cabela's does. I just checked and they have a great deal on the Aveon. It has 11 ball bearings and is almost as smooth as a Stella. All their reels are awesome especially the drags. I don't care for their line counters but you can't beat their spinning reels. They also carry the baitrunners which are perfect for the sheephead tourneys. I am not in any way connected to Okuma but do believe strongly in their product.
Edited by Rich S 3/28/2006 7:07 PM
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Member
Posts: 514
Location: Darboy USA | Guest,
I know Dicks Sporting Goods in Appleton had some Okuma reels, not sure if they were the higher end ones or not though. Might be worth a look.
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Spinning reel drags