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Earthworm’s Light Tackle Spinning Reel Shootout (Guest Article)
by Craig DeFronzo (Earthworm 77)

I’ve always considered myself a light tackle enthusiast. The prospect of combining small natural looking baits and light line often solves the equation to catching more bass. One thing that an angler must realize is that he must use the right rod and reel to balance that equation. For the better part of the last 15 years, I’ve been what most would consider a light tackle enthusiast. I based my beliefs on the teachings of various Western finesse Guru’s. I learned quickly that in order to achieve success, you had to depend on your equipment in an almost religious sense. Since you are using light lines and often hooking large fish, your choice in reels is the most important consideration you must make, even more so than your rod.

I spent the last 12 years looking for THE reel. The ones I chose often provided me with temporary bliss only to fail me later. I must point out that just because we are talking about light line and spinning reels doesn’t mean we are talking about miniscule, tiny doll reels. I’ll admit, in the beginning of my pursuit, I chose to fish with the smallest reels I could find. I was successful with them, but my options were often limited by the size of my spools. I still from time to time break out the gossamer tackle because it is just sheer fun and excitement.

My way of thinking has changed a bit in the last 5 years or so. No longer do I search for the smallest reels. I base my choices on features that I need to rely on out on the water. I went from being an ultra light recluse to a full throttle tournament angler. One of the things I based my philosophies on was that smaller baits appeal to a larger percentage of fish. Part two of my philosophy was based on the belief that I did not have to win every tournament to reach my goals, remaining consistent would line me up for a shot at the Chalice. With that in mind, my light tackle approach makes even more sense. Go for a limit every time out and the rest should take care of itself.

Now, the thing for me to do would be to find a spinning reel that would allow me to use smaller baits and larger ones as well. I opted to list the qualities I wanted in a reel before I started my search. I looked for things like - smoothness in retrieve and drag, high speed gear ratio, multiple ball bearings, wide arbor spool, reliability, light weight, infinite anti-reverse, ease of maintenance, optimum line capacity and the overall ability to handle light lines and balance with my rods. This all translates into functionality. Could a single reel possess all of the traits I sought to find? The truth is, most did not, but a few did. The following comparison is the result of my search for the ultimate light line reel. Please keep in mind that these reels may also be used for heavier lines and fishing, but I chose them for light line ability in the 6 to 8lb. range.

This will be the toughest shoot out I’ve ever done. I had to test each reel for a decent amount of time to get honest results. I feel that reels are the most integral part of your arsenal and there is no room for failure. I may be a little harder on products this time around due to the price the angler faces when choosing a reel.

Daiwa Capricorn CA1500 - Daiwa is one of the most trusted names in the industry. It was obvious that my search started with them. This reel features a compact aluminum alloy frame called HardBodyz that will not flex under stress. It features 5 ball bearings, infinite anti-reverse, bail safe bail spring, Gyro Spin balancing, Twist buster over-sized line roller and bail arm, wide arbor aluminum spool, 4.7 to 1 gear ratio with approximate line recovery of 26 inches per crank, 9.5 ounce weight and a capacity of 100 yards of 6lb. test. Spare aluminum spool. The reel retails for about $115.00.

Daiwa Capricorn (1500) specifications:
Line Capacity 6/100, 8/90
Gear Ratio 4.7:1
Weight 9.5 (oz)
Bearings 4 BB, 1 RB
Additional features: Air Bail™ tubular stainless bail for greater strength, BailSafe™ system, Infinite Anti-Reverse, Reverse-taper, aluminum ABS spool, Tangle Guard™, machined aluminum handle arm, Free spare aluminum spool.
MSRP $114.95

Casting and Retrieving
Upon using the Capricorn, my first impression was that it was slower than anything I ever used before. This led me to believe that the 26 inch line recovery rate was incorrect. The reel felt tight. It was smooth. I really like the infinite anti-reverse as I feel it helps upon setting the hook, eliminating any backwards handle movement. Over all, I didn’t experience any problems with the reel. My problems with it were based on its design. First, at 9.5 ounces, it was the heaviest I would allow a reel to be, matching it up with a 6ft. medium action Extreme rod. Next, like I said, it is turtle slow. I didn’t want a reel that would tire me out by simply winding baits back to the boat. Add to this my desire to use it in competition all day long. I don’t understand why Diawa chose this ratio for the reel. I would guess that 5 to 1 is about the slowest anyone would really want for a spinning reel, anyway. Bait casting reels are a different story. My largest disappointment with the reel was its paltry line capacity of 100 yards of 6lb. test. This is not based on the reason that large fish might pull line. It is based on longevity of line on the spool. I don’t change my baits all that much in a days fishing, but for the average Joe who might make a bunch of lure swaps, line disappears quickly. Add to that, if the average guy doesn’t change his line frequently enough, after a trip or two, you might only have 50 or 60 yards of line left on the reel, drastically affecting performance. Lastly, I can’t justify the price on this reel. You are paying for a name. Now Diawa reels are traditionally very popular. The company knows this and charges you top dollar. In all, this reel is put together nicely. It has many of the features I would expect to have in a workhorse reel, but far too many traits I would not care to employ.

Drag
The drag slipped nicely when it needed to. It performed well as I expect in a reel. The low down: In my opinion, although the Diawa is a decent reel, is not a quality light line entry. There are too many negatives here and the price tag doesn’t justify the package you are getting. The gear ratio alone is reason enough for me not to buy this reel. Add to that the line capacity and we have a reel that could actually handicap more than help you in the long run.

Features: 8
Smoothness: 9
Drag: 8
Materials: 9
Ratio: 7
Line Capacity: 5
Innovation: 8
Value: 5
Extras: 5
Weight: 6

For our shoot out, the Diawa Capricorn CA1500 rates a 7. This is not a good rating for a reel that costs $115.00. The extra spool is nice, but doesn’t make up for the reels short comings.

Quantum Catalyst CT20PTi - This Quantum entry boasts a mix of smoothness, strength and precision. It features 7+1 high speed polymer/stainless bearings, TiMag II, nickel/titanium bail spring for no failures, Ceramic drag, Hot Sauce permanent molecular lubrication, thin aluminum body with screwless aluminum side plates, vacuum finish, Long Cast aluminum spool, continuous anti-reverse, true balance offset rotor, over sized line roller, and free spare aluminum spool. The reel weighs 9.6 ounces, has a line capacity of 140 yards of 6lb. test, 5.2 to 1 gear ratio for 25 inches of line retrieved per crank. The Catalyst clocks in with a $90.00 price tag.

Quantum Catalyst PTi (CT20PTi) specifications:
Line Capacity 6/140
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Weight 9.6 oz.
Bearings 8
Additional features: TiMAG II system, MaxCast Longstroke aluminum spool, spare aluminum spool, Ceramic Magnum drag system, Low-friction Continuous Anti-Reverse II, Hot Sauce, TRU-Balance, Oversized Twist-Reducer line roller, soft contoured handle knob.
MSRP $89.95

Casting and Retrieving
This reel was smooth, right out of the package. It cranked nicely and the drag and components held up fine. I liked the drilled aluminum spool. The 5.2 to 1 gear ratio is a bit quicker than the Capricorn and the 25 inches of line picked up per crank a bit more realistic. The reel features a magnetic TiMag II bail system that is supposed to eliminate bail failure. I didn’t experience any problems with it other than it clunked in pretty loud when I tripped the bail. At 9.6 ounces, this reel is about as heavy as I would want for my 6lb. line. Cranking the handle, I noticed the reel was tight and extremely smooth. Flicking the anti-reverse lever back and forth, the reel instantly responded. The oversized line roller and wide arbor spool are necessary to eliminate any line twist associated with spinning reels.

I felt comfortable fishing the Catalyst. I had confidence in it which is important. Although, I thought it to be a little heavy for my liking, it nonetheless matched up with my rods nicely. The reel performed well under the stress of fighting fish, too. I took all of these reels bass fishing throughout my testing period. I took this one inshore striper fishing and it held up well.

Drag
The drag was flawless as several good stripers took line. This reel has some very good positive characteristics. I like the increased line capacity. 140 yards of 6lb. test is enough for just about anyone. No longer would I be concerned about how much line was actually on my spool. The wide arbor aluminum spool helps reduce coils attributed to memory. It also aids in casting distance by allowing line to zip off the reel. This reel had a ton of extras that you don’t usually see in reels. First, it has side plates that do not have screws. This makes for getting into the reel in an emergency a simple step that doesn’t require tools. Second, I liked the drilled out aluminum spool, this showed me Quantum was concerned with cutting down on the weight. It also looks cool. Next, I lube all my reels at home with Hot Sauce permanent molecular oil and grease. I know it is good stuff, these reels come from the factory like this. Good attention to detail. Last, the price tag is very down to Earth. This is a good reel and one that performed well with light line. At $90.00, you are getting a reel packed with features. It is worth it.

Features: 9
Smoothness: 9
Drag: 8
Materials: 9
Ratio: 8
Line Capacity: 9
Innovation: 8
Value: 10
Extras: 8
Weight: 6

First, let me commend Quantum for a fine entry. It is a great entry for value conscious anglers. A big plus were the extras that you don’t see on other comparable reels. In all, this reel is one of the best you will find at this range. The Catalyst rates a solid 8.5.

Shimano Stradic 1000FH - Now, I’ve been a Shimano fan since I started fishing. My reels have come a long way from the original MLS200 that I bought 20 years ago. Stradics have been my workhorse reels for the last 4 years. I started using the FG series and upgraded to the FH in the 2002 winter before they were released to the public. The 1000FH features 5 ball bearings. It weighs 7.9 ounces and has a 6 to 1 gear ratio good for 29 inches of retrieve per crank. The reel has a host of Shimano only features such as Super Stopper II unlimited instant anti-reverse. This is an upgrade using a one way roller bearing to prevent any backward movement of the reel handle. Another feature is Fluidrive, this is a process that ensures control and uniformity in the gear cutting process.

Shimano Stradic (1000FH) specifications:
Line Capacity 6/100
Gear Ratio 6.0:1
Weight 7.9 (oz)
Bearings 4BB, 1RB
Additional features: Shimano metal series, Super Stopper II, Fluidrive II, Power Roller, and dyna-balance, oil port for easy access to main gear.
MSRP $119.99

Casting and Retrieving
The Stradic translates into smooth casting and cranking. The Stradics have an oversized line roller called Power Roller which reduces twist up to 50%. Shimano is famous for computer engineering on their products and a result of this is Dyna Balance. This eliminates any rotor wobble upon the retrieve by counterbalancing the rotor. This eliminates all vibration as the rotor turns. The Stradic also features anti-rust bearings. To tell you the truth, if a reel is properly maintained and lubed, rust should never be a problem. It comes with a spare aluminum spool that features a wide arbor. This produces long casts and less memory. I’ve fished these reels religiously this season and have been impressed. They are almost perfect. One thing I did not fancy was the line capacity. 110 yards of 6lb. test is a bit more than the Capricorn but significantly less than the Catalyst. This means you have to stay alert as to what you have on your spool. I love the 6 to 1 gear ratio. For my bass fishing, it is perfect.

I did not experience any binding in the reels. This is a problem that some people experience. It is blamed on getting the reel wet or dunking the reel. I’ve owned 12 Stradics and never had this problem. Some say the problem can be attributed to a nylon bushing that swells on the worm gear or the factory lubrication. Shimano has upgraded the nylon bushing on the FH models so if there was a flaw, hopefully it will be eliminated. I can not base this shoot out on what I have not experienced. I went to several tackle shops in my area to see what reels they sell and which ones come back most often for repairs, Shimano Stradics were not on the list….results later.

Drag
In the field, the Stradic lived up to my expectations . It was extremely smooth and tight. The drag gave line when it had to. It was flawless. Line slipped off the spool in a smooth steady transition. I could say that although I would prefer a sealed drag system, this drag was more than adequate. There were no vibrations or wobbles to speak of. I like the Super Stopper anti-reverse and can’t imagine fishing without it. The FH is a major upgrade over the FG series which is good in its own right.

I do not have many bad things to say about the reel. The Stradic FH series features a couple of noteworthy extras. First, it has an aluminum spool which reduces friction on the cast. The next feature is absolutely stellar, the reel features an external oil port. Gone are the days of squeaky, sticky reels. You simply unscrew the port housing and add oil. It is that simple and something I cherish. I break down my reels several times over the course of a season. This year I simply used the oil port to keep my reels working in tip top shape. Call me lazy, but this worked out better than ever and saved me a ton of time. This could be one of those features that causes all other manufacturers to follow. It is a smart idea and should add to the longevity of the reel. The Stradic costs about $115.00. Like the Capricorn, you are paying for a name. Unlike the Capricorn, the Stradic is a top quality reel. I’ll pay a little more for a reel I can trust.

Features: 9
Smoothness: 9
Drag: 9
Materials: 9
Ratio: 10
Line Capacity: 7
Innovation: 8
Value: 7
Extras: 8
Weight: 9

The Shimano Stradic 1000FH rates 8.5. The only thing holding this reel back from perfection is its inflated price tag and lacking line capacity.

Ray Scott Supercaster 225 - This Entry by US Reels features 8 ball bearings, special heavy duty stainless steel alloy shaft that is twice as strong as standard shafts, magnesium bronze gearing for the ultimate smooth retrieves, a skirted spool that helps eliminate line burrowing under the spool and tangling with the spool shaft, and a giant 2 ¼” spool. Most other reels come with a standard 1.5” spool. This accomplishes several things. First, you will increase casting distance with a wider spool. At the same time you can hold a ton more line. I fished this reel for about 6 months prior to completing this article. I had more time with the other reels, but feel I gave this one a fair shot.

I don’t think your filler spool can handle the 225. The reel features a drilled aluminum spool which brings the weight of the reel to 8.6 ounces or a graphite spool which drops the weight to a mere 8 ounces. Weight is kept at a bare minimum with a unique carbon fiber body. This material is quite durable and will not flex under stress. It is lighter, stronger and about 10X more expensive than aluminum.

The brain child of US Reels' Fred Kemp, the Supercaster may be the most versatile spinning reel ever made. This reel can handle lines from 2lb. test to 14lb. test with ease. The reel was made to order for the Scott system of light rods. I found it a perfect fit for my 6-6 ML spinning rods and I teamed it up with 6lb. line. I was a little harder on this reel than the others. I had never seen a reel from US Reels so I wanted to torture it. I started off by submerging the reel in a bucket of silty water. When I took it out the next day, I didn’t notice any problems. I even cranked the handle a few times to make sure some gak got into the gears. Again, there were no noticeable effects. To say I was impressed was an understatement.

Casting and Retrieving
The wide spool is an asset because the line coils at a much wider loop rate. This ultimately reduces the number of coils and virtually eliminates memory for most lines. This translates into smoother, longer casts. I would guess that it is possible to achieve about a 15 to 20 percent distance increase over standard size spool reels. If you are a long distance caster, this is a bonus. I am not. I first used the reel for some tube fishing for bass. I noticed that once I set the hook into a fish, the reel felt fine. Not like there were rocks in the gearbox like some cheaper reels. To be honest, the 225 is not one of those reels that spins forever when you turn the handle. What it offers is solid smooth retrieves.

Drag
The large diameter of the spool suggests that the 225 sports a hefty drag. I found it to be very efficient and very reliable. It slipped smoothly in one fluid motion, it did not buck or hesitate upon releasing line. To me this is important because I fish with lighter line.

Features: 10
Smoothness: 7
Drag: 8
Materials: 10
Ratio: 8
Line Capacity: 10
Innovation: 10
Value: 7
Extras: 7
Weight: 8.5

The 225 rates an outstanding 8.25. The 225 gets high marks for innovation. That huge spool is a great idea. This leads to excellent line capacity. It is packed with the features you would expect from a top performer. The carbon fiber make-up is also impressive. The only negative I saw on the reel is that is just was not as smooth cranking as a reel with 8BB's should be. I’m not saying it is bad or crunchy, but every other reel in this shoot out “felt” better when reeling. However, none offered the versatility and line capacity that the 225 does. I also did not care for the reel handle. It is a one piece non-jointed doohicky that I see breaking during a fall. When I received the reel from US Reels, the reel was selling for $99.00. I have been told that it is now $130.00. I truly believe this is a $99.00 reel. If that was the price, the reel would have rated over 9 and won this shootout.

I truly never felt at one with the reel. I can state it is a quality reel and is extremely fishable, but I was never comfortable using it. I can't explain why.

Tica Cetus 500SB - Fishing with light reel is exciting, but it's essential to pick a reel with quality components. The most important aspect of light reels is the fact that they must be able to handle the action and still remain durable. Light does not have to mean dainty or fragile. The Cetus is far from that.

Tica Cetus SB500 specifications:
Weight 6.3oz
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Bearings 6BB + 1RB
Line Capacity 4/95, 6/60, 8/50
Additional features: aluminum spool, Instant anti-reverse, titanium plated anti-twist line roller, soft-touch handle knob, and extra spool.
MSRP $45.99

The Tica Cetus SB500 spinning reel is very small, easily fitting in the palm of your hand. Even though it boasts a compact frame, it sports a load of features including 6 precision ball bearings and 1 roller bearing. It has instant anti-reverse, unlike many other ultralight reels of the same size which only offer a multi point locking mechanism, resulting in much choppy performance. The SB500 also has a nicely finished handle, and ergonomic knob that's designed to keep your fingers comfortable while fishing.

This light line entry from Tica is really a UL reel. It is one of the smallest reels you’ll ever see. I included it in the shootout because it can hang with the big boys. The 500SB features 5.2 to 1 ratio, picking up 23 inches of line per crank retrieve, aluminum spool with spare, 6 ounce weight, 90 yards of 6lb. line capacity, and a price tag of about $46.00.

Tica is actually the sister company of Diawa. They strive to put out entirely different products, not simple dress up's or re-boxes. I came across this reel about 4 years ago. I wish I had it in my UL heyday as it would have been worshipped for its consistency. In all, you have a tiny reel that weighs 6 ounces. I can’t tell you that its line capacity is bad because for a reel that has a spool diameter 50% smaller than the others reels in this test, it is on par. This is a quick little reel that has a smooth drag and gear system. The addition of instant anti-reverse is nice, but may be overkill due to the fact that you likely wouldn’t rely on either it or the drag when fishing the 4lb. line you would likely choose to team it up with. This is a great little ice out reel. I love to throw small hair jigs, beetlespins, and wacky rigged baits early in the season when things are still quite cold. I’ve never experienced a problem with the Tica. I own 3 of them now. This certainly would not be my choice for big game fishing, but for sheer UL fun, you can’t beat it. It is a feature packed UL reel that reigns as King as far as UL reels go. At $43.00, you can’t come close with anything else. I’ve spent more money on reels a lot worse off than this one. Using ultralight tackle is probably one of the most fun ways to fish. Anglers can feel every take, and 12 inch fish feel like monsters. The Cetus has handled everything from largemouth and smallmouth bass to catfish, trout, and crappie for me. I’ve never noticed any complaints from it as it keeps coming back for more punishment.

Casting and Retrieving
An ultralight reel with a small diameter spool such as this necessitates the need for thin diameter line. In spinning reels the spool design is critical in this category. If the width of the spool is too wide or too narrow the loops shooting off the spool will encounter excessive resistance off the spool lip. While casting small baits, the TICA didn't have any problems as line moved through the guides nicely. The SB500 has a smooth, consistent oscillation resulting in even line wrapping. The tiny reel is smooth, well balanced, and very comfortable. The hardware that makes up the reel gives it the smooth and powerful feel, but that's not the only thing. Balance is also important. It is silky smooth in operation and I have not noticed any decrease in performance since I first started using them. The reels have been cleaned and lubed each season as all of my reels are.

Having fished with the Cetus for several years now I can honestly say that it is a pleasure to fish. It is the best micro reel out there. Bar none.

Drag
Despite having such a small surface area available to the drag system, the Tica performs flawlessly in this category. This is reassurance because this tiny reel and light line combo demand the drag slippage when a big fish is on the line. Unlike the main spool which is aluminum, the spare is graphite and doesn't feel nearly as good. At least you do have a spare spool to load on either a different weight line or to be used as a back up.

Tica did good job dressing up the plastic in gold plating, making the components a good deal more attractive, but like all painted surfaces, the plating can scratch.

Features: 9
Smoothness: 9
Drag: 9
Materials: 8
Ratio: 8
Line Capacity: 7
Innovation: 8
Value: 10
Extras: 5
Weight: 10

The Tica rates a solid 9. It is likely the best UL reel you will ever find or ever need. If you want to have fun, this is the reel for you. Match it up with a 6ft. light action rod and some creek smallmouth and you will be in for a blast. The SB500 is built solid, and performs better than any ultralight reel I've ever fished with before.

Shimano Stradic 2500MGf - I included this reel in the shoot out despite the 1000FH entry. The reason being is that the MGf is different…well, kind of. The 2500MGf features 5 ball bearings. It weighs 8 ounces and has a 6 to 1 gear ratio - good for an unbelievable 32 inches of retrieve per crank. It has a larger spool than the 1000FH, but is essentially built on the same frame. The reel has a host of Shimano-only features such as Super Stopper II unlimited instant anti-reverse. This is an upgrade using a one way roller bearing to prevent any backward movement of the reel handle. Another feature is Fluidrive, this is a process that ensures control and uniformity in the gear cutting process. It translates into smooth gearing and cranking. The Stradics have an oversized line roller called Power Roller which reduces twist up to 50%. Shimano is famous for computer engineering on their products and a result of this is Dyna Balance. This eliminates any rotor wobble upon the retrieve by counterbalancing the rotor. This eliminates all vibration as the rotor turns. The MGf is made of magnesium and alloy which adds strength yet decreases weight. It is 1.5 ounces lighter than other 2500 series reels. The only disadvantage to it is its ability to oxidize if fished in salt water. OK, no salt water. However, the magnesium makeup of the reel suggests it also contains other materials to prevent oxidation. I find myself reaching for this reel over my Sustains frequently.

Shimano Stradic 2500MgF specifications:
Weight 8.2oz. (230g)
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Bearings 5 Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing
Line Capacity 6-150 / 8-110 / 10-95
Additional features: Fluidrive® II Gearing System, Dyna Balance®, Super Stopper II, Floating Shaft™, Magnesium Rotor, Spare Hybrid Spool with titanium coated lip, and Titanium Power Roller® line twist reduction.
MSRP $159.99

Drag
In the field, the Stradic lived up to my expectations. It was extremely smooth and tight. The drag gave line when it had to. It was flawless. There were no vibrations or wobbles to speak of. I like the Super stopper anti-reverse and can’t imagine fishing without it. It is the best fishing Stradic anywhere. It comes with a spare aluminum spool that features a wide arbor. This produces long casts and less memory. I’ve fished these reels religiously this season and have been impressed. By the end of the season, I found myself relying on the MGf more so than the FH’s. They are almost perfect. One thing I did not fancy was the line capacity - 110 yards of 6lb. test is a bit more than the Capricorn, but significantly less than the Catalyst. This means you have to stay alert as to what you have on your spool.

I love the 6 to 1 gear ratio. The Stradic MGf series features a couple of noteworthy extras. First, a titanium lip on the spool with reduces friction on the cast. Next, it weighs what a 2500 series reel should weigh - 8 ounces is right. The Stradic MGf costs about $160.00. Like the Capricorn, you are paying for a name. Unlike the Capricorn, the Stradic is a top quality reel. The MGf is a spectacular spinning reel and, for its price, it better be.

Features: 9
Smoothness: 9
Drag: 9
Materials: 10
Ratio: 10
Line Capacity: 7
Innovation: 10
Value: 7
Extras: 6
Weight: 10

The addition of Magnesium makes a solid reel a great reel and the deduction of weight put up four 10’s across the board. I used the MGf for drop shotting and was so impressed with it, it has become one of my main battle reels. The price and line capacity are the only negatives. The reels performance in itself justifies owning one. The Shimano Stradic MGf rates a solid 9. The MGf, is essentially the last of the mid-range spinning reels. If it were any more expensive, it would be jousting with the Sustains and Stella’s of the world.

In all, I learned that there are some good options available out there for bass fishing with lighter line. Some of the reels that had smaller yardage capacities could be remedies by the use of a thin diameter line, allowing you to pack more yards on. I’ve always been a big Shimano guy and although they rated well, my problems with them are based on honesty. That Quantum reel is worth a serious look and, along with the Tica, you have two good reels that are the best valued reels in the shoot out. The Stradics are close to the fringe of greatness, but some small shortcomings prevent them from being stellar. The only dog of the test to me was the Diawa. This was an inferior product with a top of the line price tag. I can get by the Shimano’s cost based on their performance.

I went to 4 popular tackle shops and asked owners what their top 5 selling spinning reels are and what reels come back the most for repairs. Not all owners sold the same reels, but most sold a few of each.

Top five reels based on numbers sold:
Shimano Sedona
Penn SS series
Okuma Epixor
Shakespeare Tidewater
Mitchell Full Runner

Top five repairs:
Okuma Epixor- broken gears, lots of bail problems
Shakespeare Tidewater– bail problems
Penn SS series-(newer models)anti reverse pawl
Garcia Cardinal- bail problems, drag problems
Southbend reels- various problems