Levelwind or non, what would you choose?

[5/0]

If you were looking for a multipurpose reel that will mainly be used in the Canal for minor jigging moderate plugging & primary use will be drifting eels.

So what would you choose a Levelwind,non levelwind or Narrow special non levelwind and why.


5/0

[Stewie]

I'd use a levelwind, probably a 7000 sized Abu. Besides the obvious loss of distance due to the levelwind itself, the reel is perfect. I have no trouble throwing a 4 ounce bucktail close to 100 yards with one. On the beach, I find myself using a non levelwind. My 7000's mess up at least once or twice a season, always a worn pawl. I think this is due to sand particles(tiny) blowing into the worm gear. In the canal, you won't see a lot of sand blowing around. The advantages of the levelwind are worth the extra complication both here and in boat work.

If you also use the reel from the sand, be sure to carry an extra pawl or two in a ziplock, behind the tubes in your plugbag.


I always carry extra pawls, and have been a "hero" more than once when I can revive someone's "broken" reel.

[stripadan]

All my surf sticks have levelwinds. I use all Abu conventionals. I don't mind the minor loss in distance. I remove or disable the casting brakes and regain quite a bit of distance.
Abu's have absolutely the best levelwinds for surf reels. Like Longshot said, you may have to replace a pawl now and then. Mine usually last all year unless in rough sandy surf. My canal reels have never failed me, but I replace the pawls every year, cheap insurance, and an easy fix.
Penn Internationals are the worst levelwinds, all three sizes. The worm gear is made of softer metal than the pawl and wears out first. That requires complete dis-assembly of the reel to repair. I always have at least ten sets in my shop for customer's reels, very common repair.
Shimano's are o.k., I'm just not a big fan of the Calcutta. I think it's overpriced compared to Abu especially with Smooth Drags installed in the Abu. Also the freespool pawl on the 700 size Calcutta is prone to bending, disabling the reel until complete dis-assembly to replace a $2 part.

[Al in Westport]

Hi 5/0,

I know we are talking jigging and plugging rigs here so this is a little of topic. When I got my boat a couple of years ago I felt I needed a guest rod for trolling and got one with a level wind (Tekota 700). I have been a Senator 4/0 guy for years. Well, after trying this for a season I bought a second one. I'm sold. A level wind makes things so much easier when you are trying to run the boat and troll at the same time. I retired my old 4/0's.

Merry Christmas, Al

[Mike P]

I would go with a levelwind for the purposes stated, and I would look for one of the BG series Abu 7000s with the 5.3:1 gears.

The Calcutta and the 4.1:1 7000 Abus are too slow for jigging IMO. They're perfect for eels but you're looking for versatility.

The 6500 size Abus are too small for the Canal, especially if you're going to use mono.

If you can live with a non-levelwind, my choice would be the Newell P-229 F.

[5/0]

I have a levelwind and removed the brakes to gain as much distance,out of 8yrs w/ this reel I had only one part fail & it was the spool tension bearing (my own fault) other than that I trust this reel.

I like the convenience of a levelwind but most of the one's out there have lower gearing.I feel that I'M @ the crossroads of trying a non levelwind.
I don't know squat on Avets,other than their quality made,offer high gearing,ranging from 5.1 to low 6's.I like the look & feel to them,other than that I'm fling blind.

Simanno's Calcutta has only 4.7:1,the Trinidads has 3 versions,one is the Calcutta TE 700,gearing is 4.7:1 and has a levelwind.
TN 14 or 16 has gearing of 6.2:1 but no levelwind,their third one called Special narrow it has a higher spool & narrow I think that this feature would be of convenience to thumb the line on.

I'M all done with mono so that won't be a factor,this reel will be going on a Loomis 1265C Surf Series lure w eight 2-8 Oz.
Does anybody have experience with Avets or Shimanno's Trinidads what's their Pros & Cons?

[chief10]

abu big game with levelwind with 65 or 80lb braid
take out the brakes
stay away from the penn international when the current is cranking your reeling like crazy just to keep in contact with your plug.