Van Stall vs Conventional Reel

[likwid]

Originally Posted by ThrowingTimber

look into a levelwind abu for plugs etc instead of the avet. Yeah the avet will make more drag out of the box and even more if you tinker with the bellville(sp) configuration but you dont need it.

And not reccomended.
You start flexing the frame when you get way up.

[Rosepointbass]

All the new Abus have great drags with the factory carbontex drag washers.

[steve]

Abu 6500 is a great surf reel with a smooth drag. The 7000 has a better drag but is a little big in the surf in my opinion. The Shimano 400 B is THE best REEL for the surf according to #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& however.

[Green Light]

steve, Rosepointbass, likwid, ThrowingTimber, spence, numbskull, 5/0, Nebe, and chunk...THANK YOU again for the insightful information.

You really helped me make an informed decision.
A long story short, I picked up an Abu Garcia7000IC3 because...

1. Level-wind
2. Carbon Matrix Drag system
2. Large handle and knob
3. large capacity (17lb test/325 yrds)
4. The two break systems that allow tuning of the reel speed during casting.
5. I can customize or modify it with upgrade kits (as required)--- to be candid, I will use it as is for a while to learn it first and then look into "super-charging it"

And lastly, because at $100.00 (i.e. $150.00 - $50.00 BassPro Shop gift certificate) out of pocket for my first conventional reel, it was a great value.

I spooled up with some mono and did some small casts in a thickly settled district (I made sure my 2 oz sinker did not exceed 35 mph)...and reel feels AWESOME! I cannot wait until I hit the surf.
To be honest, I feel like I just converted to the dark side.

Tight lines.

-Fish360

[gone fishin]

Good choice. Enjoy the learning curve. Get a stainless crochet needle and load up with a good braid - you are good to go!
One bit of advice, you are not casting a spinning reel- stay smooooth and you will be amazed at the ease of casting.

[spence]

I tried for two years to learn a convench but it wasn't worth it. I'll still use one for bait or jigs, but never for eels or plugs.

I do love my Calcutta 400 TE. On an All-Star 1088 it's so light and so strong...

-spence