Shimano Tranx

[numbskull]

20 oz /25lbs drag
$500
270 yds 65 power pro

Here is a crucial question. Does the levelwind disengage during a cast?
If so, think twice before buying it. It creates big problems when a fish runs further than your cast.

[JFigliuolo]

Originally Posted by numbskull

20 oz /25lbs drag
$500
270 yds 65 power pro

Here is a crucial question. Does the levelwind disengage during a cast?
If so, think twice before buying it. It creates big problems when a fish runs further than your cast.

Is it because if the fish runs past where the LW disengaged you could have a situation where the line is coning off say the left side of the spool while the LW is on the right? It MIGHT be ok if the spool is narrow enough...maybe.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by JFigliuolo

Is it because if the fish runs past where the LW disengaged you could have a situation where the line is coning off say the left side of the spool while the LW is on the right? It MIGHT be ok if the spool is narrow enough...maybe.

Yes, but I have a Shimano Calcutta 200 GTB (the fancy drilled out one, the regular Calcutta 200 does not do this) where the levelwind disengages to improve casting distance. I have found the reel unusable for saltwater fishing because of it even though the spool is very narrow. Under appropriate drag for 14lb test fireline the drag becomes very rough as the line coils get dragged across the line next to it.

Pete says the levelwind does disengage and that would worry me. I have also noticed that the currado series has the same feature. One thing that might help with the currado and this reel is that the levelwind guide is positioned further from the spool than on the calcutta so the angle may be less acute. Maybe a smoother braid than fireline would be better as well. Whatever, my experience has been so bad with the Calcutta GTB (and before it with the early ABU 6600) that I would hesitate before ever going there again.