With the 'invent' of heavy duty reels, do you all see the need for them? Does the larger handle and sturdier gears really make a difference when swim baiting and punching mats? Or are these just a way for companies to sell more reels?

It's not necessarily "needed" to throw swimbaits or punch mats, but increased longevity due to better components is not a bad thing. Also, keep in mind that these reels aren't solely used for bass fishing. A lot of times, the bigger gears are for heavy resistance musky baits, saltwater, etc. As far as your last statement, EVERYTHING companies do are to sell more reels; that's the only reason for being in business.

to answer your question, they do work better for certain applications, as a result these companies sell more reels because they are specialized...

 

Mitch

For punching, flippin, throwing magnum crankbaits, stroking huge jigs or fishing giant spoons it pays off to have a powerful reel. A Lew's SuperDuty comes to mind. They have oversized handles, large, sturdy gears, and it does make a difference. It gives you more torque against those large baits, and to get BIG fish out of HEAVY cover. I think it does make a difference. Can you go w/out it... Yes.. Will you boat more fish with it.. I would have to say yes, it will help you boat more fish.