24 minutes ago, Linewinder said:

Well, how far back do you want to go?   You can still buy, but not new, Ryobi reels like the V-Mag4.  No, it's not all I have, but it works.  I even took my AD5000V on a trip last year.  The only parts I've replaced on these, and nothing else has broken, are the level-wind pawls.  Easily both are 30+ years.

 

Ultralight?  Spinning.  Penn 716Z, although it appears to me that they cost adjusted more now used than new.  Just replaced the one ball bearing for more years of use.  How about the Mitchell 308?  

 

 

I have some older ones also. Mitchell 300, and 308s, and one ABU Zebco Cardinal 4. I still fish the Cardinal, the Mitchell's Ivevretired. All good solid reels.The Ryobis you mentioned are also good reels too. I remember those being advertised in magazines years ago.

Wish I could find a good used gold Carbonlite reel! The one I got several years ago on sale for something like $45 outfishes my new Lewis.

On 7/15/2020 at 10:19 PM, WRB said:

Reels have incorporated more composites, faster gear ratio's but the early 90's with instant anti reverse, light weight free spinning spools, new drag materials and designs with wider crank handles, precision gears, 1 piece alunimum frames by both Daiwa and Shimano set the state of the art we enjoy today.

I changed from Abu Ambassador reels in 1990 to Daiwa HTSA 103 & 105 reels and Shimano Calcutta reels. Added Daiwa TD Feugo reels* in 2005. Hard to find better performing casting reels today.

2012 added 3 Diawa Tatula 100R 8:1 ($134) that suit my hook setting technique after a long cast. Good reliable reels not better casting or smoother then my 90's era HTSA's or TD Fuego's.

Tom

*magnesium frame 

 

I totally agree. Today’s reels make a lot of sacrifices in overall quality in the name of weight reduction.

12 hours ago, brophog said:

 

I totally agree. Today’s reels make a lot of sacrifices in overall quality in the name of weight reduction.

In my opinion the peak was the Daiwa TD-Z. The magnesium body make it lightweight and everything else was still the the old solid quality stuff. I have 6 of them. I change out the spools for the more modern brakes and light weights and usually change ot the handles and drag starts to give them a little more modern look.

 

Best made reels ever in my book.

Im still fishing Curado Ds stock. They get cleaned every season and lubed as need. Those reels do everything I need them to from 1/4 oz to 5 ounces.

18 hours ago, Maggiesmaster said:

Wish I could find a good used gold Carbonlite reel! The one I got several years ago on sale for something like $45 outfishes my new Lewis.

I bought my pair as a package deal.  $130.  Refurbished.  Seller had his choice of reels sitting on the shelf.  Used them and a tuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H learning to cast #5 Shad Raps.  On the water I can't tell the difference in casting distance.  This probably says more about my casting ability than I should publicly admit.