What features do you guys look for in a pitching reel?

Fast retrieve rate - to get the fish out of the 'slop' as quickly as possible

Aluminum frame - for strength and stability.

 

My previous flip/pitch reel was a Fuego CT-XS 8.1:1 - 33.9" per turn

My current flip/pitch reel is a CA-80 8.3:1 - 35.0" per turn

Comfort, which for me means not a narrow spool, and definitely not a high thumb bar. Everything else is incidental.

One that says "SV" on it.  

Depends on the circumstances: cover, bait, fish size, etc. I pitch with every reel I use. 

27 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Depends on the circumstances: cover, bait, fish size, etc. I pitch with every reel I use. 

Punching heavy cover primarily.

Aluminum frame and handle side plate, double supported pinion, 7+:1 ratio. Brian.

My only requirement is that it be a 8 speed reel. To be fair, I use more than 1 reel, from a 6 speed to an 8 speed. 

The same features found on the Daiwa Elite PF

It has to palm well, have a gear ratio of 7 or higher, preferrably something in the 8s, and have magnetic brakes,... Whether that be all magnetic or dual.

A good fastball, and the ability to go Nine innings if needed.

Since you clarified to punching, I’m looking for palming comfort, a higher speed retrieve, a smooth freespool, and comfortable handles (wider paddles and a longer handle).  Like dvt said, I pitch with all of my rods at some point.  If I’m back boating with my dad in the front, we’re typically fishing the left side of the boat which is my backhand. I would rather pitch than back hand cast so that’s what I do. For light punching and pitching a jig/plastic to cover I don’t have any spool tension or brakes engaged, so the freespool is the most important bit for me for the cast. The rest is the second half of the cast.

I like a reel with a lower gear ratio...I'll also change out the spool bearings and add a carbon drag washer.

I’m literally vapored locked on this decision. Haha. 
 

luckily I have time. 

Shallow light weight spool for easier start up and increased control.  Braking that is free but can be turned up to skip is a big bonus.  

Kistler Helium at 3.5 ozs, paired with a Lew's Tournament Lite at 5.3 ozs (7.5:1) 

 

I'm good to go ?

Team Lew's Pro SP or Lew's Custom Lite SLP.

18 hours ago, a1712 said:

Aluminum frame and handle side plate, double supported pinion, 7+:1 ratio. Brian.

Given the cover, I’d agree and add a good drag (smooth, powerful but not locked down)

On 9/24/2022 at 3:52 PM, KSanford33 said:

What features do you guys look for in a pitching reel?

I would like the feature of the word "Metanium" printed on the frame and a 8.x:1 ratio.