I am curious what the advantages are of using larger "round" baitcasters as opposed to low profile. I use low profile reels only, wondering when I would use the larger ones.

thanks

Jason

There is no particular advantage, just personal preference. I fish both, but I have a slight preference for round reels. They just "feel" better to me. Some might say that a round reel holds more line, but I have a Calais that has greater capacity than my two CTE200GT combined. For bass fishing, line capacity isn't really an issue.

Are there any differences in line wt or diameter between the two? One more suited for bigger line that the other?

Nope.

There is some difference between models. For example, the smaller, high end Pixy (low profile) is really designed for lighter lines and lighter lures. The Shimano Calcutta 400 is a big round reel with tremendous line capacity as it relates to fresh water and it can be used for light saltwater fishing, too. So, there are specialty reels designed for a variety of purposes, but a low profile Curado and a round CT200 are comparable in most ways, except shape.

(I'm not addressing gear ratio, bearing count, line retrieve (IPC) and special features, just the basis of your question).

thanks RW

I use both. I don't really see much of a difference. My two favorites are Quantum PT's ( low profile ) and round Daiwa Millionaires. If you get specific, you can find differences related to line size and line capacity. You have to decide what your application is, and buy a reel that will do what you want. I wouldn't put a Pixy on a muskie rod. And I wouldn't put a Calcutta 400 on a finesse rod. You'll find both round and low profile reels to fit most applications. It's just a matter of what you're used to, in most cases.

One thing you may look at, if this is an issue for you, is retrieve rate. I have a Quantum PT with 7:1 gearing, It cranks in 27" of line per turn of the crank. It's marketed as their "burner" high speed reel. A standard Abu C4 with 6.3:1 gearing cranks in 30" of line per turn of the crank. Which one is the "burner"?

Cheers,

GK

I prefer and use low profile reels 95% of the time.  The only time I'll use my Calcutta(round) 300 reel is when I'm throwing a 5 oz Huddleston Trout lure.  It has larger gears and drag washers for those double-digit Bass I have yet to hook .

Dan

If my hands weren't in such bad shape I'd throw Rounds almost exclusively or the hybrids like the Ultra Mag XL Plus.  I've used rounds so long I'm just used to them in my hands.  I've gone to low profiles out of necessity.

i hate the bigger round BC's. i only use the low profiles.