So since I’ve heard braid can wear line guides down, can it also wear your reel down more than mono? I’m just trying to decide what reel to put my Braid on for top water. Right now I have a lews lfs, abu garcia black max(first baitcaster I got), and scorpion mgl. I’m going to get another reel regardless, but should I use my lews lfs for top water or a new reel?

also thanks to everyone who responds, hearing the input it helpful 

Unless you have very old rods, braid doesn’t wear down guides. I’ve used nothing but braid for over 20 years and have never seen any wear on rods or reels because of it.

I'm with Scott. Most rod eyes are ceramic and braid shouldn't wear them down. You would need something with a harder rockwell rating to wear against it.

54 minutes ago, Scott F said:

Unless you have very old rods, braid doesn’t wear down guides. I’ve used nothing but braid for over 20 years and have never seen any wear on rods or reels because of it.

Thanks. 

Braid is safe for modern guides and reels. People have preferences but you don’t need technique specific reels as a rule. 

1 hour ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Braid is safe for modern guides and reels. People have preferences but you don’t need technique specific reels as a rule. 

Thanks. Ended up selling my slx by the way. Once some of my reels have more use I will probably send them over multiple at once.

The rod is more important then a good performing reel imo.

6’8”-6’10” Medium Fast labeled for jerkbaits or poppers work good.

Braid and treble hook lures can be a problem with hooks snagging the line. 

12# Big Game is good mono at lower price, 11# Armilo Nylon mono at higher price point.

4 hours ago, Brycecover said:

Thanks. Ended up selling my slx by the way. Once some of my reels have more use I will probably send them over multiple at once.

Anytime, I’m here. 

It takes a long time for braid to wear down guides, I wouldn't be too concerned about it. 8 strand braid will wear guides notably less than 4 strand braid as well.

 

My favorite rod for lighter topwaters is my Mojo Bass 6'8" M/XF "Topwater" rod. Also great for jerkbaits. (The jerkbait or plastics rod also works as well - longer tip and more backbone). I use 12# mono with a Pflueger Patriarch reel and it'll cast 1/4oz poppers well (the reel itself isn't too important here)

On 12/10/2023 at 2:05 PM, WRB said:

The rod is more important then a good performing reel imo.

6’8”-6’10” Medium Fast labeled for jerkbaits or poppers work good.

Braid and treble hook lures can be a problem with hooks snagging the line. 

12# Big Game is good mono at lower price, 11# Armilo Nylon mono at higher price point.

^^This^^ … Power Pro #30 to #40 lb. Braid , 2 ft. Section of Big Game #12 - #15 lb. Mono leader . Poppers = 6:3:1 gear ratio and walking baits = 7:2:1 gear ratio . 

I like a lighter reel (~6.5oz or less) for topwater to reduce fatigue when walking baits. I generally use a Curado 70 or 150 MGL

I use the same reels for top water that I use for Arigs, Shimano Curado 5:1.  I do go to mh rods for top water.