Space age - that's 50s marketing, lol. 

I agree, heavy is heavy. But I would think those considerations are taken into account in design and manufacturing. A Bantam (since mentioned earlier) is 225 grams. A multi geared reel at 275 or even 300 grams doesn’t seem to be a deal breaker if delivering ultra performance.

 

Once again I believe thinking is geared (no pun intended) towards present day comparison’s in material and production processes, not considering ultra high end components and materials that can deliver such an item. My fear is the cost which I think would be prohibitive.

On 1/26/2025 at 1:18 PM, Motoboss said:

MH/F rod with one reel could fish crankbaits, tie on a spinnerblade or put on a midsized punch jig without having to change rods.

You can already do all those things on a medium speed reel like a 6.X:1 with a 36mm spool or a 7.X:1 with a 32mm spool.  Of all those baits listed the rod and line choice would be the limiting factor rather than the reel ratio.  I have a 6.5:1 36mm spool reel on a 7'6" H rod that I can run a 25 foot deep running crankbait on and then go burn a buzzbait up top.  I'll be crawling a hud and punching 1oz tungsten with it this year after I swap out the 12 pound mono for braid.  

 

I do like the idea.  Rather than multiple ratios it would be cool to see an infinitely variable ratio reel that drops down to a lower ratio when it senses high torque being applied like on a super deep crank and moves up to a high ratio when little to no torque is being applies like burning a bait back to make another cast.  The same handle rotation speed and cadence would be maintained but the gear ratio would be variable.  

17 hours ago, Team9nine said:

 

 

 

Pretty sure my father has one of these up in his barn still. I never used it aside from a few casts in the driveway before I really switch to baitcasters. Going to have to dig it out and maybe see what it does. 

2 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

I do like the idea.  Rather than multiple ratios it would be cool to see an infinitely variable ratio reel that drops down to a lower ratio when it senses high torque being applied like on a super deep crank and moves up to a high ratio when little to no torque is being applies like burning a bait back to make another cast.  The same handle rotation speed and cadence would be maintained but the gear ratio would be variable.  

I like this idea too, and not to say this isn’t the direction of a new planned reel.

It’s a speculation at this point.

2 hours ago, Bigbox99 said:

infinitely variable ratio reel

Yeah, see Nissen CVT for results, lol.

Respectfully,I don’t see your point. A quick look and I see at least 14 car manufacturers using CVT today over several models. Not counting tractors, scooters, mowers, snowblowers and many more CVT’s successful usage. 
I don’t think we’re talking about mounting an infinite speed transmission on a rod with 12 pound fluro!

But good point made 

 

Once again, gotta think outside the box. Innovation isn’t inventive without forging new methodology and philosophies .

Does anyone know what brand reels Fred Roumbanis fishes? It doesn’t look like he’s sponsored by any reel company. If you could figure out which reel company he has a relationship with, that would be a good guess as to which company is potentially coming out with a multi gear reel.

Nissan was the first to bring a CVT to market and was a failure. So is every one released after. EV tech makes them obsolete before they can be perfected. You're suggesting this would be cool tech for reels. I'm saying it's respectfully a terrible idea. 

49 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Nissan was the first to bring a CVT to market and was a failure. So is every one released after. EV tech makes them obsolete before they can be perfected. You're suggesting this would be cool tech for reels. I'm saying it's respectfully a terrible idea. 

but now think about a micro motor driven reel.  infinitely variable retrieve ratio since no handle or gear set. Reel as fast as you could ever want.  Or as slow a you want.

Sounds like lobster fishing - FUN!

On 1/28/2025 at 3:48 PM, Team9nine said:

 

 

 

 

 

Abu definitely had some unique innovations back in that era. I remember the reel with the orbital gearing system and one of the XLT models that when you disengaged the clutch to make a cast, the line guide would stay stationary and you had to rotate the handle until each side of the line guide had to lock into place before line guide would move again. It was very interesting concept and it brings back a lot of memories. 

21 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Does anyone know what brand reels Fred Roumbanis fishes? It doesn’t look like he’s sponsored by any reel company. If you could figure out which reel company he has a relationship with, that would be a good guess as to which company is potentially coming out with a multi gear reel.

I believe right now he’s using Lew’s reels. He has worked for several companies in the industry throughout the years and has a lot of connections in design and production development companies.

Have no idea but I did ask and his lips were sealed!

37 minutes ago, Motoboss said:

I believe right now he’s using Lew’s reels. He has worked for several companies in the industry throughout the years and has a lot of connections in design and production development companies.

Have no idea but I did ask and his lips were sealed!

So perhaps it’s doyo? Could be for any number of OEMs if that’s the case.

One would think