What are the benefits of each. I've been looking around and it seems to me that the round reels are typically all metal and a little heavier. All I have are low profile reels but if the round reels are more durable, easier to maintain, etc, I may look into getting one. From what I've seen it appears that you can get a better quality round reel cheaper than a low profile. Is this a misconception on my part, or are the round reels made better? Is this a market driven phenomena that the low profiles are more in demand and therefore fetch a higher price? Let me know your thoughts.

I've also noticed that the frames of these reels are typically die-cast, which unless I'm mistaken is weaker than say machined aluminum.  Are round reels more prone to flex than low profiles?  I would assume not since big game salt water reels are round.  Thanks for all the input.

They generally hold more line is the only thing I can think of . Most round reels are 'beefier' than low profile reels designed for lighter baits, but today's market offers low profile reels that are comparably rugged; there just isn't a huge market for them.  I'd take a Daiwa TDZ Big Bait Special over a big and heavy round reel for swimbaits any day.  Daiwa needs to make a Zillion Big Bait Special for a mid-market high-capacity swimbait reel.  I don't even throw swimbaits, but I bet it would sell.

LP reels were introduced in the mid 80's primarily for the comfort factor.

If I didn't have such problems with my hands I'd probably still use rounds as my primary reel. They are tried and true. Very reliable and less prone to breakdown. They are heavier but solid and well built.

Garcia's C3, C4, EXT and Record lines are all great.

Shimano's Calcutta line is also outstanding.

Personal preference really.

I fish both round (CTE200GT) and several low profile reels.

For palming, low profiles fit most peoples hands much better.

I spend much of my time striper fishing and strongly prefer

my round reels for bigger fish. If you value your equipment,

you don't palm a reel while drifting the Tennessee River.

8-)

For many years my standard reels were Morrum SX's, Black Max 3600 & 1600, Luna's and Pro Max 3600. Only recently have I switched to Low Profile mainly for something different. I still use some of the round reels and the rest are in storage because I believe that they will out last the low profile. Some of the round reels are machined out of solid bar stock aluminum and are bomb proof.

I had all abu round reels until this year, and thought I would try a LP reel. Now I have more LP reels than round reels, for me they are just more comfortable to palm. I still use my round reels for catfish. I will say as bad as this may sound to some, I have done 0 maint. to them other than rinse off,  and oil but they still are as smooth as ever. As far as the LP reels, only time will tell for my lasting opinion.

I use round and LP reels side by side. If i palm either type for too long, it starts to get uncomfortable, but if I switch from round to LP or vise versa, the grip is different enough to relieve the discomfort.

LP reels were introduced in the mid 80's primarily for the comfort factor.

If I didn't have such problems with my hands I'd probably still use rounds as my primary reel. They are tried and true. Very reliable and less prone to breakdown. They are heavier but solid and well built.

Garcia's C3, C4, EXT and Record lines are all great.

Shimano's Calcutta line is also outstanding.

Personal preference really.

I am obviously a user of the shimano Calcutta and can say that if you have one and keep it maintained,it will last a lifetime.

I picked up Cabela's round prodigy reel shortly before the water got hard, so I really can't comment on longevity. The reel fits my hand nicely and casts a shallow shad rap size 5 very well(with the correct size rod). I did get to try the drag and it worked well on the few five pound bass I caught. I also have many low profile reels, this I want to use on cranks because of it's gear ratio. It's mostly a choice of preference. I'm happy with mine. Cost is $100

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't they make some round reels in smaller freshwater sizes that are easier to palm?  I think shimano makes a 200 size that looks pretty small, same with Garcia.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but don't they make some round reels in smaller freshwater sizes that are easier to palm? I think shimano makes a 200 size that looks pretty small, same with Garcia.

Not really, it depends greatly on how the reel foot is placed, I can 't palm an Abu C, on the other hand I can palm a Calcutt or Cardiff of the same size.

The only benefit that I see is line capacity, I use Cardiffs 201 and 301 for swimbaits.