What makes an aluminium reel so much better than a graphite reel? I would really like to know the big differences, pros and cons, and what really sets them a part. Then it would be nice to get input on a new smally reel (one I can use for finess lures).

Strength and durability.

Aluminum frames are generally considered to have less flex and can be machined to higher tolerances than graphite, so the hold the reel parts in alignment better.  Graphite weighs less.  Some good "workhorse" saltwater reels have graphite frames to reduce weight and avoid saltwater corrosion.  But if you look at freshwater reels, you usually find the graphite frame models are the "more affordable" models in the company lineup.

I 've owned two graphite frame reels ( one spinning and one baitcasting ) and both suffered the same destiny, both fell and both had the reel foot brake making them useless, so no more graphite frame reels for me.

"Graphite is for rods"

Words to live by when it comes to reels and the frame material for them. There are a few exceptions for this such as an ultralight crappie reel or something, even a bass spinning reel for "average" fishing maybe. But if I want to depend on a reel for any serious bass fishing or otherwise then it has to be aluminum, and the more metal the better I like it (Abu Garcia Soron STX for example, besides the grip on the handle is there any material that's NOT metal??).

For baitcast reels there is no exception at all in my book. Aluminum frames always or I have no interest at all.

I've used graphite reels with no problem, however it is not my choice, mg or alum for me.  A true quality saltwater reel will not corrode, it's made for those conditions.  The Abu soron is my go to saltwater reel, you may be fishing for mangroves and hook into a cubera, you need good equipment.

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave.  The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well.  It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger.  In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

For baitcast reels there is no exception at all in my book. Aluminum frames always or I have no interest at all.

Yes I agree there thats what I use now, just curious about the spinning reels.

I 've owned two graphite frame reels ( one spinning and one baitcasting ) and both suffered the same destiny, both fell and both had the reel foot brake making them useless, so no more graphite frame reels for me.

i've had the necks crack on spinning reels of different brands and my buddies have had the reel feet break numerous times also.

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

You'll buy it if it says "Johnny Morris" on the side....admit it! 

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

Right now there's only 2 factories making reels with this process.  They're both maxed out on production with orders backed up.  I'm pretty sure other factories are already working on it.  I'd say within 2 years you likely won't see any more magnesium reels. 

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

You'll buy it if it says "Johnny Morris" on the side....admit it!

i would never buy a reel that does not have a metal frame no matter whose name was on it.

btw,i do like other rods other than my bps johnny morris.those american rodsmiths rods with the golf grips look nice.i like st. croix rods also.

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

Right now there's only 2 factories making reels with this process. They're both maxed out on production with orders backed up. I'm pretty sure other factories are already working on it. I'd say within 2 years you likely won't see any more magnesium reels.

if you look at the weight specs those reels are not really that light.magnesium is still lighter.you also don't need to buy a steez to get a great magnesium reel at least in a spinning model.i also don't think you can put titanium depostion on a composite reel so those of us who like indestructable finishes will stick with aluminum.

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

not if they don't sell.

You'll buy it if it says "Johnny Morris" on the side....admit it!

i would never buy a reel that does not have a metal frame no matter whose name was on it.

btw,i do like other rods other than my bps johnny morris.those american rodsmiths rods with the golf grips look nice.i like st. croix rods also.

It was a joke, hence the smiley. Here's another:   :-*

i know.no offense taken.

I was just cruising the tackle tour site & read Zander's blog on carbon fiber.  My post was up before his blog (for the record), but if you want to read it, he's talking about looking forward to this technology moving over to baitcasters.

http://tackletog.com/zander/2010/02/25/make-it-lighter-%e2%80%93-carbon-baitcasters/

Plus it sound awe inspiring. "Advanced Injected molded carbon fiber composite technology" ;D

Injection molded carbon fiber composites are the next wave. The CI4 was the first made with this process, and the new Browning reels at BPS are made that way as well. It's lighter than graphite, and much stronger. In addition, it doesn't have the corossion issues that magnesium does.

I think you're going to see more factories learning how the process works & converting more reels over to some sort of carbon fiber composite in the very near future.

Generally speaking, graphite frames are more brittle than aluminum frames,

which is why Penn Internationals are made of aluminum, and why big-game rods are made of fiberglass.

On the other hand, I've purchased several graphite/titanium saltwater reels without incident (light & strong).

I still have a "Shimano Custom GT4000 Plus Spinning Reel" I purchased in 1985 (220yd/17lb line).

It's been discontinued and is no longer repaired, but it's probably boated 1000 lbs of bluefish,

and is still up-and-running. 8-)

Roger