Okay, so I ended up buying a Shimano Sahara 1000 today. It looks, and feels like a totally tight, solid, precise little piece of machinery, for sure.

But I did actually have a Sedona, a Sahara, a Symetre, and a Stradic, all up up on the counter, side by side, all 1000's for comparisons sake.

Now, the Sahara did definitely feel smoother, than the Sedona. But almost exactly the same as the Symetre, and the Stradic. On the other hand (and I still remember this about an old Stradic that I had 10 years ago) both the Symetre, and the Stradic, seemed to take substantially more pressure on the handle, to get them turning ? I mean, once they turned, they were smooth as silk, but it just felt like I had to put 30% more pressure on the handles of both of those reels to turn them, than I did the Sahara ?

Being tight on cash, I couldn't really afford much more right now anyway.... but my observations sure made it easier to get the Sahara.

Of course I know that their are going to be variances between every reel, even of the same type. And I know a reel will change a little as it breaks in (but my old Stradic never did get easier to turn ?)

All of this said, after looking at all of these {and against my better judgment } I had to go and play with a Stradic CL4 ! Why did I do that ?!?!

That thing was freaking sweet ! Unbelievably light, and as little, or less reel handle pressure to turn than my Sahara, and great looking to boot !

Only a mere $200 ! Boy would I like to buy about 8 of those right now ! 

Anyway, I put my little Sahara on one of my G-Loomis SR720's, 6ft, 1 piece, 1-4lb rod, and loaded it up with about 170 yards of 2/10 TUF-Line braid, and now I'm just dying to go stick something BIG on it

Of course I promise to post some pics.

Peace,

Fish

PS, Am I the only one to consider reel handle pressure ? I just don't hear it mentioned very often....

Handle pressure? Hmm...I have never heard anyone comment on

this. After reading your post, I kinda "tested" all my reels. They

all seem about the same to me.

 

Would handle pressure have anything to do with how well the gears mesh together ?

Would handle pressure have anything to do with how well the gears mesh together ?

Or even how much grease one particular reel has on the main gears. Although Chris was comparing all 1000 size reels, there could be a different feel due to the weight variances of the reels, and different rotor weights, thus giving different force requirements to get the rotor turning.

I guess the only time I've noticed an objectionable "handle-pressure" is on older reels that have old, dried or gummy grease on the gears and/or bearing/bushings.

Would handle pressure have anything to do with how well the gears mesh together ?

It better not, or those gears will wear out quick.

*******************

Keep in mind, those reels all have various mass to the rotor. I believe they also have different gear ratios. Both contribute to torque, or retrieve effort.

Hmmmm. Maybe I am the only one who notices this then ? Oh, but the kid at the tackle store could certainly tell a difference too.

One thing I have to say, although I prefer a reel which requires very little reel handle pressure (like my old Daiwa Regal Z's) sometimes reels which require more pressure actually feel more precision.... tighter, more precisely meshing gears maybe ? I dunno'......

Peace,

Fish

Would handle pressure have anything to do with how well the gears mesh together ?

It better not, or those gears will wear out quick.

*******************

Keep in mind, those reels all have various mass to the rotor. I believe they also have different gear ratios. Both contribute to torque, or retrieve effort.

Then you're saying the internal workings of a reel has nothing to do with how smooth/easy your handle turns ?

Yes.  Take the rotor of ANY spinning reel.  9/10 times, when you turn the reel, it will be rough.  It has to do with the mechanics of using a crown gear.  Older reels, like a D.A.M. Quick that use a true worm drive don't do this.

Hmmmm. Maybe I am the only one who notices this then ? Oh, but the kid at the tackle store could certainly tell a difference too.

One thing I have to say, although I prefer a reel which requires very little reel handle pressure (like my old Daiwa Regal Z's) sometimes reels which require more pressure actually feel more precision.... tighter, more precisely meshing gears maybe ? I dunno'......

Peace,

Fish

No, I merely pointed out where the differences lie.  I prefer a reel with very little effort, though I will say that I appreciate the added inches per turn I get from my CI4 for deep water presentations and smallies.  I'd much rather use that than something much, much slower, like Pfueger President.

Duh ! I can't believe it took until right now to dawn on me....

{after just having come back from a 20 mile ride on my mountain bike a couple hours ago}.....

Gears ! Of course ! I never even thought to compare gear ratios ! Obviously, it's going to take more reel handle pressure, if your rotor is turning more revs per rotation of your cranking handle.

Might not be the whole answer, but I bet it's at least part of it.

Hmmmmm...

Peace,

Fish

Often (not always), the higher end reel reel will have a faster gear ratio. The higher end reel will also have a carefully counterbalanced rotor. This adds a tough of overall weight, but makes for a smooth, wobble free retrieve. Its all about torque.