Looking at the pics of the Optimus reels on the website, they have a cover in the center of the handle crank shaft where there would be a nut holding it on the main shaft....if one were there. Is this simply covering a nut that can be removed to take the handle off, or does the handle come off some other way, such as tightening the drag down all the way and then turning the crank backwards to unthread it from the shaft like some Pflueger reels do??

The reason I ask is because I do all my own reel maintenance and I like reels better that the handle can be removed by unscrewing a nut to take them off. I just trust that system more, is all. Those Optimus reels look smoking hot, feature loaded, and I'd sort of like to try one, but only if it's made like I would want. They aren't sold locally so I have no way to check one out up close.

Nevermind, a quick search on the website and I found the schematics showing it's made exactly like I would want. SWEET! That reel looks awesome. I'm surprised they aren't promoted more in the local shops and the big box stores as well. Based on the descriptions and features compared to price, strictly speaking from an "on paper" point of view (having never handled or seen one up close) I would think they would outperform every reel offered on the market in their price range, and a few that are higher up. They look really good.

Nevermind, a quick search on the website and I found the schematics showing it's made exactly like I would want. SWEET! That reel looks awesome. I'm surprised they aren't promoted more in the local shops and the big box stores as well. Based on the descriptions and features compared to price, strictly speaking from an "on paper" point of view (having never handled or seen one up close) I would think they would outperform every reel offered on the market in their price range, and a few that are higher up. They look really good.

Thank you Rooster...were trying our best to have our Tournament Class products available at all the best bass shops around the country. Please feel free to bang on your local shops to carry our TC line, we would really appreciate the assistance! The mods here at bassresource will all be receiving some new toys to play with and I'm sure will report on how they perform once they give the new gear a good test...

Thank you & good fishing!!!