Level Wind Reels - Pros and Cons
Inshore saltwater anglers almost always ask for our advice about what type of reel they should purchase. The two types of conventional reels, open wind and level wind both have benefits and drawbacks depending on a number of factors. Each of them works completely differently and is each is suited to specific line types.
The decision of what type of reel to purchase requires that you not only consider your personal preferences, but also how you intend to use the reel (what type of fishing) and what type of line that you normally fish with. Each factor must be carefully weighed and once you have accounted for them, you can make the best possible decision about which reel works best for you.
Open wind reels have fewer moving parts, while level wind reels use a pawl that runs across a worm shaft on the front of your reel. While the open wind reel requires interaction from the angler to properly rewind a line, the level wind reel accomplishes this through the mechanism that is inherent to this reel type.
An overwhelming factor in either reel type is of course your own personal preference. Surf-casters will tell you that they would not consider level wind reels because of two major factors (A) they are more susceptible to malfunction and (B) they cast differently. It’s important to remember that a saltwater surfcaster almost always hikes to their favorite fishing spot – the fact is that because of this they nearly always have only one reel and rod with them and equipment failure could completely ruin their day. Level wind reels can fail because of just a few grains of sand in the mechanism and they also create another contact point between your line and your reel – which of course are unique to the level wind reels. Open faced conventional reels simply don’t have these significant pitfalls making it the reel of choice for saltwater surfcasting anglers. Open faced conventional reels simply do not have the moving parts that are found in level wind reels, making them far less susceptible to needing repairs.
Various types of fishing lines are discussed in another article, but for the purposes of reels, you will want to review the line you use most often. If you’re more likely to use monofilament line, you’re more likely to lean towards a level wind reel. Frankly, a level wind reel is best for monofilament line because of the problems that trying to rewind the line manually using your thumb for a guide. Monofilament line tends to bunch up and will literally pile up near the frame and get high enough to interfere with proper reel functioning. If you’re using braided line you’re unlikely to run into these problems as it simply winds better without a lot of help from the angler.
Monofilament line is the line of choice for many anglers – it offers stretch and it’s cost effective. It does have its downsides however and these downsides make the use of a level wind conventional reel very practical unless you want to spend time learning how to guide your line back onto your reel with your thumb. While this practice is common and not hard to learn, it’s highly unlikely that when you’re reeling in a big fish you are going to be paying all that much attention as to how you’re rewinding your line if you are using an open wind conventional reel.
This common characteristic forces anglers to learn how to guide their line back on the open reel. This is not difficult to do, it merely takes some practice to learn how to rewind your line evenly. Using their thumb, most anglers will quickly find that their line will go back on an open reel easily. One of the downsides however, is that it’s easy to get distracted from the care necessary for even winding when you’re reeling that big fish in.
For anglers who use braided line, this typically is not an issue. Because of the additional weight and its overall construction, braided line doesn’t tend to bunch up on an open wind reel. In fact, braided Dacron line tends to go back on the reel as nearly perfectly as one could expect with very little attention from the angler. For those who prefer braided Dacron lines, an open wind reel is definitely the one to purchase.
Ask any repair shop owner, myself included, and you’ll find that the level wind reel is one of the top items that are repaired annually. It doesn’t matter who made it, each manufacturer is treated equally in this case. Level wind reels are far more susceptible to failure than open reels. This could be in part that when you’re fishing with a 20lb drag, and you land a good sized fish, additional pressure is put on the line guide system. Combine this additional pressure with salt and sand that might be missed during cleaning and insufficient lubrication and you’re no doubt going to have your level wind reel fail. If you use open faced conventional reels, you are not going to have this problem.
While your personal preferences are certainly going to play a significant role in your final decision, also take into consideration your line type and your fishing habits – rigging or casting – and you’ll be able to make a sound decision between the level wind conventional reel and open conventional reel.
With all the different types of reels out there things can get confusing. Doing your research before hand can save yourself a headache. Some of the most popular reels include: Daiwa Seaborg 300FB, Daiwa Viento, and Shimano Stella FD.
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