Thread: Reel size help!?!?

Different brands use different numbers to designate reel size. What you really want to be concerned about is the weight of that reel. You want the reel you use on your rod to balance out the weight of the rod blank. You want to be able to lay the rod/reel on your outstretched finger at the front end of the rod handle and have it balance there. If it slowly tilts back towards the handle end, that's OK. But if it drops towards either end quickly, it's either too light a reel (towards tip) or too heavy (towards handle). If it slowly dips towards the rod tip, you might want to try another (slightly heavier) reel. Reason being : tip heavy outfits will wear on your wrist/forearm during use, making it uncomfortable to use for any length of time. If it's slightly handle end heavy, it will just feel heavier in hand than it needs to but won't be as bad as a tip heavy outfit.
A balanced outfit will be like an extension of your arm, and be more comfortable to use.

If you have a reel on another rod, or just laying around, put it on the rod & see how it balances. Then check the web to see if you can find out how much it weighs. Then, when you go to buy a new reel for that rod, look up its weight beforehand to know if it's going to be too light or too heavy ... or if it will be the right weight to balance the rod. OR, if possible, take your rod to the store and try different reels to find one that balances the rod.

The reel that balances the rod is the best to me.

I’m probably not a good candidate to answer, because my preferences change almost as much as the weather here in the south .
I do own a couple 2000’s , they’re Daiwa LT’s , “light tough “ and the shallow spool variety.
I really couldn’t tell that much difference between using a 2000 and a 1000 as far as casting distance .
I also own several ( more than 20) 500 size reels .
I like a light reel and I’m not concerned about balance because some long rods would require a heavy ( IMO ) reel to balance them.
I prefer the light feel of the total package and it’s easier to get that with a 500 size reel .
Then again I own several (more than 20 ) 1000 size reels .
With the newer Daiwa LT’s , the weight of a 1000 is only around a half ounce more than most 500’s and I do see a slight increase in distance using the 1000 size over a 500 , that is while using light 2# line .
Oh , I forgot , I like the larger and longer handles of the 1000 and 2000’s over the smaller reels too .
See I told you I wasn’t the best to answer .

I disagree Chaser. You’re the one of the guys best suited to answer. We have all realized over time what we like in a combo for weight, casting,drag preferences and so on. Owning so many reels gives you a good base to talk of.
I’m relatively new to the higher end stuff, and not as high end as some others out here. The 500 size reels get a lot of play at my house (boat?) and they’ve done great lately. With ashboom saying he’s looking at a light moderate action and a 6’ rod, I’d be inclined to a 1000/2000 size reel. The only difference between a lot of the 1000 and 2000 is spool size and line capacity, and not much difference in either of those. Frame of the reel is the same in a lot of cases. The bigger spool of the 1000 usually works very smooth and may have more drag capacity than the smaller 500. Of course weight is a factor and I prefer the lighter ones. I own 2 of the Daiwa Regal 1000 (about $70 lately) and 2 more in 2500 (saltwater). Both are a good reel with lots of bearings and light weight. I also own a few Shimano Sahara in 2500 that do salt work also without issue. I’m sure the smaller sizes would do as well. I like to keep my reels around $100 or less and have done well with that price point. I do have a real good one coming one day, I can feel it. I have a couple of rods that I switch reels back and forth on depending what I’m doing that day. My point is that this probably won’t be the last reel you buy and if you don’t quite like it, there’s always another rod for it to go on.

I have two 6’6”, one light and one ultra light. Both have the regal 1000. One has four pound braid and the other 2 lb nylon mono. I have to remember which rod I’m casting when I pick them up or I’ll be putting what’s on the end of the line in the woods. Exceptional casting for both. Good weight and good drags, that would be my choice if I had to pick one. Some four pound hi vis mono and you’ll be set.

Thanks for the compliment Skeet ,
I too prefer to keep my reels around the $100 mark maybe a little more if I run up on a deal .
Last week I was loving my 500’s and still do but this week I’ve gone back to my Daiwa Fuego 1000 LT ‘s to get that extra ten feet or so of distance next trip , especially on my 5’6” rods .
The shorter rods need the help .
I agree , the 1000’s are the best all around reels .

18 bux for my new red one and as good easily as my 100 dollar reels , bought 2 more immediately after using it twice ….1000 series and bad to the bone for sure ….

1000 models are the most popular for crappie fishing but I prefer my shall spool 2000 reels more. Shallow spool holds the same amount of line but spools are wider and cast farther and since I only bank fish sometimes you need the extra distance. Balanced outfits are crucial when casting all day so suggest you take rod with you when you make your reel purchase. You'll know when you have the right balanced outfit. It will have that OH YEA feel to it.