Shallow spool reel for UL setup

I'm looking at purchasing a Fine Tail Area Trout rod this year and would like to find a reel to use with it. I'd love to get a JDM reel as well, but that's not an option since I'm getting the rod.



Are there any reels state side that I could consider that would have a shallow spool or super shallow spool? Looking at a 1000 size or possibly 2000 size. I've also tried to find spools for my Revros LT, but haven't found anything.



The main reason is I'd like to try some Varivas ester line. If I can't give find a reel or spool for my Revros, I'll just use backing on it, just don't really want to do that. If I had a line counter it would make things a lot easier.



One last thing, since I just remembered, is there a specific tool to use to check and set your drag?



TIA and tight lines!

Here is a video of a drag checker I use. I got this for the purpose of testing ester line and knots. After fishing ester line for years I mostly set it by feel now. This tool helped me pay more attention to my knots. When tying leader to ester you have to pay close attention when cinching the leader knot. Ester line is so small and stiff it is easy for a loop to get out of place. I only use a 3 turn surgeon's knot when using leader. As I have aged it is the easiest for me to tie. I tested the surgeon's knot against all the other leader knots and it is a strong as any other knot. The drag checker is expensive...but it is a quality tool made in Japan. You can use a spring scale and do the same.


Regards
Bouz Drag Checker model DC 2001 - YouTube

https://youtu.be/nr-HDgKb5K0

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Here is a video of a drag checker I use. I got this for the purpose of testing ester line and knots. After fishing ester line for years I mostly set it by feel now. This tool helped me pay more attention to my knots. When tying leader to ester you have to pay close attention when cinching the leader knot. Ester line is so small and stiff it is easy for a loop to get out of place. I only use a 3 turn surgeon's knot when using leader. As I have aged it is the easiest for me to tie. I tested the surgeon's knot against all the other leader knots and it is a strong as any other knot. The drag checker is expensive...but it is a quality tool made in Japan. You can use a spring scale and do the same.


Regards
Bouz Drag Checker model DC 2001 - YouTube

https://youtu.be/nr-HDgKb5K0

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I think you've mentioned that you set your drag to roughly 20% of the breaking strength of the line? So, if it's 2.3#, you set your drag to .46# which is around .20kg, correct?

I genuinely love watching your videos. I think every video I watch, l learn something new. Keep it up! Hope to see some new videos soon!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by digitalvoid

I think you've mentioned that you set your drag to roughly 20% of the breaking strength of the line? So, if it's 2.3#, you set your drag to .46# which is around .20kg, correct?

I genuinely love watching your videos. I think every video I watch, l learn something new. Keep it up! Hope to see some new videos soon!

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Thanks for the kind words...yes that is correct. Ester takes some getting used to...but to me it is well worth the reward. A few on here use ester....a couple of them are better at setting the drag than me...LOL. Seriously though, if the drag is wrong a fish can pop that line in a heartbeat.


Regards

Sorry, I am not aware of a shallow spool size 1000 or 2000 spinning reel in the States. Daiwa Legalis LT is a good option.


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I’ve been doing some looking also as one is in my future also. Mine will be a different size but I’ve seen too many reels this week. I’ve begun my searches by putting the reel model, size and an added “s” after the size number which for most indicates a shallow spool. One that has an attractive price is the Diawa gekkabijin. I don’t know much about them but they’re under $100. Might be worth a look. One reel that has my eye for my new rod I’m building is the Shimano Vanford 500s. But the jury is still out.

For around $100 , I’ve falling in love with the Daiwa Fuego LT 1000d . I have four of them .
I wish they offered it in a shallow spool , I’d buy one today .
I know , I have a problem, but I’m on the wagon , I haven’t bought any fishing tackle in two months . :Rofl

KastKing Kestrel 1000 has a shallow spool.

Gekkabijin looks like it might be the shallow spool JDM version of the Fuego. Both have Magseal and look about the same with slightly different gear ratios. Legalis is like a Gekkabijin without the Magseal. I own a Legalis and it's an excellent reel at that price point(around $83). Magseal would be worth it if you fish the salt. Free shipping and no tax on Digitaka. Best prices on Varivas, too.

[QUOTE Free shipping and no tax on Digitaka. Best prices on Varivas, too.[/QUOTE]

Would make sense to buy a Legalis or Gekkabijin from Digitaka. With the free shipping you can also add lures and fishing line. I would recommend trying their PE line (#0.2 to #0.4) for UL angling. Of course polyester too.

Kastking Kestrel is super light. Weighs only 135 grams. No experience with this reel since I don’t own one.

Good luck!




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