Line Counting Reels For Crank Baits

I want thank everybody for helping me with choosing which crank baits to use. I'm now up in the air on the reels. I'm looking at the Okuma line counting reels. They have the 15, 20 and 30 in different models(boy am I lost). I saw in one post someone uses the 15 model but I'm thinking the 20 model. What is the difference in a MA 20D and a MA 20DX. I'm sorry I don't understand it all, is one better than the other. What does the D vs the DX mean. I'm sorry but new to these reels. Thanks for your help.

20s are slightly larger than 15s basically the same reel , both are same price, I have the 15s and for cheap reels I'm satisfied with them so far

I'm pretty sure the D models have bushings and the dx has 2 ball bearings. I have 15's and the only problem I have is with the counter sticking.

I have both the 15's and 20's. Counter sticks is my only problem. Although they do not stick every time and it is an easy adjustment. Just have to be paying attention when you first start letting line out. I prefer my 15's because they have a slightly smaller spool. I troll with braid and that stuff is expensive.

The Diawa Accudepth Digital are great, but a little pricey.

Depth Hunter Power Pro on baitcasters for me.

They wont stick if you will spray them down every now and then with Blakemores Reel Magic

Very limited experience with line counter reels, and have only used Okuma 15's. Never had a problem with the "counter" not functioning correctly, but occasionally did experience the spool not wanting to release line after pushing the release button. That was quickly overcome by using my thumb to pull back on the spool and releasing. That worked every time. It may have been because we were using 2oz weights ahead of our cranks, and the weight was putting tension on the spool & holding it "locked" in position, even though the spool should have been in "free spool" mode since the button had been pushed.

I can't remember where he said he read or heard it, but the friend whose reels I used said it made a difference in the accuracy of the length of line out according to what diameter line you filled the spool with. I can't swear to it, but I believe he said 35lb test braid & a totally filled spool would give you the greatest accuracy of length of line out (on the Okuma 15 LC reel).

... cp :kewl

I used the Okuma 15's and 20's for several years and they worked well most of the time at a throwaway price. However, we never did not like the drag on the Okuma's and have since changed over to Abu Garcia 6500LC's. If a good smooth and very adjustable drag is important to you then consider the Garcia's. Otherwise, for most purposes, keep them clean/lubed and the Okuma's will work fine.

I started with the Okuma but was having to replace them every year so I switched over to the Diawa Accudepth ICV 15 and they have been well worth the money. Got some that are 6 years old now.

I recently switched from Okuma 15's after 3 years to Diawa Accudepth Plus 17LCB's very happy with them so far. If you search the internet you can find them for as low as $59.00 per reel. They are much smoother than the Okuma's, it doesn't break the bank to spool them with line, line counters work better and it doesn't take all day to reel them in! Haha! I would love to have some of the more expensive reels just a little tough to choke down when buying 8 to 10 reels at once. I may upgrade to the Abu Garcia's eventually by purchasing a couple of reels at a time.

If you plan on doing it allot , spend the money and get the Diawas , but if your only gonna do it a few times a year the cheaps will last a while,you can buy 4 cheap reels for the price of 1 good one with means replacing them not that bad , for the serious crankers get the best first and be done with it

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Originally Posted by luvpt

I used the Okuma 15's and 20's for several years and they worked well most of the time at a throwaway price. However, we never did not like the drag on the Okuma's and have since changed over to Abu Garcia 6500LC's. If a good smooth and very adjustable drag is important to you then consider the Garcia's. Otherwise, for most purposes, keep them clean/lubed and the Okuma's will work fine.

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Steve,

Where have you found the best prices on the Abu Garcia 6500LC's? Looked at these when we upgraded but just couldn't pull the trigger due to the price. I thought I would try to purchase a few along the way to easy the pain! Looked at the digital Diawas but was concerned about how long the digital read out would work under tough use. Creek just posted that they have held up for him so I guess that has not been a problem. I just can't keep from thinking about the abuse that I have put some Abu Garcia reels through as a younger man. They are tough as nails!!!

Bass Pro sells an Okuma that's called a Strato Master. It's a much nicer reel that the Magda Pro. I've had some of those for 8-10 years. I bought the Diawa digitals and love em.

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Originally Posted by SlabMeister

Steve,

Where have you found the best prices on the Abu Garcia 6500LC's? Looked at these when we upgraded but just couldn't pull the trigger due to the price. I thought I would try to purchase a few along the way to easy the pain! Looked at the digital Diawas but was concerned about how long the digital read out would work under tough use. Creek just posted that they have held up for him so I guess that has not been a problem. I just can't keep from thinking about the abuse that I have put some Abu Garcia reels through as a younger man. They are tough as nails!!!

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I ordered mine from J&H Tackle (Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Line Counter Baitcasting Reels | J&H Tackle). They were around 129.99 each but like you said, they are bullet proof and dependable. I have them on all eight planerboard rods as well as the eight longlining rods. The drag is smooth as butter and can be set as light as needed....which was not possible with the Okuma's. They will also cast very well and we just cast them out when using the longlining rods which saves a whole lot of time letting line out.

BTW James, I do have several buddies that use the Diawa digitals and love 'em. They are great reels. I've just always been a Garcia nut and that's what I went with.