David L Johnson
Member
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2004
- Messages
- 23
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I know front drags are smoother and better, unfortunately I tried a front drag reel the last couple of seasons and lost too many fish. Because I’ve used rear drags for 35 years my muscle memory is such that mid-fight with a powerful fish my hand instinctively goes to adjust the rear of the reel to slacken or tighten the drag – that’s a fancy way of saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks! By the time I realise my mistake and faff around trying to adjust the front drag the fish is lost.
I’m looking for the best (i.e. smoothest drag) rear drag baitrunner currently available. I fish mainly the Ribble and often cast to the far bank so have stepped up from my old Shimano 5000 GTE to 6000 sized reels and it’s really improved my casting distance and accuracy. I’ve googled a bit and most forums just say get a front drag they are better. I found a post that suggested the old Shimano XTEA baitrunner had a smoother rear drag than other Shimano rear drag baitrunners? But this is no longer available new and I’d prefer a new reel. Does anyone know if the newer replacement for the XTEA, the Shimano XT RB, has a similarly smooth drag when compared to the cheaper ST and DL models or are they all the same?
I like Shimanos, although their baitrunner drags get bad reviews, but would consider other makes as long as they have a freespool option, rear drag and a large enough spool to enable accurate distance casting.
All suggestions, other than learn how to use a front drag, welcome, thanks.
I’m looking for the best (i.e. smoothest drag) rear drag baitrunner currently available. I fish mainly the Ribble and often cast to the far bank so have stepped up from my old Shimano 5000 GTE to 6000 sized reels and it’s really improved my casting distance and accuracy. I’ve googled a bit and most forums just say get a front drag they are better. I found a post that suggested the old Shimano XTEA baitrunner had a smoother rear drag than other Shimano rear drag baitrunners? But this is no longer available new and I’d prefer a new reel. Does anyone know if the newer replacement for the XTEA, the Shimano XT RB, has a similarly smooth drag when compared to the cheaper ST and DL models or are they all the same?
I like Shimanos, although their baitrunner drags get bad reviews, but would consider other makes as long as they have a freespool option, rear drag and a large enough spool to enable accurate distance casting.
All suggestions, other than learn how to use a front drag, welcome, thanks.