Best reel for punching mats

bassmanwes · Post by **bassmanwes** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 6:31 pm

Whats the best reel for punching mats? I have destroyed several reels doing this. What do you think about the old ABU 5000 D as it was direct drive but has low gear ratio.

L.Hackney · Post by **L.Hackney** » Sat Aug 04, 2007 8:00 pm

Why are they getting trashed ? Gears ?

bassmanwes · Post by **bassmanwes** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 10:13 am

The gears just aren't holding up. 80 lb braided line and big fish deep in tules and buried in mats and hyacin. I set on a eight pound fish last Saturday and deep in a hyacin mat and just stripped it raw the fish
distroyed the mat as it was only about a foot and half deep. the braided line is just hard on these gears.

Blue_R70 · Post by **Blue_R70** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 10:45 am

bassmanwes wrote:The gears just aren't holding up...the braided line is just hard on these gears.

Try any of the newer Shimanos with the oversized HEG gearing. They're larger than the previous generation gears and are cut to mesh better for increased torque/power/efficiency...

gabuelhaj · Post by **gabuelhaj** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 11:01 am

I would give the new REVO a try as their drag is an impressive 20+ pounds!

Good luck!

L.Hackney · Post by **L.Hackney** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 12:26 pm

I was asking cause there hasn't been a problem with my curado..
Yet, I should say....

Ray L. · Post by **Ray L.** » Sun Aug 05, 2007 1:17 pm

Shimano Castaic is what I use.

Steve45 · Post by **Steve45** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 9:20 am

Ditto on the Castaic reel. I have 3 and they work out great for Punch'n, Pitch'n, and Flipp'n.

justin lucas · Post by **justin lucas** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 1:34 pm

Give the Revo STX a try. The reel is very solid and they have been holding up quite well. I work at fishermans warehouse in sacramento and have yet to see a stx come back to get repairs!!