best closed face reels

[Alan Palmer]

IMO closed face reels and big fish are not compatible, I use them trotting for silvers and usually hook the odd rogue chub which they just about cope with but clutch on them are a bit jerky so back winding is best, and only putting 30/40 yards of line on minimised line bedding in with a big fish. Personally I wouldn’t use them when targeting big fish

I would also add if you upgrade to these metal spools and with the rubber gasket rather than chenille it’s much smoother on the trot with finer lines

 

[Craig Lea]

I would also add if you upgrade to these metal spools and with the rubber gasket rather than chenille it’s much smoother on the trot with finer lines

Thanks Alan .

 

[Alan Palmer]

Thanks Alan .

Forgot to add pic, found this online…few variations but all similar

 

[Craig Lea]

Forgot to add pic, found this online…few variations but all similar View attachment 38344

i think that’s the way . thank you

 

[Steve Jeffery]

I do have a couple 506m's that I have used for many years and I rate highly, but I do prefer the ABU 1044, as that has a conventional backwind and easier drag system.

 

[Craig Lea]

I do have a couple 506m's that I have used for many years and I rate highly, but I do prefer the ABU 1044, as that has a conventional backwind and easier drag system.

thanks Steve , your the second on here to mention them , and you both know your eggs .

 

[Barry Peck]

Forgot to add pic, found this online…few variations but all similar View attachment 38344

I have 3 of these Machined spools . They are lovely and light and shallow . I think I paid around £30 per spool .. the engineer makes a few at a time and as Alan said the rubber is much better than chenille .

 

[Barry Peck]

 

[Craig Lea]

View attachment 38446

those spools are a thing of beauty Barry .
i’ve got myself a 1044 coming .

 

[Alan Palmer]

View attachment 38446

Those are the beauties

 

[Barry Peck]

those spools are a thing of beauty Barry .
i’ve got myself a 1044 coming .

They are cracking spools , worth every penny .

 

[Lee Williams]

The best IMO in this order... Have worked in tackle shops since 1989



Abu 507 MK1 Plowman build
Abu 507 Mk1
Abu 506 Mk1 / 506M
Abu 501
Abu 1044 Japanese model
Abu 704/706
Ryobi CF1
Ryobi CF100
Gold Max 507
Shaky 2020

Then Abu 503, 505

Everything else in the bin for me

 

[Lee Williams]

The worst have to be the newest 506/507 MK2 models followed by Diplomats and Silstar, Mitchell and Sundridge models

 

[Jason Goodwin]

https://ebay.us/m/tUnjwg More than a used 501