Slow or Higher speed reel retrieval - Which and why ?????

[Gavin Vernon]

I’ve noticed a few posts on this forum regarding reels and some guys using

Shimano Medium LC
Shimano Ultegra 5500
Okuma Inc 6000
Okuma 6k - lc

Which all retrieve over 100cm of line per turn but then

Okuma Aventa - super slow 6000 only 71cm
Okuma Pulzar
Daiwa Whisker ss2600
Shimano older 5000

All far slower retrieval than the reels above

I understand a big reel and retrieval on places on the Trent but is there a reason people prefer higher or lower retrieves or is it just more a reels feel or build quality

 

[Richard Dawson]

Essentially a higher retrieve is less cranking power (think about the gears on a pushbike, the faster gears are harder to pedal)

Winding back a big feeder against the flow is easier with a slower retrieve.


A caveat though being handle length. The Shimano Medium LC has a longer handle than say an Okuma INC 6000. I have owned both and its easier cranking back a heavy feeder with the Shimano.


For Barbel fishing I mainly look for cranking power and build quality. I'd only really be concerned about retrieve rates if I were fishing a match and needed to get the rod in and back out super fast.

 

[Deleted member 1090]

Shimano 3500b baitrunner as great cranking power I realy rate these reels highly. Granted they’re not the best looking reel but they are true work horses

 

[Richard Isaacs]

Essentially a higher retrieve is less cranking power (think about the gears on a pushbike, the faster gears are harder to pedal)

Winding back a big feeder against the flow is easier with a slower retrieve.


A caveat though being handle length. The Shimano Medium LC has a longer handle than say an Okuma INC 6000. I have owned both and its easier cranking back a heavy feeder with the Shimano.


For Barbel fishing I mainly look for cranking power and build quality. I'd only really be concerned about retrieve rates if I were fishing a match and needed to get the rod in and back out super fast.

Excellent post Rich and bang on the money.
Lower gear ratio = high torque/low speed
Higher gear ratio = low torque/high speed.