Best Conventional Reel for a GSB 1201M

[JohnR]

The 6500 Pro Rocket is essentially the same as a Mag Elite without the Mags (I'm 96% sure as I don't have a Rocket). The rocket has the longer "power" handle (comfortable on a 6500 but I just don't like on a calcutta). You need to buy the handle for the Mag Elite (comes with paddle handle). Both should have drags updated to Smoothie or Extreme Smoothies. Bearings can be upgraded to eramics or Abec 7 (abec 5 is standard)

The 7000 Rocket does not have a mag counterpart.

Originally Posted by chief10

LD models have a lever drag system. CT models are non-level winds.

2 cents: get the level wind. if your throwing eels you won't need to throw them far.

Agree, and CS usually designates levelwind. So a 6500CT Mage Elite is a non-levelwind MagE and a 6500CS Mag Elite HAS the levelwind. A 6500CSPR is a levelwind pro rocket, and a 7000CTPR (if they make one - think they do) is no levelwind 7000 CT Pro Rocket - how is that for loosely consistent

[Back Beach]

Ludz,

The newell 229 is my recommendation. The new ones have metal spools, are well built and cast great. My partners refer to them as "coffe grinders." The reel has no level wind, but level winds are for sissies anyways, they are like training wheels on a bike. Good drag on the newell too. You can try mine if you want this winter. Its a man's reel.

I am going to get a calcutta 400 te for next year, for special situations. That reel would be my second choice if I could only have one reel , reason being the capacity might be less than what you want if you plan on jigging the canal, but its a great surf reel.

[piemma]

I totall agree with Mike. I fished a Newell 229 on the Back for years and it was "bullet proof". I sold it last year to RI Rockhound for his father. I now fish 2 Calcutta 400s and they have been great.

[chief10]

Luds-take him up on his offer.cast one before you buy. the newells are nice reels, very light in weight and easy to maintain. I've had the 235-5 for 15 years , still kicking.

As far as the sissy thing/level wind ....they'll only call you that over the internet. no worries.

[luds]

Anybody have one of these. I realize it doesn't have a level wind.

6500C3 CT Blue Yonder

http://causewaybait.com/store/large/...ue_Yonder.html

It's pretty.

[spence]

There are a lot of variation on the 6500...I've got the levelwind Chrome Rocket.

It's pretty sweet

-spence

[SeaWolf]

you'll be best bet for throwing larger lures and handling fast rips and tides is an abu 7000 model, probably a 7000c3. the reels have not changed too much from model to model and thru the years. that says a lot. the reels a pretty much bullet proof w/ minor maintainence. just dont dunk the reel or let sand get into the spool and you are good. i've fished mine for over 15 years now and woudl still buy more for that purpose. the 6500 series is nice, but it has smaller components. again, it depends how you plan on fishing. the narrow width of the 6500 makes it harder to pick out an overrun when it does occur. the 6500 has less capacity than a 7000, but is a much faster reel. it can be a little harder to master.

your lure range and what you plan on throwing may dictate which one you should use. i've had a gsb1201m for years and that was the reel that was on it. matched perfectly.