How to choose a spinning reel?
When the reel is in the case, it plays a static role - it stores the line supply. But as soon as you pick up a spinning rod and make a cast, the "extra" is transformed into a very dynamic and important piece of tackle with diverse functions. So, for example, when casting the bait, the spinning reel should give the line with minimal resistance. In addition, the line is reeled up on the reel when fishing and laying the spoon. Sometimes the reel also performs this function - at critical loads, it drops the line, preventing it from breaking. In other words, if the reel fails, you can break the hook or whip or break the line.
Coil types
spinning reelThere are two main types of modern spinning reels: spinning reels (when casting, the line comes off the end of a stationary spool) and multiplier (movable spool). This difference is so significant that, in general, a rod with a spinning reel is called a spinning rod, and fishing using a multiplier reel is called a casting. And the reel rods used in this case are also called casting rods.
The most common are spinning coils, on which it is proposed to focus attention here. The design of such a coil includes several main components:
a spool and a mechanism for its movement for normal laying of the fishing line;
rotor and mechanism for its rotation;
friction brake that allows the line to be released under critical loads;
rotor rotation stopper;
body;
handle;
Spool
The appearance of the spool characterizes well the quality of the entire spool. Spools on expensive, high-quality reels are made of metal, and the front collar, which is in direct contact with the line during casting (and for this reason, is subject to abrasion), is made of hard metal, which is coated with titanium nitride (a coating with good wear resistance in gold color). On simpler reels there are spools made of solid duralumin; the cheapest ones are made of plastic.
SpoolThe spool shape determines the casting distance. If the line is wound to a level that is similar to the diameter of the front flange, then when casting it is subjected to minimal friction against the side. The larger the volume of the line is located in a given zone, the further the casting is carried out. Therefore, the spool must be of sufficient length.
Bearings
The number of ball bearings is an important indicator of the quality of the reel. This number can be from zero to twelve. The most important bearings are located as follows: 1-2 - on the rotor gear, 1 - in the line mechanism, 1 - in the line roller, 2 - on the handle axis. That is, 4-6 pieces are enough for reliability, and most reputable companies produce high-quality models with just such a number of ball bearings. For marketing purposes, some companies sometimes manipulate this indicator by supplying a low-quality reel with a large number of weak bearings, you should not buy this trick.
On expensive spinning rods, the reel body is usually metal - it is more durable and more reliable than plastic. However, there is no fundamental difference for the consumer. It is important what material the rotor is made of, since it is he who experiences the main loads.
Coil selection recommendations
If, before arriving at the store, you have not decided which model to stay on, then it is recommended to pay attention to the following when choosing:
friction brake adjustment (preferably smooth);
the quality of the surfaces on the bobbin rim and the line roller;
balancing the coil (there should be no beats during rotation);
the quality of the stroke (it should rotate easily and preferably silently);
the presence of backlash in the rotor, handle, spool (the most harmless spool play is axial; others should not be noticeable).
Having removed the spool, you can see what the rotor gears are made of. A good reel has a driven gear (the main axle runs through it), which is brass colored. In addition, it is necessary to check how the backstop works and whether the bail of the line guide returns normally. Be sure to pay attention to the presence of defects that sometimes arise during transportation. The most unpleasant is a defect in the surface of the spool rim. Carefully inspect the entire side, its surface should be flat, without nicks and scratches.
Good luck in fishing!