FS Reels: Concensus of opinion

[Lynnzer]

Have a few quid and am looking to add to my reels.
I have a rod I need another FS reel for.
I would need something like a 7000 series model.

What's the current situation on these? Shimano seems to still come out frequently but personally I like the looks of the Penn Surfblaster with the long spools, much the same as the new Daiwa's, ie the Crosscast and Longcasts.

Any more ideas on other makes and models, reliability issues with Shimano, Penn etc.

[Juliogeordio]

Never used one but the Penn Surfblaster had a very good reputation mate....

[Nooo Fish]

The surfblaster flies with the braid spool on. I haven't tried any other big FS reels though.

[himself26]

TF Gear V10 Big Pit. 13 bearings decent construction holds plenty of braid or mono & Cheap as chips m8.......

[magpies]

I have 3 surfblaster 8000s now and never had any bother with them. Used them for 2 years from piers, beaches, rocks and cliffs. They seem fine.

[beachbuddy]

Have a few quid and am looking to add to my reels.
I have a rod I need another FS reel for.
I would need something like a 7000 series model.

What's the current situation on these? Shimano seems to still come out frequently but personally I like the looks of the Penn Surfblaster with the long spools, much the same as the new Daiwa's, ie the Crosscast and Longcasts.

Any more ideas on other makes and models, reliability issues with Shimano, Penn etc.

For the extra few quid buy a xsc 10000,I use affinity 8000's and they are gud but the shimano's are the next level up and have a lot more beef about them.

[Pete from shields]

TF Gear V10 Big Pit. 13 bearings decent construction holds plenty of braid or mono & Cheap as chips m8.......

Bought one for my lad and the bearings blew up after 2 sessions.

I've been using a Shimano Aerlex XS big pit 8000 for 3 and a half years now, they don't do that model now but if you can get hold of one they are bomb proof.

[ar lan y mor]

Ive been using an okuma distance 80 for 3 1/2 seasons
no issues
line flies off with braid on the shallow spool

[LiamNE]

Good advice from the lads as above. Concerning the reels mentioned I would say the following about them

Okuma distance 80 / DTX 80 - Excellent reel for the price, if you are looking to just get started on FS and dont want to break the bank, this would be a good starting place. Go for the Distance 80 which I find to be the better of the two reels

The Surfblasters are the next level up. I own the 8000 and the 7000.
There are a lot of lads who have the 8000 but anyone who has owned the 7000 will tell you that it does the job.
The 8000 is a big 8000 and is quite heavy, which when you cast a FS and if you cast with the reel down, makes the rod feel very heavy and feels as though you may let go on a hard chuck (dont worry, you wont, it just feels that way)

The 7000 is lighter and not much smaller, it also does not compromise on distance, and it is also cheaper. I would strongly recommend the 7000 over the 8000, but if you really want that bit more beef the 8000 is still an excellent reel - especially if you do not cast with your reel down.
I would be careful using them on cliffs mind, Magpies mentioned he had no bother but when I risked my 8000 off a cliff one day the spindle shaft bent and destroyed the line lay, I had to replace the spindle
Infact, just as a general rule - dont use FS off cliffs

I'm not rich enough to buy a Shimano But i have heard good things about them

Edit - Noticed your location East Durham, Lynnzer - If you want a bash of my Penns theres a field outback of my house, Peterlee, I'd be happy to let you have a go I have several spare spools with various braids/monos you could try before you buy

[regpude]

some good comments there,good read.ps,i also use a surfblaster 8000,good reels imo.

[Lynnzer]

Good advice from the lads as above. Concerning the reels mentioned I would say the following about them

Okuma distance 80 / DTX 80 - Excellent reel for the price, if you are looking to just get started on FS and dont want to break the bank, this would be a good starting place. Go for the Distance 80 which I find to be the better of the two reels

The Surfblasters are the next level up. I own the 8000 and the 7000.
There are a lot of lads who have the 8000 but anyone who has owned the 7000 will tell you that it does the job.
The 8000 is a big 8000 and is quite heavy, which when you cast a FS and if you cast with the reel down, makes the rod feel very heavy and feels as though you may let go on a hard chuck (dont worry, you wont, it just feels that way)

The 7000 is lighter and not much smaller, it also does not compromise on distance, and it is also cheaper. I would strongly recommend the 7000 over the 8000, but if you really want that bit more beef the 8000 is still an excellent reel - especially if you do not cast with your reel down.
I would be careful using them on cliffs mind, Magpies mentioned he had no bother but when I risked my 8000 off a cliff one day the spindle shaft bent and destroyed the line lay, I had to replace the spindle
Infact, just as a general rule - dont use FS off cliffs

I'm not rich enough to buy a Shimano But i have heard good things about them

Edit - Noticed your location East Durham, Lynnzer - If you want a bash of my Penns theres a field outback of my house, Peterlee, I'd be happy to let you have a go I have several spare spools with various braids/monos you could try before you buy

Nice offer Liam. I'm in Peterlee too, Sunny Blunts. You might have seen me tossing lead over the rugby posts letely.
Have just taken up an offer of a Surblaster 7000 though. I'll need another Canon release trigger for the extra rod now.
Was down Horden beach last night using the new rod and my original FS reel (Ryobi Ecusima 6000) and without the release trigger my casting was absolutely crap. I was going sideways as the wet line slipped off my finger before I got the rod round to where it should be. How in hell people can use FS spools without one of these releases I just don't know. It's OK with a couple of ounces or maybe three but anything heavier using braid is another story.

[LiamNE]

Nice offer Liam. I'm in Peterlee too, Sunny Blunts. You might have seen me tossing lead over the rugby posts letely.
Have just taken up an offer of a Surblaster 7000 though. I'll need another Canon release trigger for the extra rod now.
Was down Horden beach last night using the new rod and my original FS reel (Ryobi Ecusima 6000) and without the release trigger my casting was absolutely crap. I was going sideways as the wet line slipped off my finger before I got the rod round to where it should be. How in hell people can use FS spools without one of these releases I just don't know. It's OK with a couple of ounces or maybe three but anything heavier using braid is another story.

I'm the other end mate, top of Lowhills / Acre Rigg road so I cast over the footy fields there (when theres no dogwalkers about!)
I do use my FS with up to 6oz weights using braid, I use 2 finger stalls however as I find I need the extra grip. I have a cannon but I need more practice with it....

Well, if you fancy a bash with the 8000 you can still give me a shout

[Lynnzer]

I'm the other end mate, top of Lowhills / Acre Rigg road so I cast over the footy fields there (when theres no dogwalkers about!)

You could practice your directional skills there Liam. Aim for the dogwalkers who don't have a $hit bag with them.
Plenty do it up this end. They pretend not to see the dog squatting.

[robbo1530]

Shimano Ultegra 10000 or 140000 all day long. Great reels, line lay is excellent and they cast brilliantly

[Lynnzer]

Shimano Ultegra 10000 or 140000 all day long. Great reels, line lay is excellent and they cast brilliantly

Can't knock them Robbo but I have gone for the Surfblaster 7000. Reason, except for a good offer on one, was that I use the Breakaway Cannon release trigger.
The short distance from the reel leg to the end of the spool is awkward for attaching the trigger in front of the leg. I have one already on my Ryobi and I had to chop the foot a bit to get it in place.

I think anything bigger than the 7000 would be too much personally but I may find different when I actually catch a fish that isn't flat.....