Reels: Composite VS Metal (SS, Aluminum)

[DoubleDExtreme]

OK, I have heard people swear by both materials in an offshore situation in a reel. What do you guys think?

Is it better to have an all metal reel (strength), an all composite (hard plastic, ABS)(less weight), or combination of both materials in an offshore reel?

Will the composites actually melt?

Thanks

Daryl

[paul708]

The weight of the saltiga reels is pretty good for the quality ..that or the ocea jigger. for star drags reels..for lever drag the weight of the Tiburon SST is pretty light ..that is what i prefer..

[tunachaser1]

if your looking for a a quality leverdrag reel then go with avet reels....they have all sizes and are extremely light for metal reels and thier drags are super tough.....www.avetreels.com

[flatbottom]

your pocket is the main difference,

mahi mahi are different than X L shark etc..... Pin a use for the reel and go from there. If buying multiple at a time, you could save money with combo composite and spend the savings on the big reels for the X L fish....or disregard everything I typed and fill the sled with shimano gold

[gradyfish265]

It all depends on the fishing you plan to do offshore. If you plan to fish with a full fighting belt or fighting chair where drop straps may be used, I would highly advise against using a composite reel. The stress on the tops of the reels have been known to twist a bit which can and usually will lock the spool up causing you to lose the fish. Often this will also result in the reel cracking, I've even seen the top crossbar on TLD's ripped off from the weight of the pressure from the drop straps. If you will never use drop straps, this is not really an issue for you. If you may occasionally use them with bigger fish, I would recommend using a reel that is aluminum. I agree with the above, I use Avet's and love them, they have put a beating on some big fish, but I know some guys are partial to Shimano's and Penn's. In all honesty it is all good tackle these days, it just comes down to what your personal pref is as far as brand goes. If you are not partial to any brand, or have not seen an Avet yet, I'd recommend at least checking one out at a tackle shop before you make an decisions. Not sure of the type of offshore fishing you plan to do, but I use all 30W reels with 80lb hollowcore and 80lb topshot instead of 50W with 80lb mono for trolling and chunking tuna in the NE. They are well suited for stand up tackle and have landed a handful of big eyes on them with no problems. I went with aluminum reels over composite for those few times we hook bigger fish like big eyes or an occasional marlin and will use a full harness with drop straps. Hope this helps.