I Swear This Is My Last Reel ?

[jayjysmth]

Thanks for all the input guys, whats the major difference in the graphite and gold reels? Just more durability out of the metals or is that even true? Money is not fallen off trees for me but I also want to start my offshore set right. Just want to get the most bang for the buck but dont want to spend extra money if its not needed, thats why I want to understand the difference in the gold vs graphite.

[Glenn W]

I want to understand the difference in the gold vs graphite.

There used to be an old saying ( about Corvettes)--- "Glass has class, but steel is real"

The are advantages and disadvantages to both. Clearly, a metal real is better quality but does not mean it is better in a given application.

To compare the two, simply stop by a reel repair shop and look at the insides of a Graphite and a " Gold" reel. They are like night and day inside. Plastic vs bronze. Alluminum alloy vs Stainless, etc.
BUT, Graphites has there place with pros and weekenders alike.

Metal- will last a lifetime, can truley be serviced with ease and rebuilt if necessary, better quality compenents.
Heavy, expensive, and scratch

Graphite--- much lighter and fun on stand up. Much cheaper.
They cannot be taken apart but so many times because what they call "graphite" is really nothing more than plastic and the plastic thread will envarible strip out over time with disassembly. They cannot take the constant abuse and have a much weaker base than a metal reel.

Now the opinion part--- I have both (as most do), when white Marlin fishing or farting around with the kids in the dead of summer for Mahi, it's all plastics. when Tuna and Wahoo fishing--- I use my metal reels. I have come to find out that I am better off by rinsing the plastics after each trip and never take them apart. Although I haven't had a TLD fail, I have had some Penn Formulas fail, thus I treat them as disposable when the time comes. The metal reels get completely torn down after each season, cleaned and lubed.

[jayjysmth]

So Glenn W, me being a rec. fisherman that might get to go out 1 time a week max it probally wouldnt be worth my money spending the extra on the golds correct? What do you think, would you buy the graphite if you were just fishing on weekends? Just dont want overkill and spending extra money that doesnt need to be spent. Thanks Glenn

[Glenn W]

So Glenn W, me being a rec. fisherman that might get to go out 1 time a week max it probally wouldnt be worth my money spending the extra on the golds correct? What do you think, would you buy the graphite if you were just fishing on weekends? Just dont want overkill and spending extra money that doesnt need to be spent. Thanks Glenn

Can't answer that one for ya Big dog

[Capt.Joe Monticolo]

I've got 8 tld 50's and 6 tld 30's never had a problem with anything on them and thats charter fishing. I have some of the reels for 12 years and they still work fine. Buy the TLD's you won't be disappointed save the money for fuel.

[babalaza]

if you can afford, buy the gold for sure, its worth the sacrifice even if it means you dont fish 1 weekend! TIagra over Tld is just another level!

if you get the tlds the day will come where u fish on a tiagra and you will start thinking ...

just my pov

[jayjysmth]

Now you guys have my head spinning. Let's get a poll going here. Gold vs Graphite for the average rec. fisherman

[Sea-Gar]

Off shore fishing can reach up and grab you. It can consume your thoughts and even your life style. I started out gearing up on a small boat just to catch a dolphin and when I did it was the best day ever. All of the advice above is true. I have Tld's and Tiagra's. But, if your the kind of guy that will live, eat and sleep fishing then go for the gold. You will never be happy with the boat you have or the set up you fish. So at least be happy with your primary reel purchase. Good Luck!

[jayjysmth]

What do you think? Should I go ahead and splurge on the golds or is it money that doesnt need to be spent? If you cant tell I just cant make up my mind which to go with. So the gold's will last a lifetime if maintained correctly? I just want to make the best investment. Sorry for all the ?'s guys but I did this while purchasing my boat and feel I made the best decision for the $ and am very happy. Want to do the same with the reels.

[cab]

Althoug we smoked (or better yet, he smoked us after 4hrs) a 184lb bigeye last summer with a 30yr old --that's right-- 30 yr old Penn International 30 that had been rebuilt so many times I can't remember, I ended up swapping out the old 30's for 4 TLD 50's. I enjoy a little gold back there and still have a couple of older 50 wides and one 80 that I wouldn't leave the dock without, however the work is now done by those tld's. They are lightweight & sweet!