star vs. Lever

[cravertosu]

What are the advantages/disadvantages of the two different types of drag?

Thanks,
Tim

[seapower]

One I can afford, the other I can't. Frank

[cravertosu]

One I can afford, the other I can't. Frank

Haha! Thanks Frank!

Lever drags strike me as easier to use and more particle but they still make some pricey reels with the star drags. Is it really mostly a cost thing?

[striper swiper]

Star; The spool is separate from the drag system This means less weight for enertia(spelling) Which in turn makes for an easier system for casting The drag also tend to be much smaller in diameter This makes it harder to make the drag as strong or as smooth You can have a smooth and strong drag with a star it is just more work to maintain Great choice for jigging or squidding bait fishing bottom dwellers
Lever drag; The shimano TLD (trolling lever drag)pretty much explains the purpose Basicly you can predetermine the drag curve to trolling They have a half moon scale on the drive side (handle can be left or right in some brands) with a strike postion and usually some form of stop Either a button or feature so you have to conciously apply that mechanism to go to full drag This makes it easier to troll with You can set your bait/lure out at just enough drag to keep the line on the spool Once you have a run off Push the lever to strike to set the hook Depending on the species and gear being used you you can either leave it there if it is a smaller fish or you can manipulate the drag so that when the fish is pulling hard you can back off to let him where himself out Then without thought once he tires you can go right back to strike or beyond to gain line Once the fish is boated you can go back to trolling with the same presets whereas a star is more of a guess

[cravertosu]

Thanks Striper!

I have never really messed with star drag reels but just bought two Tekota 800s. Primarily for jigging and bottom fishing so it looks like I chose well!

[stew]

The lever drag advantage is in the ability to make drag adjustments while you are fighting a fish and knowing what the drag presure will be by pre-setting and testing the drags. Moving the lever adjusts the drag and you can be assured that you won't go to lock up. With a star drag there is really no way you can determine your drag presure once you start spinning the star drag and you can easily overtighten the drag. The other huge advantage is in dropping back or fishing life baits where you can keep the lever drag backed off from strike and then when the fish hits you can quickly move the drag to strike and get the hook set. Just my 2 cents for what it's worth. Capt. Eric

[WAHOONBOX]

STRIPER SWIPER AND STEW:

I WAKE UP TODAY AND BANG....FIRST THING I READ IS THIS ONE....WHAT ARTICULATE AND EASILY UNDERSTOOD INFO-TIPS AND INSTRUCTIONS YOU TWO HAVE SHARED WITH OUR FOOT SOLDIER CRAVE' !!!!!

I FEEL LIKE I AM A CERTIFIED REEL MECHANIC AFTER READING YOUR VERSE! GREAT PICTURE YOU GUYS PAINTED!

[cravertosu]

I agree Box!! It's exactly what I was looking for! And exactly why I posted it in your world!

Thanks again guys!

[Jared D]

Great points already... one other thing to note. A star drag works by squeezing many friction plates together in a small area, thus generating and keeping their heat. A lever drag uses on large washer and thus displaces its heat much better and has less heat buildup, and less of that skipping that you get with a star drag.

IE lever is much better for a silky drag. But if your not fishing for stuff that takes a bunch of line, a star is probably fine.