malta

skip · May 24, 2008, 09:19:16 CET

Have any of your guys tried the Shimano Spheros FB range of spinning reels. They have my interest as they can do some crazy drag settings similar to a conventional trolling reel with a reasonable amount of line. They're also not that expensive.

Granitu · May 24, 2008, 15:41:01 CET

the one i am looking for skip has an instant drag system that it turns in half. some bada** reel but even the price, a hefty tag of 270 euros. also the shimano super ultegra xta is very interesting and at a 175 euros (hefty too!). they are no beginner reels but their drag system is the best and in many opinion's the most durable reels,

Skip are you mentioning the japanese line reels. check them out friends, they are really ahead of everyone especially the firebold, a reel used for jiggig.

MartinB · May 24, 2008, 20:12:50 CET

Those Shimano Spheros FB are nice looking reels skip! look very similar to the penn spinfisher!
and as you said they have a decent spool capacity

skip · May 24, 2008, 20:31:38 CET

Those are the ones yep. Haven't seen any locally as they don't seem to be in the Shimano Europe 2008 catalogue yet. The FA's where in the 2006, but the FB's only just came out in the states. Maybe they will be in the Europe 09 catalogue.

They cost $129.00 for the 14000FB or 18000FB model which hold around 280 meters of line.

Granitu · May 24, 2008, 23:15:19 CET

nearly nothing that is in the japanese market is in the europpen market, if it is well it would be the leader in europe and a common in japan. those japanese do have some insane technology!

MartinB · May 24, 2008, 23:26:11 CET

They definetly make some awesome fishing tackle!!!

its a pity the Shimano Spheros FB's aren't in the european catalogue yet as ordering them from the U.S. will incur duty carges..but im due for a new reel & to be honest with the lampuki season coming up i might not wait till next year

wanna try & get one on a popper!!

skip · May 25, 2008, 01:26:56 CET

Martin, the 14000FA's were on sale for $89 last I saw and was seriously tempted to get one. I didn't because for Tuna popping/jigging that I wanted it for, the std drag wears out quickly and there was an aftermarked kit to use carbonex drag washers plus a bearing to replace the bushing in the handle.

The FB's have the new drags and were better, and not that much more money when you factor in the upgrade kit. For most fish, not tuna/alungi reckon the FA's would be fine in stock form. you might still find some FA's on sale.

MartinB · May 25, 2008, 05:02:53 CET

Thanks skip! but like you said there isn't that much of difference price wise between the FA'S & FB'S and id prefer the added insurance of an excellent drag system,so it looks like im gonna go for the FB 'spose might have to fork out a bit extra on import/tax...nothing new there