Lever Drag or Star Drag?

[skip]

So let's hear it then, do you all prefer the old but tried and tested Star drag system, like that found on Penn Senator's, or are you fans of modern Lever Drags that appear to offer all the benefits of a star drag but with more useability?

Personally owning reels that feature both, in the heat of the moment, I feel more relaxed with a Lever Drag. Question is are they better?

[Simon G]

lever drag gives you more control on the fish and is easier to use

[skip]

Is it fair to say that in general they are more expensive?

If you compare say a 50lbs star drag reel (senator for example) with an equivalent 50lbs lever drag, usually the star drag is cheaper and in the the case of say a 9/0 Senator can hold more line capacity than an equivalent lever drag in the same price range??

[Fishmagician]

The lever drag has changed fishing for fisherman for ever. While there's a place for star drag reels, the lever drag is a great preformer for the guy who trolls, or hunts big tuna. Now, if your thowing bait, the star drags will realy out perform the lever drags. Why? The lever drags have so little tolerance when in free spool, and it's not always a true free spool. Some after market tuning of the lever drags cause it to loose what little free spool it has. So, for those that are thinking of doing some of that work themselves....be carefull.

For fish that stay on the surface and are less than 100 pounds the star drag reels are adequate. But when your hooked up with a toad tuna, at 200 and she's straight down. There is nothing that can beat  the lower gear in a two speed. Just crank, and that tuna will rise..wether she wants to or not. That is a real distinct advantage of the lever drags....I love 'em.

Capt. Mike Fisher