Post
by pobigred » Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:34 am
So, you are the young man to whom Van sold this reel. Trust me, you got a GREAT price on this reel.
I own probably as many of these as anyone and have done LOTS of upgrades. So let's see if I can help you.
The Hedgehog stuff is cool and will fit. Just be aware that the tension knob cap from them, while beautiful is non-clicking. I prefer the Semper Fi purple knob over the Bassart as it is a bit smaller and lighter. There is yet another Bassart all purple handle available - which I happen to have one set of that is totally different that you might like too..
As far as spools, the Techno Formula ZPI RC-001 spools will fit and several colors look good in this reel - lime green, green, black widow, purple. You can view them on Icibahn Tackle - go down the left hand column and look for ZPI office. These are fixed inductor spools and can be magnificent, but would recommend that you send it to e_bassfisher to tune. These are hard to find, but I have a few extras but in limited colors. They run about $100 a spool. The other one that will work well would be a Daiwa 1016 spool out of a T3 - only $69 - keep checking with the Tackel Trap for the Gigas spool and the T3 spool.
Three of the best upgrades you can make to this reel are: 1) bearings OS7's; 2) Carbontex drags and 3) change the gears to TDZ gears - you can keep them at the 5.8 or go to 6.3 but the TDZ gears are brass, meaning they are stronger, faster and will last longer - your main gear currently is plastic - it will increase the weight slightly but I've never noticed. Also GET a SPOOL COVER - this paint is very rare and very suceptible to scratching - so you need to protect it as much as possible
Finally, if you really want the reel of a lifetime, send it to e_bassfisher - have him install the bearings, drag, upgraded gears, clean it and supertune it. It will be so smooth on the return you will NOT believe it.
If you send me your email address (easier to attach pics that way), I will send you some examples of what I have done to mine that will give you some ideas on what you might want to consider.
