Reel choice for large swimbaits

[Fishingboy]

I know this sounds crazy... try the Zillion

[dragon1]

I have both the Z2020 and a Pluton, and they are very similar in performance. I don't think there is a casting reel made that will make an 8 oz lure feel any lighter. Maybe a Trinidad? There is a reason most of the guys throwing big poppers for GT's use big Threadline reels and gloves.

Heck, if you will go Trinidad, try a Tranx!

[zenbassr]

...
My issue is the lack of cranking power and it constantly reminds me of the weight of the bait. I feel too much resistance considering that the bait is being slow rolled, and it's hard to keep the retrieve slow enough.

Borrowed a Musky Snax 10" @ 7 3/4 ounces and tested it yesterday with poor results. Firstly the lack of cranking power is a problem, but the rod doesn't cut it either. While the short handle of the SRD appeals to me, the lack of leverage does nothing good for throwing swimbaits of that size.
...

thanks for clarifying... for that lure weight my rod preference is a bit different from SRD specs - nothing shorter than 8' and a longer handle for two-handed casting, leverage, and enough length so i can tuck the rod in my armpit while cranking.

the issue w/ cranking power i've also experienced in my Curado 300DSV with heavier baits, which is why i'm leaning towards replacing the 6.2:1 ratio 300DSV with a 5.6:1 Calcutta 300 D or 5.1.1 400 D. lower ratio reels when pulling heavier baits feels best for me...

[Teal101]

I use a Toro 61 for Musky baits up to 6ish oz. Handles them just fine.

[Wachtel]

I use three 5000 size ABU:s. Upgraded spools and brakes

[Gblaze]

Conquest 401 - nothing else comes close to its performance and versatility for the bigger SB's

[dragon1]

Conquest 401 - nothing else comes close to its performance and versatility for the bigger SB's

Uh huh! CQ 400!

[SWH]

I finally received the new reel and had some time to fish it. It was between the Calcutta 12 and Ryoga, and I chose the latter in a 2020L model with a RCS 100 mm handle and the RCS light power knobs. Fished it with Huddleston ROF16, BBZ1 8" fast sinkers, and a 10" Tripple trout, and it performed great on the retrieve with no struggling at all - as expected. I also pulled some DC8 inline spinners comfortably. I can't praise this combo highly enough; lots of power and lightweight!