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Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:11 am
by Firstoutfisher
I’m looking for a lower profile reel. I have very small hands and palming any of my existing reels can start to be uncomfortable and fatiguing after long too water sessions. Unfortunately I have no local stores where I can go to compare sizes in person. I’m currently using a ‘17 tatula sv tw so I know it needs to be smaller than that.
My problem is, most of the reels that are marketed as being smaller are designed for throwing finesse baits. So essentially I need something that is capable with 3/8-3/4oz baits but small. Any suggestions?
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 10:19 am
by hoohoorjoo
The original Alphas series is a compact reel that still holds a good amount of line. The Megabass Zonda 68 has the deepest spool of all the Alphas variants. It holds 100m/14# mono.
Another option would be to get one of the finesse BFS reels and use braid with a topshot of mono or fluorocarbon. That will solve the line capacity issue.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:00 am
by Jeffbro999
Shimano Stile is very compact. I have tendon issues in my hands that force me to use smaller reels. The SS version is built on the Curado 70 frame, and the regular Stile is built on the Aldebaran frame. I use the SS version for everything 3/16-1oz and they cast extremely well/far. Spool is actually a little shallower than a 50/70 sized reel despite the 150 size rating. I use 30lb braid and have no issues, although I can spool it completely with big Topwaters and twitch baits. Brass gear swap from the Curado 70 makes it bulletproof, and has been a great performer with any saltwater species I’ve come across, and of course bass as well.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:12 am
by dennis_rf
Build like a tank - a tiny tank: Bantam MGL. Feels just as small as a Curado 70 platform but you get that deeper spool and the more sturdy frame if you need that. I’m also having a hard time wrapping my fingers around T-Wing reels and the Bantam is my absolute favorite in the palming/feeling in hand category
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:17 am
by i_am_R2
If you want to stay in the same price range as your tatula sv, the newer version is quite a bit smaller in hand as is the curado 70. If you want to go up in range, the bantam, new zillion, and metanium are really nice reels that are smaller framed.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 11:49 am
by SSS
Id vote for an OG alphas variant
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 12:40 pm
by Firstoutfisher
I have had a lot of bantam and alphas recommendations. So right now those are the two I want to try out the most. Why the original alphas over the new alphas sv tw?
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 12:50 pm
by Firstoutfisher
The new okuma hakai looks promising as well but I have a hard time not using shimano or daiwa
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 1:27 pm
by Hogsticker2
Get yourself an Alphas CT SV 70. Versatile, built to last, affordable, and just a great little reel. I don't fish Shimano, so I can't comment on their newer reels. The old 50 series were super easy to palm (similar to the Alphas), but not nearly as versatile. I've been fishing Daiwa for quite a few years, and I believe that the Alphas CT is possibly the best bang for buck reel they've produced.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 3:20 pm
by dennis_rf
Firstoutfisher wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 12:40 pm
I have had a lot of bantam and alphas recommendations. So right now those are the two I want to try out the most. Why the original alphas over the new alphas sv tw?
Because of the T-wing the sv tw is wider in the front and hence less palm-friendly
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 5:45 pm
by Firstoutfisher
While I am more of a daiwa fan and it feels sacrilegious to put a shimano reel on a megabass rod I am leaning towards the bantam the more research I do. Now I just have to find one in stock on one of the JDM sites in the right gear ratio.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 6:49 pm
by DirtyD64
I have to disagree with most on here. You NEED the Bantam or Metanium for those lure weights. I have an Alphas that I use with 7lb fluoro (holds a ton of it) and if I bomb a 3/8 or especially 1/2 it will dump the spool. I am sure it would work, but getting on up to 3/4 is a pretty heavy lure. I honestly feel an Alphas or Curado 70 would be somewhat overloaded by a 3/4oz lure. I throw that weight on my Chronarch MGL w/ 14lb fluoro sometimes and it leaves the line pretty low. I just assume at that weight you are using Carolina rigs, big jigs, moderate sized paddletails, etc. I absolutely love my SV105 and plan on purchasing the SV TW version, but those weights seem a bit much for that reel. I think a new Zillion, Bantam, or Metanium would be much better suited. Using lures that heavy with very light braid or light line in general with a small finesse oriented reel is a bad mix.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 7:10 pm
by Hogsticker2
DirtyD64 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 6:49 pm
I have to disagree with most on here. You NEED the Bantam or Metanium for those lure weights. I have an Alphas that I use with 7lb fluoro (holds a ton of it) and if I bomb a 3/8 or especially 1/2 it will dump the spool. I am sure it would work, but getting on up to 3/4 is a pretty heavy lure. I honestly feel an Alphas or Curado 70 would be somewhat overloaded by a 3/4oz lure. I throw that weight on my Chronarch MGL w/ 14lb fluoro sometimes and it leaves the line pretty low. I just assume at that weight you are using Carolina rigs, big jigs, moderate sized paddletails, etc. I absolutely love my SV105 and plan on purchasing the SV TW version, but those weights seem a bit much for that reel. I think a new Zillion, Bantam, or Metanium would be much better suited. Using lures that heavy with very light braid or light line in general with a small finesse oriented reel is a bad mix.
Yeah, I didn't catch this part of the original post.
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sat Sep 25, 2021 8:21 pm
by goldrod
Firstoutfisher wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 9:11 am
I’m looking for a lower profile reel. I have very small hands and palming any of my existing reels can start to be uncomfortable and fatiguing after long too water sessions. Unfortunately I have no local stores where I can go to compare sizes in person. I’m currently using a ‘17 tatula sv tw so I know it needs to be smaller than that.
My problem is, most of the reels that are marketed as being smaller are designed for throwing finesse baits. So essentially I need something that is capable with 3/8-3/4oz baits but small. Any suggestions?
Curado 50e with stock spool
Pixy Type R if using braid
Alphas reel platform
OG Steez
Re: Compact Baitcasting Reels
Posted: Sun Sep 26, 2021 3:54 am
by DirtyD64
Hogsticker2 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 7:10 pm
DirtyD64 wrote: ↑Sat Sep 25, 2021 6:49 pm
I have to disagree with most on here. You NEED the Bantam or Metanium for those lure weights. I have an Alphas that I use with 7lb fluoro (holds a ton of it) and if I bomb a 3/8 or especially 1/2 it will dump the spool. I am sure it would work, but getting on up to 3/4 is a pretty heavy lure. I honestly feel an Alphas or Curado 70 would be somewhat overloaded by a 3/4oz lure. I throw that weight on my Chronarch MGL w/ 14lb fluoro sometimes and it leaves the line pretty low. I just assume at that weight you are using Carolina rigs, big jigs, moderate sized paddletails, etc. I absolutely love my SV105 and plan on purchasing the SV TW version, but those weights seem a bit much for that reel. I think a new Zillion, Bantam, or Metanium would be much better suited. Using lures that heavy with very light braid or light line in general with a small finesse oriented reel is a bad mix.
Yeah, I didn't catch this part of the original post.
Meaning about the lure weights? Now I think I missed something. I always consider and trust a more veteran member than myself, have learned a ton off this website and forum.