IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Equipment => Topic started by: eepks on Oct 31, 2012, 10:48 PM
-
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g72/eepks/reel.jpg)
-
It's said they don't create line twist. I have not personally tried a fly type real but have been thinking about it. I do however have a substantial investment in spinning reals.
-
I have been using a fly reel for a few years now. They are good for shallow water as most don't have a free spool feature (There is only one that I know of does, But good luck finding one now.)
They do prevent line twist, thus minimal spinning of your jig.
If I were to purchase a fly reel just for icefishing, I'd hold off til next year and get some reviews of the one made by eagle claw. From what I have heard they have many features that other ice fishing / fly reel type reels don't yet have. (such as free spool). But if you have a few laying around, by all means give one a try and see if you like it.
-
I've also used fly reels for the last few years and have been happy with the results. It's nice to see that the ice fishing companies are all hitting the market withetheir own versions now. I still used spinning reels in deeper water (+15') but I really like the fly reels for reducing line twist without having to screw around with swivels. Also landing larger fish is a little different, just let your rod do most of the work and let go of the reel handle when the fish makes a run.
-
Better?.. Nope! they have their place. Like the guys above explained. I think your presentation will catch fish, not the reel ;) , NOT one fish I've caught has told me they prefer fly reels, fishermen will.
-
Headed over to my local GM to do a side-by-side comparison of the Clam Spooler, the Black Betty, and the Eagle Claw Inline Ice reel. These are MY impressions....after spending a half hour playing with all of them and tearing them apart. (Thanks to my 2 buds who are managers there.. ;D) I've spent years repairing/maintaining all types of reels, so this is my input from more of a "mechanical" point of view. Again, these are just MY points of view.
Clam Spooler: Lightweight, postive "click" drag, seems fairly well made, easy to use, should be OK for an in line reel...nothing special, though, IMO.
Black Betty: Heavy!!! Well made and finished product, drag was unimpressive to me. Very simple reel. Too heavy for a light panfish rod. Should last forever. OK for straight-lining.
Eagle Claw: I know EC does not have a good rep for quality; I own nothing of their products, other than their hooks, so this is the first EC reel I've looked at, ever. However, someone did some QC on this reel.
VERY smooth action, anti-reverse has NO play or even a hint of wiggle. Balanced well.
Pulled graphite spool off, well made spool. Gears are heavier and actually look like greased "cut" gears. Smooth meshing. Has clicker setting and free spool buttons. Drag works smoothly; could tighten down a bit more. Did not seem as heavy as the Black Betty, but heavier than the Clam. A tad cumbersome, maybe, as far as balance, due to the bigger straight handle. Overall, a nice reel.
My choice? Hands down, the Eagle Claw. I just plain liked it, and was impressed by it's "action". Plus, it was marked $29.95, while the Black Betty was $39.95
The clam was also $29.95 It's the old Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge debate; I like to think that whatever works for ya is what you should get; not what everyone tells ya to. Good fishing!!! ;)
-
Now we just need you to get your hands on a Frabill 241 and we'll have the complete straight line review. Thanks Rebelss
-
yeah, at least we got an unbiased review. now hopefully the black betty spammers will stop their promo of it. just a heads up, any post deemed as pushing a product weather carried by a sponsor or not will be deleted . this will be the only warning.
HIMO
Iceshanty & MFF Global Moderator
-
This is not a real post. This is only a test. Being a lifetime Amsoil dealer, I've found I can't afford the cheaper products. ;)2
Have it your way HIMO. :whistle:
-
Thanks for the review Rebs! Now im really looking forward to getting my EC reels in the mail. Hope mine have the fine QC work like the ones you handled did, ill be sure to let you guys know how it pans out.
-
I'm lost on the "Black Betty" spammer stuff.... ??? unaware of it, but...I just posted MY views of some reels with MY opinion, not to stir up anything or anybody. I guess ya can take it or leave it at that...
Reb
-
Reb,
Thanks for the review, look forward to a review after you have had it in action. I just bought the spooler, and will give my thoughts about it after having it in action. Although after reading your post, i'm kinda having buyers remorse.
-
Reb,
Thanks for the review, look forward to a review after you have had it in action. I just bought the spooler, and will give my thoughts about it after having it in action. Although after reading your post, i'm kinda having buyers remorse.
Hey atif, I didn't buy one...happy with what I already have. DON'T have buyers remorse; those were MY opinions, from what I perceive that appeals to ME. I'm no expert on this stuff, just well-seasoned. ;) Enjoy your purchase, if not, send it back!!! If everyone liked just one product, there'd be no competition and hence no improvements. Enjoy! :)
Reb
-
I'm lost on the "Black Betty" spammer stuff.... ??? unaware of it, but...I just posted MY views of some reels with MY opinion, not to stir up anything or anybody. I guess ya can take it or leave it at that...
Reb
your not missing anything Reb. we have a few people on the site who seem to promote the hell out of them reels while knowing the rules of the site.I don't want to bore you with Moderator stuff.
HIMO
-
Played with the same reels at GM yesterday myself. I did like that the betty felt like I could run over it with a truck and it'd be ok. The clam spooler was ok and seemed like it would do well on shallow panfish. The Eagle seemed nicely put together and I liked the free spool button and that it is geared but I think some guys might not like that you can't switch the handle to the right side. Hoping to do a bit of jigging with the betty and the eagle this weekend out of the canoe for gills.
-
your not missing anything Reb. we have a few people on the site who seem to promote the hell out of them reels while knowing the rules of the site.I don't want to bore you with Moderator stuff.
HIMO
You don't bore us HIMO. We appreciate having moderators who moderate rather than dictate like they do on some other sites. ;D ;D
-
You don't bore us HIMO. We appreciate having moderators who moderate rather than dictate like they do on some other sites. ;D ;D
oh no!!! your not going to tell me to bend over are you??? LOL!!! what site might we be talking about??? LOL!!! thanks for the good vibes.
HIMO
-
Thanks for your opinion on the reels Reb! I haven't handled any of them yet, so it's kinda nice hearing about all three at once. Nice job! :thumbsup:
-
oh no!!! your not going to tell me to bend over are you??? LOL!!! what site might we be talking about??? LOL!!! thanks for the good vibes.
HIMO
You know, the site where if you don't have an Otter, Marcum, Strikemaster, Polaris, St Croix or Tundra you ain't squat. It's a special place ya know. :whistle: ;D
-
Thanks makes me feel better about my order.
-
You know, the site where if you don't have an Otter, Marcum, Strikemaster, Polaris, St Croix or Tundra you ain't squat. It's a special place ya know. :whistle: ;D
is that the site that "he who has no name" belongs to???
HIMO
-
your not missing anything Reb. we have a few people on the site who seem to promote the hell out of them reels while knowing the rules of the site.I don't want to bore you with Moderator stuff.
HIMO
are you reffering to me ??? Im not apart of any company except Hamilton Service Co. I actually dont like the betty they have out it just doesn't feel right. The spooler I preferred between the 2 actually! Im just excited for the new betty the EC I have ordered. I never tried to push ppl to buy it just posted some pics and said I was excited :-\
-
i bought a box full of assorted fishing gear this summer at an auction in the box was a couple of fly reels so i will be trying that myself this year for the first time
-
Thanks for your opinion on the reels Reb! I haven't handled any of them yet, so it's kinda nice hearing about all three at once. Nice job! :thumbsup:
Thanks, Eddie!!! (and you others guys, too!) I'll drink to that!!! ;D
-
I messed with the 241, spooler, and betty but not the Eagle Claw at Fleet Farm. I thought the 241 looked pretty good, and I liked the fact that it didn't have that silly long leg like the spooler or the betty. It had a shrouded spool so I could get a proper bottom grip like I do with spinning reels. I didn't like the exposed gears (under the shroud full of holes), I think stuff may get iced up. Only use will tell. The spooler was the lightest, and should work well. Again, I didn't like the extended foot. The Betty was huge, heavy, and clunky. I can't figure out why that leg is so long....
I would rank them in this order
241
Spooler
Betty
Will be waiting to get my hands on the eagle claw. If it isn't much better than these three offerings, I will stick with my Symetrys. I really don't have much problem with line twist and none of these reels beat what I have in any way. I get some pretty substantial OOPS pike and walleye while crappie fishing. It's nice to have a reel with good enough drag to land them.
-
I'm hoping the eagle claw gets to some different stores or online before ice season. I'd like to pick one up and play with it some, but I simply refuse to ever do business with gander mtn.
-
Thanks for the initial review Rebelss!
-
I too thank you as I am very interested in this type of reel Ive always used machined fly reels and prefer them, am I hearing right that there will be a similar reel as the eagle claw from the other company called the 6061 coming out this winter.Glad to see this evolution happen its long over due, I can definitely see using these during the other seasons.Thanks you did a great job.
-
I have been interested but I have so many combos that I just don't know how much I need one. I read about it helps with line twists but I primarily go after pan fish and don't have a problem with this on my spinning reels. I use mainly 2lb fluoro and some mono. I think that I am going to wait for a season and see the reviews. I liked the eagle claw and would have bought one but I think they are already sold out for season.
-
I got 2 of the frabill tight line combos last year they do reduce line twist which gives you more sensitivity for the light biters. Any depth over 15fow they are a hastle becaus you ether have to back reel or pull line out to get down where the fish are. There is a new one out this year can't remember who makes it it's called black Betty they added a line guide to it as well
-
I have been interested but I have so many combos that I just don't know how much I need one. I read about it helps with line twists but I primarily go after pan fish and don't have a problem with this on my spinning reels. I use mainly 2lb fluoro and some mono. I think that I am going to wait for a season and see the reviews. I liked the eagle claw and would have bought one but I think they are already sold out for season.
Scheels in Lincoln is getting some if you wanted one. I can let you know when they arrive
-
Better?.. Nope! they have their place. Like the guys above explained. I think your presentation will catch fish, not the reel ;) , NOT one fish I've caught has told me they prefer fly reels, fishermen will.
100% if a reel turns freely has a good drag system, really what is the difference from one to the other when it really comes down to it????? Just one more thing for us to spend our money on.
-
The only fish that I can think of that is super sensitive to line twist are bluegill. I truly believe that fly reels do help you with clear water bluegill. I use a flyreel when sight fishing but the drag has always been the issue. The drag only works when your hand is off the reel handle.
-
I picked the Eagle Claw yesterday and it seems like a solid built reel and every thing seems smooth. I guess we will wait and see when first ice gets here.
-
If you haven't read this post yet.. well worth reading !!
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=229044.0;topicseen (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=229044.0;topicseen)
-
The EC doesn't seem like a bad little reel and for $15; it's attractively priced.
As for durability, I don't think I would be wanting to drop this reel on the ground too often. The plastic isn't all that beefy IMO. The reel balances ok, but the side with the gears and handle obviously weigh more then the side without.
Guys will struggle to use the pistol grip with this reel as the spool contacts your palm when held that way. Holding it with an overhand grip will be the best choice IMO.
The free spool feature is really nice; just need to test it out in action to see how handy it is.
Overall, I am pretty impressed with what EC came up with. I look for many of the major ice fishing manufacturers to go down this route in the future.
-
The EC doesn't seem like a bad little reel and for $15; it's attractively priced.
As for durability, I don't think I would be wanting to drop this reel on the ground too often. The plastic isn't all that beefy IMO. The reel balances ok, but the side with the gears and handle obviously weigh more then the side without.
Guys will struggle to use the pistol grip with this reel as the spool contacts your palm when held that way. Holding it with an overhand grip will be the best choice IMO.
The free spool feature is really nice; just need to test it out in action to see how handy it is.
Overall, I am pretty impressed with what EC came up with. I look for many of the major ice fishing manufacturers to go down this route in the future.
What reel are you referring to? The eagle Claw is $29.95, and what "plastic" are you referring to?
-
What reel are you referring to? The eagle Claw is $29.95, and what "plastic" are you referring to?
Eagle Claw was selling them direct for $15/each + $7 Flat shipping. They sold out in a couple days and managed to piss off many tackle shops that they supply to.
-
Oh great!!! I woulda bought one at THAT price!!! :%$#!:
-
Shipping was only $5 on my order.
The plastic on the bottom portion of the EC reel housing, not the spool. Pretty flimsy IMO.
-
I too thank you as I am very interested in this type of reel Ive always used machined fly reels and prefer them, am I hearing right that there will be a similar reel as the eagle claw from the other company called the 6061 coming out this winter.Glad to see this evolution happen its long over due, I can definitely see using these during the other seasons.Thanks you did a great job.
I too am waiting to check out the 6061 but from reports and reviews I've read, the price will be upward of $80 bucks, ailenating a great chunk of the Ice fishing enthusiasts out there...vs the $15/$29.95 for the EC reel. I have a feeling these will become much more popular and used more widespread. It's a wait and see thing for now I guess.
-
I was wandering around a week ago at GM and found the EC and picked up 4 of them, I had a chance to mess around with them and ther are really nice, I found out on here about the direct deal and returned them to GM after I purchased 6 for 95$ directly! saved some money there and got some really nice reels....you cant even buy a really really nice ice spinning reel for 15$ so buying a nice inline for 15$.... it would be stupid not to pick up a few
-
I too am waiting to check out the 6061 but from reports and reviews I've read, the price will be upward of $80 bucks, ailenating a great chunk of the Ice fishing enthusiasts out there...vs the $15/$29.95 for the EC reel. I have a feeling these will become much more popular and used more widespread. It's a wait and see thing for now I guess.
6061= $99! :-\ it is aluminum tho so im getting 3 but as the market goes I've been told only 350 were made and next year will be a more affordable composite version im guessing just like the EC! that's y im hitting some of them too ;D I also might pic up a spooler reel after messing with one in the store the other day it seemed pretty decent and since I've never used an online reel I probably don't know what im talking about
-
6061= $99! :-\ it is aluminum tho so im getting 3 but as the market goes I've been told only 350 were made and next year will be a more affordable composite version im guessing just like the EC! that's y im hitting some of them too ;D I also might pic up a spooler reel after messing with one in the store the other day it seemed pretty decent and since I've never used an online reel I probably don't know what im talking about
Yea, $99 for a reel is just a bit much for me.... 50,60 maybe 70 I'd think about it.
-
$99 isnt that bad, many ofus spend that or more on a custom rod and none of my open water reels are under $150 many are in the $300-$500 range....
-
Depends on what you're trying to live on, for some of us that's quite a whack. ::)
-
Depends on what you're trying to live on, for some of us that's quite a whack. ::)
Exactly.
I mean yea, I could get one, but lets be serious. This is the first time with that reel. It's not a Pflueger, Abu, etc. where I'd probably not think twice. However, 13 Fishing is fairly new and this reel is even newer. That's a big risk on $100.
-
Yea, $99 for a reel is just a bit much for me.... 50,60 maybe 70 I'd think about it.
For me $99a isn't too bad considering a good custom rod runs at least $100 but im just hoping they are quality reels and not expensive paper weights lol
-
I too thank you as I am very interested in this type of reel Ive always used machined fly reels and prefer them, am I hearing right that there will be a similar reel as the eagle claw from the other company called the 6061 coming out this winter.Glad to see this evolution happen its long over due, I can definitely see using these during the other seasons.Thanks you did a great job.
Anybody know which company he is talking about???
-
Nevermind figured it out...
-
For me $99a isn't too bad considering a good custom rod runs at least $100 but im just hoping they are quality reels and not expensive paper weights lol
For an ice rod? you should find a different builder! ;D
-
Thanks for the replies and information. That link was great!
And to those who say, Who needs this, my spincast works great...I am sure at one time the guy with a cane pole, string and cork said the same about reels to the guy with a reel.
Thanks again,
Eric
-
For an ice rod? you should find a different builder! ;D
I love the rods tho!! That one you commented on with the knob is one
-
Fly reels will never replace spnning reels my friend....well maybe for the shallow water fishermen.
-
Fly reels will never replace spnning reels my friend....well maybe for the shallow water fishermen.
And I fish in less than 15ft of water my friend
-
That's a different story. A chunk of stabilized maple burl can go for upwards of $25...
-
And I fish in less than 15ft of water my friend
same here!
-
I just know I like then enough that im getting another and maybe a summer rod too since they quit making the one I have and love
-
ulking let me know thanks
-
Will do. I pre ordered one and they had to buy 12 or something so when I get a call that its in ill post it here
-
I think they can be used for deep water easier since they have a free spool feature im guessing they will be able to replace spinning reels but I wont be throwing mine out lol
-
and you did say "spincast" not spinning reel, My mistake.
-
Please set me straight about the EC reel and/or the 6061, but they seem as though they are a lot of reel (size) to put on an ice rod. Is it safe to say also that these reels would be more likely something used for "deeper" water and not shallow water panfish for instance? For the later, the simpler and smaller Spooler or Betty seem more suited and priced in the case of the 6061. If the EC proves out and I like it after getting my hands on one next year, then I could see myself getting one for deeper water situations.
Tight Lines and Hard Water
They are not much bigger than ul size spinning reels and almost weigh the same. They should work in the shallow and deep equally well. Most spinning reels have a gear ratio of 5:1, the new fly reels have a ratio of 3:1 but have a larger spool. I'm thinking the retrieve rate should be almost the same.
-
just recieved my two ec reels that i ordered from the tip i got on this site before it got deleted so thx to ii believe to quigley257 :bow:
they seem great for $15 a pc,and it will get the ball rolling for the rest of the industry or retailers as there should be a lot of improvements and even greater products in the future because of these first semi proto type reels. now to spool them up and order bait and wait for ice. ;D :tipup: :icefish:
-
(http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g72/eepks/reel.jpg)
Better at what?
-
Got mine as well. I also find them great for $15. For fun, I have one in the freezer to see how feels after a couple hours. I'm not about to say it feel like the quality of my spinning reels, but after feeling out the spooler, black bettery, frabills 1:1 and their 241. I'm very happy with my purchase. That not even factoring in that I got it cheaper than I could have for any of them.
Additionally anyone saying that they felt them and they feel flimsy is full of crap. It take a substantial amount of push to make any part of these flex.
6061s got a lot to live up to, to make me think a reel 3 times the price of this one's retail is worth it.
-
Did you press on the bottom plastic piece of the housing? If the reel is going to break it's going to be there as the reel is heavier than the rod and that is the part which is closest to the ground. Again, not a deal breaker just an observation. I also don't care for how much space is between the spool and the adjacent portion of the reel housing.
For $15 it's a real nice buy. For $30 it's a decent reel. Obviously it needs time on the ice to see how it holds up, but so far so good IMO.
-
just recieved my two ec reels that i ordered from the tip i got on this site before it got deleted so thx to ii believe to quigley257 :bow:
they seem great for $15 a pc,and it will get the ball rolling for the rest of the industry or retailers as there should be a lot of improvements and even greater products in the future because of these first semi proto type reels. now to spool them up and order bait and wait for ice. ;D :tipup: :icefish:
X2 I'd say this was a bargain and I'm very satisfied, I think these are a look at things to come, glad I was on this site to take advantage.
-
Did you press on the bottom plastic piece of the housing? If the reel is going to break it's going to be there as the reel is heavier than the rod and that is the part which is closest to the ground. Again, not a deal breaker just an observation. I also don't care for how much space is between the spool and the adjacent portion of the reel housing.
For $15 it's a real nice buy. For $30 it's a decent reel. Obviously it needs time on the ice to see how it holds up, but so far so good IMO.
Yes I did since it appears like it would be the weakest point and I don't see any need to be concerned unless your throwing it across the lake. (things happen :P)
-
thanks for the reviews reb....
just received my EC today....obviously the true test will be on the ice, but for $15 i'm pretty pumped. i have a frabill straight line, and i love the aluminum build and balance that has compared to the EC...but the freespool button and the gear ratio advantage is nice. so, for now it's onto getting everything ready while waiting for ICE.
-
Better at what?
Feel...presentation... ..ease of use
-
You know, the site where if you don't have an Otter, Marcum, Strikemaster, Polaris, St Croix or Tundra you ain't squat. It's a special place ya know. :whistle: ;D
I've heard rumors of this before... but there's other sites?? LOL
-
I have been looking for the EC online and can not find it and out local stores don't carry them. If anyone know let me know thanks.
-
I have been looking for the EC online and can not find it and out local stores don't carry them. If anyone know let me know thanks.
I haven't seen anyone say they've seen it for sale online yet
-
Feel...presentation.....ease of use
Feel - could be taken a few ways. I think it matches balance to a spinning reel or any reel under your rod. For most, it's a much different reel to use though so it takes thought of how to reel, how to use, how to set a drag. Feel sensitivity wise isn't any different.
Presentation - huge plus for reducing jig spin. It's more difficult for some to get used to holding a rod with a fly reel and no stem. It's maybe harder to hold a rod like a pencil also for fine presentation. Any reel like a spinning or spincast can add to line twist issues - spinning jig in the water.
Ease of use - this is the toughest. I fly fish so I'm somewhat used to a fly reel. Most wouldn't be. They are easy to use yet you can't hold the handle if you expect the drag to work. You also can't be touching the outer spool where it spins.
Even with 2 or 3:1 fly reels just don't pick up much line with a reel handle turn.
I like them in shallow water for sight fishing. Other than that they are a pain to get your jig back down, you have to be careful with the drag/spool edge, they are a little funkier to hold.
My best advice is to take a pre-spooled $30 Prestige Plus or that type of reel and just add 50' of 2# Pline or whatever you use. Try it and see what you think.
To me, the fly reel has one advantage and one only - reducing spin. However, that can be a HUGE advantage.
-
I see on the osprey tackle website they have the same type as eagleclaw it looks to be an iport so buy in big bulk ;D
-
I see on the osprey tackle website they have the same type as eagleclaw it looks to be an iport so buy in big bulk ;D
Couldn't find it on their website. However, wouldn't be surprised if I missed it. Looks like a 6 yro designed their website. What a headache.
-
Couldn't find it on their website. However, wouldn't be surprised if I missed it. Looks like a 6 yro designed their website. What a headache.
lol, my thoughts exactly.....and I couldn't find it either.
-
Finally got to pick up an EC in my hands and give it a once over. I did not buy one, yet, have not made up my mind, but here are the pros, and cons in my opinion.
Cons
Made of composite material, how durable will it be?
Extended reel foot could be extended more jmo.
That was it for the cons that I observed in store. It will be interesting to see, and hear how they perform on ice.
Pros
Smooth, and well designed.
Free spool feature is a big plus, along with the star drag.
Overall very innovative, and probably a preview of fly type reels of the future. I would say it is worth the money.
-
A guy on another fishing website put one in the freezer to test it, passed with flying colors. So he then submerged it in Tupperware filled with
water and froze it into a block of ice, and it still worked after breaking it out. ??? ;D ???
-
I've used fly-reels / heavy rod on a above-ice rig for years.
The classic 3M graphite fly-reel (modified for large spool) was and still is my standard. Tape it to a rod, hold the reel in hand and your fingers wrapped around the spool is the finest drag there is. The reels talked about with a long neck take away from the hand drag w/ a regular fly reel.
The EC is (in my mind) is a RAFT reel. Google it and see the prices (from China). $85+ each. The EC @ $15 to $29 is beyond reproach/price wise. Drag, clicker, free-spool!!! (Smelting @ 70ft will never be the same)... You should be running thru the pucker-brush for this one.
The 241@$59 is not in the same league. My 241 has a high spot on the input-gear which puts a heavy bump on reeling in. Drag is barely acceptable. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 2.
You can't palm the spool for drag, poor quality, high price. Going back soon.
The EC looks to be a Shimano-From-Japan and the 241 a Yugo from China.
Of course this is my opinion only and might change when we are all walking on water.
Cheers:
Damn Yankee
-
I've used fly-reels / heavy rod on a above-ice rig for years.
The classic 3M graphite fly-reel (modified for large spool) was and still is my standard. Tape it to a rod, hold the reel in hand and your fingers wrapped around the spool is the finest drag there is. The reels talked about with a long neck take away from the hand drag w/ a regular fly reel.
The EC is (in my mind) is a RAFT reel. Google it and see the prices (from China). $85+ each. The EC @ $15 to $29 is beyond reproach/price wise. Drag, clicker, free-spool!!! (Smelting @ 70ft will never be the same)... You should be running thru the pucker-brush for this one.
The 241@$59 is not in the same league. My 241 has a high spot on the input-gear which puts a heavy bump on reeling in. Drag is barely acceptable. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 2.
You can't palm the spool for drag, poor quality, high price. Going back soon.
The EC looks to be a Shimano-From-Japan and the 241 a Yugo from China.
Of course this is my opinion only and might change when we are all walking on water.
Cheers:
Damn Yankee
EC is definitely a raft reel. It's been reported several times and looks like they found a chinese manufacturer to put those out. Same thing as 13 Fishing is doing, just out of aluminum and for a ton more $$$.
-
Cabela's is marketing an inline they call ZT. Does anybody know anything about it? Right now it is backorderable. I have one on order and will let you know what I think of it when it gets here.
They say it has a large arbor and a wide drag range with teflon drag washers,They do not say what, if any the retrieve ratio is.
-
Not to butt in here but my favorite in line reel is the 5" swish rod made in Wisconsin, got two and 3, eight inchers and just love 'em.
-
A guy on another fishing website put one in the freezer to test it, passed with flying colors. So he then submerged it in Tupperware filled with
water and froze it into a block of ice, and it still worked after breaking it out. ??? ;D ???
this was me....i have since lubed them with hot sauce, and still have the issue with the free spool button not working properly on one of them but I can deal with it as is. i just wish we had some ice now!
-
Cabela's is marketing an inline they call ZT. Does anybody know anything about it? Right now it is backorderable. I have one on order and will let you know what I think of it when it gets here.
They say it has a large arbor and a wide drag range with teflon drag washers,They do not say what, if any the retrieve ratio is.
Nothing special. Normal short abor... basically a fly reel for ice fishing.
Great for tightlining style of ice fishing, which has you watching your line instead of relying on tip-ups and bobbers, this reel feeds the line off in a straight line, resulting in zero twist. This provides a more natural presentation, allowing you to better observe and feel a bite. The lightweight graphite frame and spool with a large arbor are designed to reduce line coils. A wide drag range and TeflonŽ drag washers give you more control. Can be converted from left-hand to right-hand retrieve.
http://www.cabelas.com/rods-reels-tip-ups-cabelas-zt-ice-reel-1.shtml
-
Picked up the Frabill 101 reel on Friday. I matched it with a Frabill Ice Hunter 22" Quick Tip. I backed it with 50 yds of 25 lb Woodstock Nylon Tip Up Line then some Northland Bionic 10 lb Walleye Braid and finished off with 125 yds of clear Northland Bionic Ice. Still have about 3/8" to reel lip.
(http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss15/sinx53/fly3.jpg)
-
I've used fly-reels / heavy rod on a above-ice rig for years.
The classic 3M graphite fly-reel (modified for large spool) was and still is my standard. Tape it to a rod, hold the reel in hand and your fingers wrapped around the spool is the finest drag there is. The reels talked about with a long neck take away from the hand drag w/ a regular fly reel.
The EC is (in my mind) is a RAFT reel. Google it and see the prices (from China). $85+ each. The EC @ $15 to $29 is beyond reproach/price wise. Drag, clicker, free-spool!!! (Smelting @ 70ft will never be the same)... You should be running thru the pucker-brush for this one.
The 241@$59 is not in the same league. My 241 has a high spot on the input-gear which puts a heavy bump on reeling in. Drag is barely acceptable. On a scale of 1-10 it's a 2.
You can't palm the spool for drag, poor quality, high price. Going back soon.
The EC looks to be a Shimano-From-Japan and the 241 a Yugo from China.
Of course this is my opinion only and might change when we are all walking on water.
Cheers:
Damn Yankee
I have used the EC twice now and it is just great to use. Sorry for all of you who didn't get one.
-
this was me....i have since lubed them with hot sauce, and still have the issue with the free spool button not working properly on one of them but I can deal with it as is. i just wish we had some ice now!
I came across these on another site. Large reel. I don't have one but looks interesting.
Look up swishrod for info.
-
Well, now that the season is almost over, I was wondering what all you guys thought of the in-lines? How did they hold up? Perform? Problems? Hope you all had/ continue to have a great time out on the ice. Anxious to hear about the pros and cons! Thanks, tight lines.
-
EC reel worked very nice. No problems encounted. Don,t try to do things too fast and you will be ok. Can,t wait to get back on the open water with it.
-
I have 2 13 Fishing Black Betty 6061's ( wish I had oredered more) and they have been great and are my go to reels for just about everything...
-
I love fly reels that I'm using. I don't have an EC or Black Betty, but since I spend most of my time fishing in 20 FOW + or - a few feet, the 1:1 ratio doesn't bother me. I like them so much, it feels weird when I go back to a traditional spinning reel.
-
I bought up 6 of the ECs @ $15/ea. Had some 6061s on preorder and ended up letting them go since over I look at both being the first generation of a new ice reel. No doubt that the future will have some changes done to these. Overall, very happy with the ECs. I'll buy into in the no line twist since I experience none all season. The free spool worked well and I liked the reel very much. Couple things I hope are addressed.
1. The drop between the rod and the reel and the EC was small than that of the 6061. I think the 6061 had it right. Not that I find the EC is horrible, but if you get gloves on your glove can catch your line and cause issues.
2. I found that several times my line would wrap around the knob on the reel to tightened it down. Some sort of a catch free knob would be great.
3. You definitely got to pay attention to what your doing with these. A little wind oryour line catching somewhere while you're letting line out can get you in trouble fast. Not sure how to exactly fix this, I guess it's just how it is. (not like any reel is automatic).
4. I found the drag to be Ok. When you have the drag set light, the knob likes to move so if there would be a way to tighten that down so a person can fine tune the drag.
Overall very happy, but excited for the Gen. 2s.
-
I bought a couple of the basic Black Betty reels. They are quite nice for tight-lining, and have a nice feel in the hand. I like the spacing from the reel to the rod, it is about right for me. The major flaw with this reel is the drag knob. It has a tendency to come loose while you are retrieving, sometimes to the point of coming off completely. The reel will not hold a drag setting! Too bad, other than that I thought it was a pretty nice reel.
-
Thank you for your replies guys, really appreciate it. I missed out on the EC deal.
-
Well, now that the season is almost over, I was wondering what all you guys thought of the in-lines? How did they hold up? Perform? Problems? Hope you all had/ continue to have a great time out on the ice. Anxious to hear about the pros and cons! Thanks, tight lines.
I'm loving panfishing with my Frabil setup, same reel that SINX53 posted above mounted on an ultralight Frabil 24" ice rod. It's great and now I want in-lines for all my jigging rods.
-
I bought up 6 of the ECs @ $15/ea. Had some 6061s on preorder and ended up letting them go since over I look at both being the first generation of a new ice reel. No doubt that the future will have some changes done to these. Overall, very happy with the ECs. I'll buy into in the no line twist since I experience none all season. The free spool worked well and I liked the reel very much. Couple things I hope are addressed.
1. The drop between the rod and the reel and the EC was small than that of the 6061. I think the 6061 had it right. Not that I find the EC is horrible, but if you get gloves on your glove can catch your line and cause issues.
2. I found that several times my line would wrap around the knob on the reel to tightened it down. Some sort of a catch free knob would be great.
3. You definitely got to pay attention to what your doing with these. A little wind oryour line catching somewhere while you're letting line out can get you in trouble fast. Not sure how to exactly fix this, I guess it's just how it is. (not like any reel is automatic).
4. I found the drag to be Ok. When you have the drag set light, the knob likes to move so if there would be a way to tighten that down so a person can fine tune the drag.
Overall very happy, but excited for the Gen. 2s.
I also scored 6 of them direct, I typically have my pinky finger on the spool when free spooling and yes when retrieving it would be nice to have a line guide to keep line (inline) with the spool! very much love them I have all 6 rigged and ready in my bucket.....its the only reel that I use
-
I have a couple of the new clam ones. My only complaint is that it takes forever to reel up a fish from 35', compared to a spinning reel. They are handsome lil combos and function nicely. My gf likes it. I like the gap from the reel to the rod so I can hold it comfortably.
(http://i45.tinypic.com/17e9f7.jpg)
(http://i48.tinypic.com/14twieg.jpg)
-
Thats why I have the multilyer with a free spool for deep water, work better than my spinning reels in 45'