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Posts: 133
Location: Wausau, WI | I'm buying this reel to throw blades. However, I want an automatic clutch (the spool engages when you start to reel). For some reason, Shimano made the 500LC (line counter) with an automatic clutch while they kept the plain 500 with a manual clutch (must flip the lever back to engage the spool). I need your opinions on if the the 500LC is comfortable enough to palm. Rollie and Helens has the Tekota 500 with an automatic clutch engagement so those are two options. I am also curious how hard it is to put an automatic clutch in myself if I'd buy a plain 500. |
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Posts: 752
| I use the line counter Tekota on a trolling rod but I do not palm. It is a bit big and I am not sure how well it would work. I do really like the reel. If you have the extra $60.00 I would encourage you to think about the Calcutta 400B. It might be a better option in the long haul for Blades and a more comfortable reel to palm. Don't get me wrong I love the Tekota but the Cacutta may be a better option if it is attainable.
Also, for what its worth don't let the manual clutch stop you. I use several reels that you have to manually engage and it becomes second hand after a short period of time. |
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Posts: 133
Location: Wausau, WI | I used a 400TE all last year for blades and it was "OK". It handled the application fine, but I'm just looking for the next step higher. Price overall isn't a main concern. I would prefer to stick with a Shimano. |
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Posts: 400
Location: North/Central WI | Hey Brandon-
I looked at a Tekota last season at Rollies and was talked out of buying it by a couple of the guys working there that had them...something about grinding noises after repeated use with big blades. Something to ask about...
Osfar |
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Posts: 752
| IF you want a blades reel and price is not an option and you want to stick with Shimano get a Trinidad. There is no finer reeel for pulling big blades. Spooled down to mimimize backlash you will still pullin between 38-40 inches a crank with a 16N. The new version (which I have thrown a handfull of times) is smaller than the original size and very easy to cast. Takes some getting used to without having a level wind but the net benefits far outwieght the learning curve. If you really want a reel with a level wind get a Saltist. Not a Shimano but a much better big blades reel than the Tekota (IMHO) |
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Posts: 299
| I sure wish they made Trinidad's for lefty's. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. The only other real option for burning blades w/o exhaustion is Avet Saltwater Reels. |
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| sorry for hijacking, but I have a question about auto-clutch reels.
I have the 600LC and it engages the spool as soon as you crank the handle.
I read somewhere this is Bad for the reel (not sure which part).
True? Or BS? If it can harm an internal, I'd just have to get used to switching to manually tossing the cast-lever back up. |
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Posts: 95
Location: LOTW every chance I get | I have the 500LC on my Slingblade and it works reasonably well for double 10s. Definitely has the pulling power, though it is not the best for burning blades all day, if that is what you are looking for. Seems to hold up to the abuse well. I have no problem palming it, and I don't have the biggest hands in the world. The line counter doesn't really get in the way at all, kind of fun to see how far you are casting. |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | brandondunbar,
Excuse me for for asking, but why would you want to throw (cast) big bladed baits with a line-counter trolling reel???
I've trolled with the Tekota 500 and 600. I would never consider using either reel for casting any baits.
just wondering ... |
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Posts: 32
| i posted as guest above, by accident...
cj,
i throw with my tek600lc all day, why not? why would you never consider? |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | I'd rather use a 400TE. I am used to casting with a reel that has a thumb bar.
I was not implying that you could not use a Tekota for casting; I just never considered it. |
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| Cjrich, as my initial message stated, I want a reel that has an automatic clutch. The tekota 500 WITH the line counter is a reel that has this feature. That's why I would consider it. |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | I understand. |
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Shimano Tekota 500