Hello everyone,
Today I'm getting in touch with you regarding some reel tuning tips that anyone can quickly and easily replicate. Because reel tuning is not just about aesthetics. Of course, aesthetics play the decisive role in most cases, but a lot can also be optimized through proper tuning.
Let's move on to the individual tuning parts:
The Reel Stand
The so-called reel stand is an optical adjustment to the rod and reel, but it also serves to protect the reel from being laid on the ground. Some models, such as the DLIve – Reel Stand "i-Arm" or "i-Arm Plus", were additionally equipped with a lure holder. Here you can securely hang your lure when changing spots and thus protect the rod blank from unnecessary damage caused by, for example, striking tungsten heads or Cheburashka leads.
The Handle
For optimal handle tuning, the tuning handles from DLive are recommended, for example. The DLive Air Stir Handle Series has the right handle for every performance change. More on this in a moment.
Most Daiwa reels in the 1000 to 2000 class are equipped with a standard 40mm handle. Shimano 1000 models, however, come with a 35mm handle. These are usually perfectly matched to the performance of the reel.
But this is precisely where the scope for performance lies.
1. If you extend the handle, for example, to 45mm, this naturally affects the performance. Extending the handle is recommended if you want to increase the torque of the reel. This allows for a slightly faster retrieve compared to the standard handle. This is an advantage especially when fighting larger fish or when fishing in deeper lakes.
2. If the length of the handle is not changed, the modification only has optical and possibly weight-reducing effects.
3. However, if you shorten the handle to, for example, 38mm or 33mm, this also affects the performance. Shortening the handle is recommended if you want a more stable retrieve of the reel. This allows for a slightly slower retrieve compared to the standard handle. The shorter the handle is chosen, the slower the retrieve can be.
The Spool
When it comes to spool tuning, you should know that with most manufacturers, the body of the reel in the 1000 and 2000 models is identical. This means you can also vary the spool size afterwards.
For the UL range, 1000 or 2000 class reels are primarily used, in some cases also 2500 models. However, these are only used when distance is really important.
The spools of the 1000 and 2000 class have different diameters, and that is precisely the benefit of spool tuning. If you equip a 1000 reel with a 2000 spool, for example, this has the advantage that the line can run off faster and more cleanly, and depending on the overall combo, you can achieve a good 5-10m more casting distance.
You can also work with the depth of the spool. The spool depth can be identified by the spool / reel designation ("S" (Shallow Spool) or "SS" (Super Shallow Spool)). Changing the spool depth is very helpful when fishing with fine braids as in the UL range. This means you don't have to spool as much of the expensive high-performance lines and thus save some money.
Important note:
It is also always advisable to underfill with a layer of mono so that the braid cannot slip through on the spool later.
The Ball Bearings
With ball bearings, depending on the area of use and reel, you can, for example, have the Mag Seal ball bearings removed to achieve a better start-up of the reel.
Or replace the existing ball bearings with ceramic bearings.
‼️ both options should only be carried out by specialists ‼️
Tight Lines
Your René
aka the DohnaDealer
