Levelwind

[Grits]

When looking at reels in a catalog, they will often say "L" for level wind and then there will typically be two models like a 205 and a 205L.

What exactly would be the difference between a reel with level wind opposed to without?

[BuKuBass]

The "L" probably means that the handle is on the left side of the reel. For "righties" that means they can cast with the right arm and do not have to switch hands to reel.

[Master Baiter]

Grits,

Penn uses this convention, some of their reels do not have level winds such as the squidder (sometimes called on E-bay) reels and some others. It looks the same except that there is no guide the runs back and forth across the spool, that is typically accomplished manually with your thumb if desired. Hope this helps?

MB

[Grits]

Thanks MB.

[SureSet]

You will find similar difference on some of the others like Shimano Calcutta. In their terms, a 400S/700S has no level wind, while a 400 or 700 does.

SureSet

[Grits]

In what instance would you not want a levelwind?

[Master Baiter]

Thats a good question, I have a Penn and never use it! :whazzup:

[SureSet]

I really don't know, but it seems like you see them for mainly surf casting or trolling reels that are designed for lots of large diameter line. I have a couple Penn Senators that are big game trolling reels and have no level wind. It doesn't seem to make much of a difference to the reel, it's kind of like rolling a hose on a hose reel, the line finds a place to go.

Maybe it's purely simplicity, beats me......

SureSet

[SureSet]

double post...,ooops

[ 01-10-2002: Message edited by: SureSet ]</p>

[fish_on]

If you are getting a large reel to fish big fish like sturgeon make sure you get the levelwind. With out it you run the risk of not paying attention when reeling in a large fish and having the line pulltight on the edges. This makes it a real ***** to untangle.