rear drag vs. front drag

ol tuna skipper · 06-11-2001, 02:01 PM

I just bought one of the Okuma spinning reels mentioned in an earlier post with a front drag (top of the spool). What a sweet reel.

What is everyones opinion of rear drag vs. front drag. I always felt that a rear drag is easier to adjust when fighting a fish. Is the front drag better built and lasts longer. What is your preference and why.

Bait O' Eggs · 06-11-2001, 02:41 PM

Tuna - did you get the epix and what size? Where did you get it? I still want one of the 30's and am shopping around. Might get one saturday when I go to Seattle at Sportco in the Fife area.

Was it the 10 or 8 ball bearings? Yes I know lots of questions.

I like the rear drag, but have been told it is not as smooth as a top drag. I dont really have an answer for you that is educated. Maybe O's will take this question on.

Coot22 · 06-11-2001, 02:54 PM

OTS,

The rear drags are easier to use but the front drags are smoother and will last a lot longer. They are also stronger and better built (simple structure so less parts to break). If something does go wrong with them, they are also easier to fix. Just what I know from work and from personal experience. Those Okuma's are pretty sweet huh?!!! Late...

-Cody

Salmonator · 06-11-2001, 02:56 PM

a vote for front drag here for the same reasons as mentioned above...

Sand Shrimp · 06-11-2001, 03:02 PM

Front drag for me to.Spinning reels with rear drags seem to wear out quickly.

06-11-2001, 03:46 PM

OTS did you find that reel in Hilsboro? Where? I've looked everywhere for it.
Stew

Salmonator · 06-11-2001, 03:53 PM

Stew, you seem to have "reel" knowledge so i'll ask you this. At a garage sale a few days ago I came across what I thought was an older 5500, but after looking at it it was a Mitchell Epic reel. It had 10 bucks on it and seemed in great shape but I flipped it over and saw "made in China" so I put it back down. Silver with brown trim. Was it worth the 10 bucks or was it a south bend in disguise? Joe

ol tuna skipper · 06-11-2001, 04:41 PM

I got the Epix EF-30 10 ball bearing. Line capacity is 210/6, 170/8, 140/10. Smoooooth

I ordered it from the following link and had it in two days.

See the following link (if I did this right)

FishUSA.com

For more info and links, See post for okuma reels. I brought it back to the top. Fobbman had a direct link to FishUSA that takes you to the shopping cart to order and specifications if mine didn't take.

DanS · 06-11-2001, 05:16 PM

My vote is for front drag for the reasons mentioned in the posts above. Adjusting your drag with a fish on is an obstacle you shouldn't have to worry about. If your drag's a little light, pull back or palm the spool a little. If it's too tight, then you didn't spend enough time setting the drag before you started. I had a buddy that always loved to start fishing with his drag set really tight. I don't know how many fish broke him off before he learned to adjust that drag before he started fishing. I don't think he was ever quick enough to loosen the drag before **SNAP**. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

I'd love some feedback on the Okuma reels once you guys get some mileage on them. Keep us posted........ [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

06-11-2001, 05:23 PM

Being short and stocky I know a little about rear drag. You don't want it, reel or otherwise. The guys all seem to know that the front drags are superior systems, and they aren't hard to use. Stump

06-11-2001, 05:36 PM

Salmonator I think I know the reel you are talking about and if it's the one I think it is then it's junk. The metal used in cheaper reels is inferior "pot metal" Made in China doesn't always mean crap though, North River Rods that are sold at FMS are decent rod and they are made in China.
Good luck,
Stew

06-11-2001, 05:45 PM

Fixed FishUSA link.

06-12-2001, 03:09 AM

The original Cardinal 4 by Zebco was the first spinning reel to feature the rear drag. I've opened up and replaced drag on these and what a major hassle that was! However I've found the drag to work fairly smooth. The Stradic I have is without question the best spinning reel I've ever owned and I've just ordered the Okuma so it will be interesting to compare them.
Stew

Osprey · 06-12-2001, 06:36 AM

This ones easy...Front Drag
I don't mess with my drag much
set and leave it,
If I need more pressure I just palm it

so far I've been impressed with the Okuma...I just wish the fish were [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] soon....very soon......Os

Tanner · 06-12-2001, 07:00 AM

Front drag is the Only way to go. Easy to use, and a good quality one won't get sticky like every rear drag reel I have ever owned.

KarenLee · 06-22-2001, 08:21 AM

useful info [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]