Single speed vs Two Speed

anglerserg · Sep-23-2006, 04:45 PM

All my fishing outfits up to 40# use single speed reels. I fish out of Long Beach and overnight to 2 days trips out of San Diego. Just wondering when to use two-speed reels? 50# outfits and above?

Double Z · Sep-23-2006, 06:49 PM

I've been adding two speeds all the way down to the SX Avet. Is it needed?

NOPE

Hell, I stayed in high gear on this thing.

and caught this thing on a 25 year old Diawa Sealine 600.

Those are the two biggest fish of my life. It just depends if you want the thing. I think they are cool and are a benefit. I'd start with the heavy stuff first and work your way down. That is if you already have the light stuff covered. If not, and you can afford it, buy two speeds if you like the feel.

BakerStBobby · Sep-23-2006, 06:51 PM

I ONLY USED 2-SPEED REELS FOR 50# OR BETTER FOR A LONG TIME. HOWEVER, EVER SINCE THE AVET JX & LX 2-SPEEDS CAME ALONG I NOW USE THEM FOR 40 AND EVEN 30#. THEY ARE 6-1 IN HIGH AND 3-1 IN LOW. MAKES WAHOO FISHING MUCH LESS OF A STRUGGLE, NOT TO MENTION GRUMPY 'TAILS OVER 25. ASIDE FROM THESE TYPES OF CRITTERS ('HOOS & 'TAILS)....SINGLE SPEED REELS WILL DO FINE 99% OF THE TIME-- IMO.

coryellk · Sep-23-2006, 06:56 PM

I am a AVID tackle ho and that's what I would suggest.

It's debatable whether anyone needs a two speed reel in less than 50# class line.

If this wasn't the case then all the line class reels below 50# with ratios between 5:1 and greater would be outstripped by the fish we commonly tangle with. This clearly isn't the case.

In fact it was Newell, Accurate, Pro Gear, and Avet, followed/coincidentally copied by Shimano and Diawa that made reels in higher ratios (while still using single speeds) to outpace antiquated Penns with thier relatively low ratios. There was/is a whole market niche for high speed, alloy reels, with huge drag capacities to handle the increased loads of spectra line...

Two speed is the flavor of the month and (if you agree with my personal opinion) still remains the realm of fish that most of us never see. However, if you are targeting (1) 100# or greater fish, (2) fish in deep water, (3) fish that only hit very fast jigs etc. etc. etc. AND you are using 50# or greater line, then go out and get a two speed reel... and Avets are the best value in two speeds right now. As inexpensive as Avet two-speeds are. You can still get three single speed Avets for the price of (2) two-speed reels... I would much rather fill holes in my lineup than have some bling that I will probably never need. In 50 to 60# class I like the EX 4/02 or EXW 4/02. It develops a lot more drag than is currently advertised and I would have no quals fishing 80# with mine.

You are going to get a lot of opinions on this thread... Good luck with this one. Kevin

anglerserg · Sep-23-2006, 07:01 PM

Thanks! so far very good info.

Staven · Sep-23-2006, 07:42 PM

As stated above, you will probably get many different opinions on this. I dont fish very heavy gear, but I over fish all my gear. I used to use star drag reels such as Trini almost solely. And while they are good reels, I like my avets now a little more. I say a little because Avets still are not as refined as shimano reels, IMHO.

Point being. I have a two speed SX. I have 40 lb braid with only a 10 ft leader of 40 to 60 lb depending on the situation. I live in Florida and have not fished in California at all, so keep that in mind.

If I am bottom fishing and nail a snapper on my SX I have a much nicer time bringing it up with low gear. Not that I could not do in on a single speed, but its nicer and easier. Now if I happen to drop the bait down and get nailed on the way down by a barracuda or a King Mackeral. (this happens quite often when the kings are running), then I can just keep it in high gear and keep up with the fish. Its not that you could not do it with a single speed, its just nicer and more practical I think.

Most guys have grown up with star drag, and stick to it. But like I was told on other forums, get a lever drag, keep practicing casting with it and you wont go back to star drag. They were right. I think the same is for two speeds. Even at 30 - 40 lb test. If you can afford it I would do it for sure.

I would much rather have a two speed SX then a single speed Trini, and it costs less. Stronger gears - stainless. You can fish some pretty big fish on a two speed SX, especially if you load it with braid. You would be surprised.

On the same note. I just got back from Costa Rica. Second day, the boat got a bite and it was my turn. We were using on the charter Tyrnos 30 spooled with Sufix 40lb mono. Well as luck would have it, it was a 300lb black marlin. With all the Shimano hype (and I love shimano products) of high efficiency gearing on the tyrnos. That single speed reel was a pain when the marlin went down deep. It took me a 1.5h to bring the fish to the boat. Of course it was my first time with a fish that big and doing a stand up fight. But I think a two speed Tyrnos would have gotten the job done faster.

I know, it was a long post. Sorry

WreckinBall · Sep-23-2006, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anglerserg

All my fishing outfits up to 40# use single speed reels.

Muy bueno.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anglerserg

I fish out of Long Beach and overnight to 2 days trips out of San Diego. Just wondering when to use two-speed reels? 50# outfits and above?

Si, senor.

anglerserg · Sep-23-2006, 11:09 PM

si senor?

WreckinBall · Sep-24-2006, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anglerserg

si senor?

That's espanol for "yes, sir" as it's what I felt was a proper response to "Just wondering when to use two-speed reels? 50# outfits and above?"

Sorry if my mad bilingual skills confused you.