| IMO, there is a difference. The aluminum spool is a tad heavier and can follow the iron better than the graphite. Lite graphite spools rely on pull but are very good for not backlashing. But once you compensate (thumb preasure) the spool you just killed your casting distance. I grew up throwing penns for 10 yrs, then Newells. My favorite was the p series 229, 332, 338, 440, and 540. Still have my 540s, 5 of them. But my smaller reels are now shimano Kaikon EVs, TLD stars and speedmasters. I still have my P229 for the small game short shot. Another draw back on graphite spools or any reels are bearings only at the spool shaft ends. Tch tch, tweak tweak. Spool load is now transfered to the shaft. Spin your spools (slow) now and then and check for wobble at the gear side. If you experience a wobble at high speed (casting) it could also be a bad counter weighted spool or uneven line wind. I'll get into counter balancing spools later. Toriums, Kaikons, Trinis, Saltist are all superior reels in the 12 to 30 sizes. Its how much you want to spend. If you need more drag? Saltist has a 5 stack. If a light casting reel is your concern try tld 15/30 or 20/40. I chose the Shimano Ev Kaikon 3000 and 4000, Internally its set up like a Trinidad 20 and 30 but an all graphite one piece frame and sides. Also with the same type of Centrifical brake system( I removed half of them). And the price is the same as the p332.
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