Pros/Cons of Conventional Level Wind reels

[Luna Sea 5]

used for saltwater fluke and stripers.  I see many that are level wind and some are not.  WHY?  I would think the level wind keeps the spool neater, I would also think that not having the level wind would make you cast further..

So whats the deal.  I mainly use spinning...

[NJ Guy]

used for saltwater fluke and stripers.  I see many that are level wind and some are not.  WHY?  I would think the level wind keeps the spool neater, I would also think that not having the level wind would make you cast further..

So whats the deal.  I mainly use spinning...

wow really good question...but im mostly spinning to

[Luna Sea 5]

this question is erelavant to me, since I only have 1 conventional and spinning for everything else, but its a great question to have on the board for the people who do use it or for people who want to use it..

[NJ Guy]

this question is erelavant to me, since I only have 1 conventional and spinning for everything else, but its a great question to have on the board for the people who do use it or for people who want to use it..

yeah i dont own any saltwater conventional reels ive considered trying it but havent taken the plunge

[bassnblues]

I've found that non-levelwinds are mostly in 2 categories; high speed (I guess they haven't figured out how to make a level wind tha keeps up with he fast spools) and inexpensive.

For me, since I'm not into tuna or super deep bottom fishing, I like to stick with the levelwind.

[PeggyLee]

I like using non levelwind conventionals e.g. the Penn 140 Squidder or Penn 500 Jigmaster along with the Abu  levelwind 5500, 6500,and 10000 off the boat and surf for jigging,bait and plugs.There is something of a challenge  about making a nice cast with these reels(and not getting a backlash)Thumb control!! 
 The spinners are used too with little effort and more pleasant results(specially at night)
 From what I've seen,some of the new stuff is fantastic !! Good Topic.
 

[Treebeard]

Interesting topic Nick.. here's my take.. For inshore use, from a boat, IMO there is no reason not to use a levelwind model.. As you point out, the convenience of not having to lay the line on manually, is a big + for most..  A few problems can  occur with levelwinds when dealing with very big, fast fish, like Tuna.. When line is screaming out, levelwinds can have a hard time keeping up, and if the line coming off the spool is a bit out of sync with the line guide, it will pull on the levelwind, and could cause it to bind up... Which is why you don't see levelwinds on offshore stuff.. The other group that usually avoids them, are surf anglers, and those looking to maximize casting distance.. levelwinds create more drag, as most larger reels drive the levelwind mechanism on the cast , unlike freshwater baitcasters that usually dis-engage the LW on the cast, and there is also the friction as the line is forced thru the small opening.. Another advantage on a non- LW is thay are normally more "open" framed.. allowing better access to the spool to pick backlashes, and allows knots/connections ( like with wire or leadcore)  to pass easier..  But again, i believe in most cases for inshore stuff , a levelwind just makes life simpler.  

[L.T.]

Great explanation, Treebeard

[PeggyLee]

TreeBeard,  That was a beautiful explanation !!!
                         
How are you feeling ? Better I hope ! 

[Treebeard]

 Thanks for the kind words guys    AJ,  I  been  feelin pretty good lately,  thanks,  been thru a bunch of tests that resulted in them finding some compression fractures in my back, so at least we  now have a name for what hurts.. but its been a naggin issue for many years, and I try not to let it stop the fishin Hope all is well with you my friend!   

[Noworries2009]

Livelining is another thing too. Having access to the spool with your thumb to control a bunker or herring is easier if there is no level wind in the way especially in the tight spots where bait control is important.