I am looking at getting a set of these, does anybody know if they are any good,,
In reply to Post #1
I've had mine for the past 19 years 🤣 they've taken all the abuse over the years and still remain strong.. and I've only serviced them once!
I do believe they bought out a cheaper set which wasnt made as good 🤷🏻♂️ (not Japanese metalwork) but that maybe hearsay.
I've had mine for the past 19 years 🤣 they've taken all the abuse over the years and still remain strong.. and I've only serviced them once!
I do believe they bought out a cheaper set which wasnt made as good 🤷🏻♂️ (not Japanese metalwork) but that maybe hearsay.
In reply to Post #1
I too have used these reels for near 20 years, might be over, present set are 10 years old, I almost bought Tournies but wanted the BR facility. I love mine, wouldn't swap them for anything* but that's not really a review.
Mine have been bomb proof, absolute work horse of a reel, never had a problem with one. I have upgraded to carbon washers and new line clips.
They're a bit 'Marmite' people either love them or hate them. Main critique, the line clip is crap, people describe them as a coffee grinder gearing wise, the reverse taper spool is also not to everyones liking and they're heavy.
I have no doubt they have been superceeded in many aspects, would that make any difference to most anglers? would that make any difference to the reel? the fact they're still selling them after all these years says it all really.
* I would swap mine for the same model if they made it lighter but that's about it, new line clip design would be good.
I too have used these reels for near 20 years, might be over, present set are 10 years old, I almost bought Tournies but wanted the BR facility. I love mine, wouldn't swap them for anything* but that's not really a review.
Mine have been bomb proof, absolute work horse of a reel, never had a problem with one. I have upgraded to carbon washers and new line clips.
They're a bit 'Marmite' people either love them or hate them. Main critique, the line clip is crap, people describe them as a coffee grinder gearing wise, the reverse taper spool is also not to everyones liking and they're heavy.
I have no doubt they have been superceeded in many aspects, would that make any difference to most anglers? would that make any difference to the reel? the fact they're still selling them after all these years says it all really.
* I would swap mine for the same model if they made it lighter but that's about it, new line clip design would be good.
In reply to Post #1
I would echo the below, would be a great big water, row the baits out type of reel as it holds masses of line and has some serious grunt. I especially didn't like the weight though and the line lay isn't up to some reels these days I would say.
I would echo the below, would be a great big water, row the baits out type of reel as it holds masses of line and has some serious grunt. I especially didn't like the weight though and the line lay isn't up to some reels these days I would say.
In reply to Post #2
They did bring out a cheaper version that were silver but they weren't around for long. I had the originals when they first came out and they could withstand a nuclear bomb blast there that solid. The only downside is they weigh an absolute ton but not really an issue as there sat on banksticks most of the time.
They did bring out a cheaper version that were silver but they weren't around for long. I had the originals when they first came out and they could withstand a nuclear bomb blast there that solid. The only downside is they weigh an absolute ton but not really an issue as there sat on banksticks most of the time.
In reply to Post #1
Had mine for over 16 years now and with regular(ish) servicing they still perform like new. They're not heavy, just heavier than your more modern reels, you'll get used to them and never have to buy another reel.
Daz
Had mine for over 16 years now and with regular(ish) servicing they still perform like new. They're not heavy, just heavier than your more modern reels, you'll get used to them and never have to buy another reel.
Daz
In reply to Post #1
If they're good enough for Oz Holness then they should be good enough for anyone !
If they're good enough for Oz Holness then they should be good enough for anyone !
In reply to Post #1
mine didn't come with a spare spool either which was annoying.
mine didn't come with a spare spool either which was annoying.
In reply to Post #5
Sportsmatics, I've had 4 for 20 years and used in small ponds all the way to long distances at Chanty..... there are 100% better reels out there but no way i'm swapping these.
Sportsmatics, I've had 4 for 20 years and used in small ponds all the way to long distances at Chanty..... there are 100% better reels out there but no way i'm swapping these.
Similar to what has been said, had mine for near on 20 years before I moved on, faultless and never serviced during that time 
Line clips are crap, if that bothers you
They could do with a quick drag for playing fish on, again if that bothers you
The line guard system works fine but could be described as a bit clunky
The weight, bit heavier but not an issue for me, until you pick something lighter up. they key point though is how they balance out and feel with your rods, no problem for me
10/10, Happy days
Line clips are crap, if that bothers you
They could do with a quick drag for playing fish on, again if that bothers you
The line guard system works fine but could be described as a bit clunky
The weight, bit heavier but not an issue for me, until you pick something lighter up. they key point though is how they balance out and feel with your rods, no problem for me
10/10, Happy days
In reply to Post #9
Sportsmatics i believe were out before the infinity i have had 3 for 35 years not a single problem.They have less bearings than infinities .
Sportsmatics i believe were out before the infinity i have had 3 for 35 years not a single problem.They have less bearings than infinities .
In reply to Post #11
Dont think the sportsmatics were around 35 years ago. Mebees 25 years. Did they not come out after the infinity x reels?
Dont think the sportsmatics were around 35 years ago. Mebees 25 years. Did they not come out after the infinity x reels?
In reply to Post #12
Well im sure i had them before infinitys, i know i got three from japan sometime 90,s i thought to replace my pms apart from the colour the only differences were a plastic spool and a few ball bearings .Both great reels.
Well im sure i had them before infinitys, i know i got three from japan sometime 90,s i thought to replace my pms apart from the colour the only differences were a plastic spool and a few ball bearings .Both great reels.
I never really got on with mine. They just felt a bit too big for my personal taste, and ive never really understood the need for a baitrunner, so that bit was wasted on me.
They are a lovely reel though, i loved the feel of them, and the look of them. If i ever had to do any boat work, they would be my top choice. Maybe it was the rods i had them on that wasnt balanced. I think as with everything its a personal choice, and youve got to try them to see how you get on.
They are a lovely reel though, i loved the feel of them, and the look of them. If i ever had to do any boat work, they would be my top choice. Maybe it was the rods i had them on that wasnt balanced. I think as with everything its a personal choice, and youve got to try them to see how you get on.
In reply to Post #12
I think they were after, a cheaper version / option of the infinity's and were released afterwards in the UK
I think they were after, a cheaper version / option of the infinity's and were released afterwards in the UK