Mooching reels - Trophy, R3ef, Amundson

[Macdeep]

Before someone says, use the search tool, I have lol

Just looking for some updated info on a mid-range mooching reel. I've been running the Shimano 2000GTs for a few years now. No major complaints, but starting to feel like I could use an upgrade. Will keep one as a backup.

Between looking at P&T, Harbour Chandler and the shops in Campbell River, Hardy and McNeill, seems like I have three main choices in this category: Trophy XL QR, Salty Outdoors R3ef and Amundson TMX5.

Things I like/must haves:
- easy maintenance, take down with no or minimal tools
- free spool switch
- carbon washer drag (I have an islander fly reel with the cork drag and find it high maintenance and finicky to get set right, especially if it gets wet)
- idiot proof & tough (I often have rookies/kids on my boat)

Any other options I'm not seeing or thinking about? Peetz Evolution?

If I end up going Trophy XL QR, I've read that some people upgrade to a Islander drag spring? Any other tweaks and upgrades like paddle handles for these reels?

And then I'm not in a hurry and willing to wait on sales - any sales besides boxing day and black friday that I should be waiting for, or any discount codes that I should be aware of.

Thank

 

[Pineapple Express]

Looks like Harbour Chandler's website has the R3EF reels on sale for $350 right now. Note that I don't think these reels have the free-spool switch that you're looking for.

 

[kingblazer84]

the Reef or QR are the only reels youve listed with a knob that allows for free spool IMO the TMX5 is a nicer all around reel then the other 2. I have 2 of them and love them! The trophy Ive had one and found it pretty janky with its super touchy drag even with the upgraded mr3 spring upgrade in it..

 

[Macdeep]

the Reef or QR are the only reels youve listed with a knob that allows for free spool IMO the TMX5 is a nicer all around reel then the other 2. I have 2 of them and love them! The trophy Ive had one and found it pretty janky with its super touchy drag even with the upgraded mr3 spring upgrade in it..

Ya, it's a bummer than the TMX5 doesnt have a freespool switch.

I like to set the drag to fighting mode and forget it for the day, use the free spool for letting line out and sending down on the rigger.

I find that with most any reel, if you are constantly loosening the drag to let out line and send down, then tightening again once the line is down on the rigger, you often get either line creep when it's a bit too loose, or the drag ends up too tight and all jerky janky. Hard to find the sweet spot every time if it's always getting adjusted, especially if it's getting adjusted by rookies and occasional fishers.

Who know's, I may end up staying with the shimano's lol. New carbon drag washers and super lube seem to be major improvement to the old drag washers that can be really jerkey/janky? if tightened to handle chinook.

 

[j.lalani]

I was back and forth on the trophy or a TMX5 for a while, I ended up picking up a TMX5 for myself this morning and a TF5 for my kids to use. I know a few people with the TMX5 and they love it.

 

[Macdeep]

I was back and forth on the trophy or a TMX5 for a while, I ended up picking up a TMX5 for myself this morning and a TF5 for my kids to use. I know a few people with the TMX5 and they love it.

How would you rate the TF5?
Looks like similarly to the TMX5, there's no freespool option?

 

[j.lalani]

How would you rate the TF5?
Looks like similarly to the TMX5, there's no freespool option?

I haven't used the TF5 yet. But from my understanding after talking with a couple guys at harbor chandler and doing some reading, its very similar to the TMX5. Same drag. The main difference being its cast instead of machined, its a little bit heavier. But I figured a good option for kids to use, and its priced good. No freespool no.

 

[Olde School]

Those Shimano mooching reels are, in my opinion and experience, impossible to beat for functionality. Too bad they are boring to look at ;-)
A few years I put an idea out there that someone come up with a machined frame that a person could drop the Shimano guts into. That would be awesome!

 

[Squire]

If you want to try a quality reel for cheap, check out my ad for a Rapala Concept on the Buy Sell forum

 

[Hardy Guy]

You either buy chineese copies or the originals. That being said I would buy a reek that has support ..... si for nock offs that's Tmx ..... the others not so much. I see hundreds of reels a year.