Ice reel - straight line

[Out4trout]

I'm still using open face reels but want to try a decent quality straight line with adj drag.
Looked at a Black Betty reel at Sail 2 weeks ago, there were pieces already falling off in the store ... no thanks.

Anyone have any recommendations of a good quality (no plastic) reel based on experience?

[i got worms]

Haven't tried one yet either O4T but from what I hear the panfish guys love 'em!

[RJ]

I've tried the straight line. It's OK, I still prefer a spinning reel.

I have a couple here Len if you want to give one a try before you buy one to decide you don't like it.

RJ

[theDL]

I also tried them - ordered a a few frabill 261 combos as none were available in local shops - they did have the adjustable drag and free spool options, they were also plastic. I did not care for them and still prefer the spinning reel. My advice would be to see if you can try one before you buy one.

[Out4trout]

Thanks for the replies, and the offer to try one Rob.
Will try to make it happen before softwater!!

[Moosebunk]

Little different but going to try straight-line next month too Len. Excited about it.

Not your same idea though eh?

[i got worms]

Hmm some interesting feedback for sure. With the large arbor straight line types I would think they'd be dandy for shallow ultra light applications. Itsy bitsy micro jigs and such. It's the reduction of line twist that peaks my interest. Also the simplicity seems like an added bonus. My bro has one and is quite pleased with it. I'll have to give it go sometime.

[Chevy Champagne]

I fished with one for the first two seasons they came out with ultra light tungsten for panfish and just recently broke the handle off it.
I absolutely loved it! zero line twists and when u hooked into the accidental pike or largie the fight was unreal! I always had it set on freespool with no drag so i could use my hand for the drag system

I also found it a lot faster to drop your jig down on a active school of fish just rip the line off the reel and your off to the races!
Gotta replace that thing soon I miss it!

[i got worms]

That's exactly how I was imagining it Chevy. Just sounds like they need to make 'em a bit tougher maybe.

[Chevy Champagne]

That's exactly how I was imagining it Chevy. Just sounds like they need to make 'em a bit tougher maybe.

this was totally my fault!
was walking across glare ice and ate it hard. ended up with a piece of tungsten embedded in my arse and somehow stepped on the reel on my way down
worked flawless for the two years before and i caught a lot of fish on it!

[i got worms]

Lol slip happens bud!

[Out4trout]

Little different but going to try straight-line next month too Len. Excited about it.

Not your same idea though eh?

That reel has my full attention Bunk!! Was thinking a center pin with a longer support arm, but this seems to be even better!!
(Googling) Hey found it - Teardrop 13 - thanks

As worms said, eliminate line twist, and no ice build up in the bail roller.

[campnfish]

The Missus got me a Moulinet Ice R-Type Rapala reel for Christmas last year from Sail.

Its all-metal consruction and works much better than those $20 combos. I don't normally spend a lot of ice gear but its nice to have at least one decent setup

[Out4trout]

Thanks - I looked at the Rapala R, I agree, it seems a decent reel in metal construction.

[SteveO]

I just noticed these reels more lately and they look enticing - but sounds like mixed reviews. I like the idea because I often strip line off rather than flipping the bail, because I find I have to do that even when flipping the bail because the lines iced up.