HELP: line counter reels. PRO's: what do you use???

[RandyG]

I have been shopping for line counter reels and have limited my search to the following three models with my concerns:

Daiwa SG27LC: Concern: Bushings instead of bearings. Told all the Pros use this one.

Okuma Convector 20d (new, out in March): Not familar with drag and Okuma reputation. This has 3 ball bearings, no info on website.

Penn, Line counter: I saw this reel at Cabelas but could not find it on the Penn website. don't know about drag or ball bearings.

What is the best Drag mechanism, Felt and oil, Rulon (?? spelling), other????

your comments are deeply appreciated especially if you have personal experience with these products. Second hand knowledge is also valued.
Please indicate the nature of your info.

Are there others I should consider and why???


Thanks,

Randy

[ETT]

I'd go with the Diawas. If you want some honest answers call Den at 1 888 855 9032. He sells em all including a Shakespear, that may be second best.

[SLIPKNOT]

Go with the daiwas. They are bullet proof and you will never wear them out. And don't get the shakespears, they are junk, the counter is useless.

[bountyhunter]

I"Ve used the same diawa's for 4yrs not one problem .27/47

[StoneyPteTom]

I have been using 6 Diawa line counters for 5 years now. Trolling for walleye, steelhead, and salmon. Never had a problem yet. I have two of the higher end models and 4 of the Great Lakes model. The Great Lakes models are good bang for your buck!

[Peluso]

I am not sponsored by them, but I feel they offer a great product for the price. I use the Okuma line counters. I have had them for three years and never had a problem with them and like them a lot! Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #999

[TK_551]

I have been using the Diawa's for the past four year and have not had a problem with them yet. I personally feel that the are the way to go when trolling. I had an old Mitchell at one point, which counted in Meters which I didn't like. I will probably be buying 2 more Diawa 27's soon. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Tom
#551

[FROGMAN]

I use the Diawa line-counters. Have not found anything better yet. The main problem I have had with the Okuma's are the counter reset's being unprotected and easy to "bump" leaving you frustrated.
Good Luck

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[REELMAN]

get the daiwa's and you won't be sorry

[hammertime]

go with the diawa,s, i ran them in a lot of salmon tourneys and the drags are real smooth and they hold up to the harsh runs of 30 lb salmon. i say this even though i just lucked into 20 penn 875lc dig line counters and 6 895lc,s for lead core, lucky me !!! i think there just the best there ever were, but were very $$$$ and with the price of diawa,s and other reels out there, they disc making them do to the high cost of making them. ya cant beat the diawa,s for the money as ya here about the sticky drags in some of them other reels that are being corrected now and gears that wont hold up in others, counters that arnt correct most of the time. spend your money right the first time and you will save in the long run and be a lot happier. unless ya can find some of the penn,s that is ( 855lc, 875lc,s )(895lc,for a double core of lead ) mike/hammertime

[WalleyeWiz11]

Hammertime,
Dicks Sporting Goods has the Penn combo`s marked down to 79.99. Not sure what model reels but they have them in 2 sizes
WalleyeWiz

[Fish Hound]

Just wondering what Dick's you go to. I work at the one in Akron, OH and I haven't had any Penn line counters for about 2 years. Would like to have them though.
The Fish Hound