deadbolt reels

[hockeybum66]

I was resently on a guided fishing trip where the guide had a deadbolt 30 (regular) and a deadbolt limited 30.

I used both for just a short period of time and found the regular DB30 to feel better. I also found out that the guide was taking a fish off a customers line when a fish took the guides line and pulled the rod with the DB30 limited in the drink. Luckily, they were using bobbers and found the bobber and was able to retrieve the rod and reel. Perhaps the visit to the depth could have done something to the reel, I don't know.

My question is, what reel do you think is a better reel for the price?

Thanks,

The bum66

[Bret N]

I've got a regular deadbolt, dnf 30, I think is the model number. They are a pretty smooth reel, but mine seems to twist line. I hear they have fixed that w/ the new reels, have a new line roller. Actually they sell them this year for $50, but they don't come w/ a spare spool like mine did for $60. I think for the same money, you'd be wise to look at the Shimano Sahara that sells for $60. Fin-nor also makes a reel very similar to the pinnicle for about the same money. If I had it to do over again I'd probably get the Shimano. Hope this helps. Bret

[wallytap]

I've had problems with line twist on these reels. The local reel repair shop says they cannot get anti-twist rollers to put on the reel.So i'd get shimano.

[ccarlson]

I have the limited deadbolt and like it very much. I also have a stradic which I don't like as well because I feel there is too heavy of a resistence or feel to the reeling action (not just my reel but others I have tested at stores as well). They are a nice reel, I just prefer the deadbolt. I have used the deadbolt DNF and would say they are a better buy for the dollar than the limited since I found it to be nearly as nice as the limited and for half the money, you can't go wrong.

[aurora]

i have an older deadbolt limited and i sent it back and had it retrofit with a twist buster line roller

[Ron]

I have owned Shimano, Diawa etc. in the past. Currently have a Deadbolt Limited and like it very much. About an ounce lighter than most of the others and very smooth. Haven't had it long enough to know how it will stand the test of time.

[Grey Wolf]

I've got 5 DNF 30's. Used to love them. Haveing second thoughts, seems sometimes unexpectedly the switch will move to the back reel position, andline will unwind at the most inoportune times.

[PRO-V]

Adding on to Greywolf's complaint, I have also had problems with backreeling. However, my switch doesn't jump. I went through three reels before Pinnacle informed me of a problem with the anti-reverse. I have had my new reel for a while and had no problems until recently. I will stay with what works for me and go with Shimano. It's a shame because the Pinnacle has a nice feel.

PRO-V

[aurora]

here is the number for the place i sent my deadbolt to get the new line roller installed. it's been few years since i had this done so i don't know if the number is still good.

OST
803-739-5617

[Melonbob(ON)]

Can't tell you much about the deadbolt, but a bit of food for thought on the shimano. I bought a Sahara two summers ago and I'm very disappointed. Seems to stick all the time on a slow retrieve. You know, when you're trying to slowly drag a jig along bottom...nothing too quick, the handle just doesn't seem to turn with alot of force. I sent it back to shimano, and the said I had a bad worm gear....charged me $15 and sent it back. It still does the exact same thing. Sent it back.....said there was nothing wrong with it and charged me $15 shipping again. So my $60 dollar reel is up to $90 and I'm still not happy. Don't know what I'm going to buy to replace it. I have to admit, I've never owned anything but a shimano, and this is the first one I've had problems with, but I'm bummed enough to go elsewhere if anyone has suggestions. I'm looking to spend a bit more this time, around 100 US...

[REW]

Here is the solution for your "sticky" gear problem. It simple needs to be broken in.
A couple of years ago in one of the walleye or other fishing magazines - there was an excellent article on reel repair and overall maintenance. So the following is quoted from a well read fishing magazine - whose writers have a wide viewership and I assume are competent.

In your case - i.e. spinning reel.
Disassemble the entire reel.
Use a good grease cleaner - some sort of solvent - mineral spirits - alcohol or similar.

Reassemble the reel - use no lubrication.
Before putting on the side cover - (on the gears only) place a little dab of common toothpaste. Insure that you are only putting a "tiny" dab of toothpaste -- on the gears only.
Put the side cover back on.

Don't put the line spool or nuts back on.
Use an old reel handle - or fabricate one - such that you can have a "shaft" to drive the reel and gears. The idea is - that you need to do a high speed wind of the gears -- and you don't want the reel handle flopping around.

So, after obtaining an old handle or spare handle - that you can disassemble or cut off the winder -- insert the old handle shaft preferabbly into a high speed air die grinder. You can also use a dremel tool - if you can get a mandrel to fit the reel shaft.

If you have none of the above - you can use a 1/4 inch drill.

The idea here is to get a high speed - spin source - for the reel and gears. An air driven die grinder spins at about 20,000 rpm - as does a dremel or equivalent tool.

Once you have a spin source - connect to the reel and spin up the gears. You want to spin the reel at 20000 rpm for about 20-30 seconds.

You are wearing - in - the gears by use of the tooth paste - basically a fine polishing compound - and this high speed run, will also insure that the bearings are totally free.

Even with the tooth paste still in the reel, you should notice a difference.

Then disassemble the reel again -- and use lots of soap and water and preferably high pressure air and a tooth brush - to clean all of the toothpaste - and any possible out of every part of the reel.

Reassemble - per the normal manufacturers directions.
Remmeber, if I recall from the Shimano directions - is that you put a "small" dab of grease on the gears -- remember the right kind of grease -- not too sticky -- and a "single" drop of oil on each bearing and on the center shaft.
No oil should be placed on the drag washers - and they should be completely cleaned with degreaser as well.

Reassemble and test the reel.

All of your "stickiness and drag" should be gone.

The idea of the high speed run - with a polishing compound on the gears (toothpaste) is that you get a perfect "polish" and "fit" of each gear to the other.

It is important that you not overdo the toothpaste - becasuse if you get grit in the bearings, you are going to put excessive wear on the bearings. This of course will give you slop in your reel. You don't want slop - you just want a perfect clean, smooth rotation - with no catches, and no stickness.

Remember - the type of grease and oil has a huge impact on the operation of any reel. Choose the "correct" oil and grease for your reel, and insure that you put on just enough - and in all the right places.

Take care

REW

[Fruedy]

I have a solutioin to your spinning reel problems. Buy a Diawa tournament ss 1300. Not trying to be a jerk, but they are under a hundred bucks and you can't break em.

[Weyes1]

I bought two of the Deadbolt 30's last spring (2000) and can say that I didn't have any trouble at all with them. I would highly recommend them. My fishing buddy has the limiteds 25 & 35 series and he hasn't had any trouble with his either, that is that I know of. I have had bad luck with the two Shimano's that I previously owned and the customer service sucked. Pinnacle, from what I have heard, has very good customer service and basically a no questions asked policy.
I wish all the manufacturers were like that!
Just my two cents!

Weyes1
Kevin Clark
weyes1@wamego.net