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Old 02-20-2013, 01:09 AM   #1
injunspearo
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Question Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

I know the two different styles of reels are disputed topic. I just want to get some opinions on whats so great about either the horizontal or vertical Riffe reel.

Also any comments on the older model of the Riffe reels in comparison to the new models?

I recently bought a Riffe COMP 3X and I want to deck it out with the proper gear!
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Old 02-20-2013, 02:37 AM   #2
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

I have a Riffe 2x with a vertical reel on it, and am very happy with it. I have never used a horizontal reel, however, so I cannot comment on whether it is better or not.

The vertical reel feels/works/operates like a fly fishing reel with which I have a lot of previous experience, so a vertical reel was a natural for me. It never gets in the way. I know horizontal reels are lower profile, but the higher profile of the vertical reel is still less than the vertical profile of the handle, so it is not a problem.
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Old 02-20-2013, 03:38 AM   #3
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Smile Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

sensible reasoning, something i'll take into consideration! thanks!
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Old 02-20-2013, 05:21 PM   #4
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

Quote:
Originally Posted by injunspearo View Post
I know the two different styles of reels are disputed topic. I just want to get some opinions on whats so great about either the horizontal or vertical Riffe reel.
First off, Welcome to Spearboard!

Honestly, I think the reels are about the same. It all depends on personal preference. I went with a horizontal reel because it has a lower profile and it was way easier to find used than the vertical reel. Either one you pick, I can almost guarantee you'll be satisfied with it.
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Old 02-20-2013, 05:52 PM   #5
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

I have a Riffe Vertical and Mako reel, both on wood guns.

For me the biggest difference is will you ever want to remove it and rig the gun for breakaway setup. If so get a Horizontal.

Horizontal reels are cheaper. Both get the job done.
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Old 02-20-2013, 06:38 PM   #6
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

Another consideration for a reel is how much line and how thick of line it can hold. After breaking a Potts reel (fell off a boat at the wash down), I switched over to a Riffe horizontal reel. The thin line is a pain in the a$$ to handle. After being nearly spooled by a 60lb wsb that ran out into the open, versus using kelp stalk to slow the pace, I was happy to jump back to another Potts reel which handled the larger line. Line burns in the hand suck!

Ulusub makes some great bigger horizontal reels which can handle a fair amount of parachute cord. Check them out.
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Old 02-20-2013, 06:43 PM   #7
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

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Originally Posted by HeadlessHunter View Post
Line burns in the hand suck!
Were you wearing gloves? If so, what were they?
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Old 02-20-2013, 07:57 PM   #8
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

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Originally Posted by North Star View Post
Were you wearing gloves? If so, what were they?
Yup... I do not remember the exact brand as I am more price driven when buying gloves vs brand loyal. I didn't get an immediate stop on the fish and the thin Riffe line burned right through them. WSB line burns kind of sound nice right about now however...
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Old 02-20-2013, 08:14 PM   #9
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

I use both kinds of reels and they are both great. If you get a good quality reel with an adjustable drag then horizontal reel is useless since it is extremely difficult to adjust the drag and at the same time control the reeling. On the other hand good vertical reels have the screw on the opposite site of the handles.
I use in all my reels 2.5mm polyester line. Dirt cheap and rated at 330lb. Big enough to hold and work with and small enough to fit a lot in your reel.
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Old 02-20-2013, 10:21 PM   #10
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

They both do the job but I think the biggest gripe about horizontal reels (which I have on my euro) is when it snags on our kelp. I think the line on a vertical mount would help sway the kelp away from the reel and make it more streamlined.

Last edited by mainphrame; 02-20-2013 at 10:34 PM.
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Old 02-21-2013, 08:54 AM   #11
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Re: Vertical or Horizontal Reel?

For Reef Sniping, I've preferred Horizontal Reels as they are usually a lower profile and I'm usually laying on some kind of Reef.

Ulusub is having their 2nd Annual Winter Sale right now and for 30 days we are selling
our new Reels at:

$50 for the 50yd Reel
$70 for the 90yd Reel

That includes shipping in the USA.
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