THE QUESTION (posed in email to Myles Boon):
I surf cast and do spinning in the coastal areas of the Island, usually for spinning I use a one piece 7' outfit with a Penn ss4200 using a 10# line and not more that 1oz jigs.

For surfcasting, I use a 10' two piece outfit with a larger Penn SS reel 650 and up, line 20 with shock leaders, and not more that 2oz lures/bait.

Here is the question, from you experience, would there be any noticeable difference if I switch to an Alvey reel ?
What are the proven advantages of the reel, from what I was able to read and see at the Alvey site it seems to me that their reels would cast longer distances.


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MY OPINION ( I have three Alvey's)

The ALVEY will cast farther but:

First you will want to change the rod configuration. The guide spacing is different to make the Alvey "efficient". Smaller first guide (16 - 20mm) and you will definitely want to add the 'special' half circle guide (should come with the reel when you order it). That first "half circle guide" is an absolute necessity . When the Alvey is flipped back over for a retrieve the line is spooled through the small special guide . IF it's not on there you will have a mess.

Second you will have to learn how to cast all over again. With a spinning reel on the cast you trap the line under your forefinger. With an Alvey you trap the line under your thumb. It feels awkward until you really get used to it.

The Alvey's that I have are a one-to-one retrieve ratio. Granted it is a large diameter spool - but you will not want to use this reel to cast plugs. Between flipping the reel back and forth (spinning to cast then conventional to retrieve) and the one-to-one ratio you are going to find it annoying.

On the definite good side: you will add tens of yards to your cast, have no problems with any ties fouling your reel no matter how long the leaders are and get lots of amazed stares on the beach ........


Ken

Thanks Ken.

Ken and Myles
Thanks for taking some time to answer my questions with valuable details.
Happy Holidays.
Ricardo Font
Puerto Rico Rods