How to choose a baitcasting reel

             

Many bass anglers have a low-profile baitcasting reel. Baitcasting reels can also be used for larger fish like redfish and pike, or small panfish like crappie and bluegill. They are lighter and allow for easier wrist action, letting you place lures precisely where they need to be. They have ergonomic design, giving you a comfortable feel, which can pay off after hours of fishing. However, not every experienced fisherman knows how a baitcasting reel is built and how the mechanics works. Here I will show you how to choose a baitcaster based on the design, quality and construction of the reel. 
This is Piscifun Thunder series low-profile baitcasting reel.

In the following image, the reel is disassembled to show all the parts in the reel.

You might be surprised by all these little pieces in the picture. Well, there are many other small parts I have not disassembled; in totally the reel consists of more than 100 parts.                                                                                                           Ok, here we go!                                                                                                         

Frames                                                                                                                     
Made of either aluminum or graphite. Graphite generally less expensive and lighter in weight but won't withstand much abuse as aluminum.

Braking System                                                                                                          Most of the basitcasting reels in the market today are using either centrifugal braking or magnetic braking.  Both techniques are proven to be effective in controlling birdnest during casting, and this Piscifun Thunder baitcasting reel uses magnetic braking.

Spool 

Aluminum spool with drilled holes dominates the market. The key is making it lighter. This Piscifun Thunder baitcasting reel spool features a wider and sealed spool, which is precisely machined from a whole piece of forged aluminum and weighs only 0.7oz/20g (even lighter than narrower spools in other brands). The sealed spool can prevent dust, sand, and saltwater getting into the bearing and make this reel  more durable when used in saltwater fishing.

Ball Bearing                                                                                                                       Well, quality over quantity, as many professional guys agreed. Piscifun Thunder baitcasting reel uses Japanese sealed stainless steel NMB ball bearings. The corrosion resistant bearing also contribute to the long life span of the reel , even if used for saltwater fishing.      

Line Guide                                                                                                                  
The easiest part to get corrosion, they are made from either titanium or ceramic,with the latter being less expensive but can crack or break from alleviated abuse.This reel definitely uses titanium line guide, the more expensive and more durable option,  to accommodate saltwater fishing. 

Gearing                                                                                                                       
The main gear, gear shaft and pinion gear of this reel are made of brass which is light and corrosion resist. Under the pinion gear there is a clutch ring made of metal in order to support the spool. Together with the two ball bearings that support the spool, they make the spool sit and spin precisely, during casting and retrieving. Most of the others baitcasting reels don’t have this metal clutch ring.   

Drag washer                                                                                                            
The material of the drag washer is often the bottleneck of the reel’s life span. Common drag washer are made of asbestos, plastic and carbon. The most costly option, carbon drag washer, is way better than other two. It could provide High corrosion resistance (acid and salt), High temperature prevention, Strong friction, Excellent drag performance and Water-proof. To achieve long service life span, this Piscifun Thunder baitcasting reel generously uses 3 carbon drag washers. 

One more thing you need to pay attention to is maintenance. Unlike many baitcasting reels which require disassembling  at least the handle and the side-plates, this reel Has a small opening for easy access and lubrication of the gears by just removing one screw.  

To get a better understanding and deeper insight of how a reel works, I would strongly recommend you dissembling a reel by yourself. Remember to keep the schematic for reference and take as many photos during the dissembling process as possible, so that you can put it back together. I am sure you will appreciate the high quality material and well-thought-out design, A well-built reel with a low price tag, why not give it a try?  

Please click the link to see more details on Amazon: http://goo.gl/vKlUlJ