Trinidad vs Torium...

[Croix]

Asking on behalf of my father who is getting a new reel.

What do you gain or lose by getting the Trinidad other then alot of $?

Also is the absence of a level wind going affect much?

Both seem like very good choices as we have had good luck with Shimano reels.

Thanks!

[b1gf1sh1]

is a 700 TE out of the question? that is my choice. i'm just hoping i can still get one by opener or soon after. we'll see i guess. i know it ain't much help, i just wanted to throw you another option.... yer welcome

[Croix]

He has a 400TE and is looking for a reel that will pull in 40+ inches of line per crank. The 700 has already been explored.

[Rebel9921]

Plenty of options out there...

Trinidad and Torium are two available from Shimano...

However, there are several manufacturers out there that makes reels similar to Trinidad and Torium... such as Daiwa, Avet to name some... I've been hearing some good things on other forums about Daiwa Saltist 30TH which would be equal to Trinidad 16N in size but for half of the price...

What you need to realize is that Trinidad/Torium are non-levelwind reels... which is the norm for saltwater reels... so if you did some research into manufacturers that does saltwater reels, you'll see plenty out there...

One thing I notice is that those saltwater reels with levelwinds tend to have range in the 30ish inches, while non-levelwinds tend to have range in the 40ish inches... but then again it depends on the size of the reel too... for example... Trinidad 12 and 14 cranks in 36 inches while 16/16N and bigger has 42 inches... Same goes for Daiwa Saltist line... you'll see...

Hope this helps...

[eyehead]

A question for the guys using non-levelwind reels....How do you keep the line even when your cranking a lure in?? I was at a Muskies Inc pool demo the other week and was trying out a Trinidad. Everytime I would cast the lure out and retrive it back in, the line would pile up on one side.

I wanna get a bigger reel for blades but not sure what to get yet....Maybe I should just stick with the Tekota??

[WallyGator12000]

When using a non-level wind reel you have to guide the line onto the spool with your "off-hand" thumb if that makes sense...this is easy to do with a little practice if you are the type that holds the foregrip (like I am), if you are a reel palmer it's going to take some adjustment...also the lack of level wind requires you ALWAYS point the rod at the bait, even when with a fish on...

[eyehead]

really??? You would think as fast as the line is coming in it would burn your thumb....

[Tim_Anderson]

I don't own a Trinidad, but I used one last summer for quite a while...borrowed it from a friend when he wasn't using it. I was really curious about the nonlevelwind style reel, as well as the speed.

I had absolutely no problem just picking it up and using it. No backlashes. The line did tend to bunch up a little on one side. I just tilted the reel the other way a bit, and that seemed to take care of it.

Overall I was pretty impressed. It made pulling the big blades feel pretty effortless, and you can sure get some great speed, which is a great trigger. Problem is, it's a really pricey reel. I will eventually have one anyway.

[Muddog]

I'm not sure but I think the Torium tor14 is the same size as the Trinidad TN-16N. The same line capacity at least. It's the reason I want to see one.

After you cast you stick the butt end of the rod under your (left) arm, hold on to the fore grip of the rod with your (left) hand and work the line with your thumb and index finger. It may sound odd but if your burning a double Cowgirl through the water you will want that kind of grip on the rod to prevent fatigue. With an 8' rod that should put the rod tip right at or in the water.

[mroyten]

Ok so I've never used a non level wind reel but, according to my other sources you should keep the rod tip pointed at the bait so the line can gather naturally and you need to not put as much line on the spool in case it starts to gather to one side. One other note is that non level wind reels should be exclusively used for bucktails or baits you do not intend on jerking the rod tip alot with. The constant jerking will create a mess on the non level wind reels.

[Muddog]

You do gain distance on your cast with out the level wind. The spinning of the reel is what power the level wind back and forth on the cast and causes alot of friction/drag.