Retro-fit reel handles?

[Paul Roberts]

This may be blasphemy, but...

Anyone retro-fit a reel handle to an old casting reel? I’m thinking about gaining a bit of retrieve speed by fitting a longer handle. It would have to be balanced, or tried on FS reels only? Curious...

[m3040c]

Have done a couple of Penn Levelmatics for personal use. The original handles feel too short for me. The 1/2 inch longer handle made a massive difference. Had to file to fit the Penn 965 handle. Worked out great.




Have done a number of them. The chrome on brass modern handles are better than the old style anodized aluminum handles .

[Paul Roberts]

Hi, m3040c. Nifty. I'm probably going to play with the idea, with older FW reels. I'm not buying for collecting purposes, but for fishing. Don't mind attempting to trick out some "fishables".

[jr.evansii]

I'm nowhere near an expert, but here's my 2 cents.

Mechanically, a longer handle will increase the torque that can be applied but won't increase line retrieve speed. This would make it easier to bring in a large fish. Since your hand would be traveling through a larger radius, your cranking speed might actually slow down. The only way to increase line retrieve speed would be to change the gearing.

J.

[Jason]

I believe you're right. Tibor fly reels makes a speed handle closer to the center of the spool that they advertise for that reason. But i think ergonomics are important too. Retrieve speed doesnt matter if your hand is all cramped up.

[Paul Roberts]

Thanks for this. Could be measured, and I think I will do just that.

[m3040c]

it all about what is more comfortable when fishing. Not about creating a collectible. I fish saltwater all the time. The Penn Levelmatic is a small reel for saltwater fishing. The extension of the handle makes the reel feel better, pure and simple. There will be mechanical minor changes (advantages / disadvantages) because of the longer handle, but the overall feel is a big step up in my opinion.

[jr.evansii]

Penn actually used to make a handle with 3 drive holes so that the user could choose how much leverage they wanted. As I recall, 2", 2 1/2", or 3" throw. That wouldn't work on a non-freespool though.

J.

[m3040c]

Penn actually used to make a handle with 3 drive holes so that the user could choose how much leverage they wanted. As I recall, 2", 2 1/2", or 3" throw. That wouldn't work on a non-freespool though.

Yes, you are talking about this handle.


I have used these when strengthening smaller Penn reels for larger fish. They are not available any longer. You would have to find them on the collector market. These are not for use in the world of bait casting reels.