New Reel - Good Choice or Not?

AdrianK · #1 17-09-2006, 08:41 PM

Went to Tacklemart on the weekend with the clear intention of buying a new Diawa Exceler 2000 to match to my new Shimano Tournament T-Curve 7' bream stick. After trying the exceler which has great specs, I found the balance wasn't great - pretty top-heavy on the rod. Also, the staff assistant showed me that the Exceler has a really annoying repeating click that you can see and feel when winding it under any load? I tried a few other reels in the same $ bracket and ended up choosing a Penn Applause 2000 which just felt better on the rod. Pity it didn't come with a spare spool like the Diawa.

Thoughts on the choice, anybody?

(I filled it witht he new Nitlon PE 4lb braid, which was a fraction thicker than same strength fireline (.14mm vs .13mm) but much limper and softer feeling.)

CHUNQX · #2 17-09-2006, 09:37 PM

You've bought the outfit right... so its a bit late to change it if someone tells you its not a suitable outfit, but you've tried it and it feels good to you, so that should really be all that counts.

Gaffer · #3 17-09-2006, 10:32 PM

My Exceler doesn't have an annoying click when winding under load

But as said... If you're happy mate... that's all that matters

AdrianK · #4 17-09-2006, 10:37 PM

Maybe my sales assistant had a dodgy display model that clicked!

kamikazeghost · #5 17-09-2006, 11:10 PM

That's something I haven't heard of with the exceler Adrian. Yes, I think they have a dodgy one which is stuffed up.

AdrianK · #6 17-09-2006, 11:52 PM

I suspiciously start to wonder if there was "a push on" for the Penn Range at Captain Bligh's on the weekend?

Madeye · #7 18-09-2006, 01:29 AM

You could have got the exceler 2500 which weighs 30grms more. My excelers dont click under load either.
I personaly feel they are one of the best value reels on the market today.
But saying that i have never felt the appluse

Gaffer · #8 18-09-2006, 02:33 AM

Hey mate

From all accounts the reel you have is a little cracker anyway. I wouldn't sweat on it too much. The Penn will be fine.

Gaff

Huggy_B · #9 21-09-2006, 10:59 AM

I have an 8000 and a 2000 Applause - both awesome reels. I have put them both through their paces in a variety of situations and they haven't failed me yet. I even got a few 4kg salmon on the 2000 with 4lb braid during easter and a 6kg snapper on the 8000 with 20lb mono. Both approaching a year old and they are like the day I bought it. Like any reels, maintenance is the key......

AdrianK · #10 21-09-2006, 06:40 PM

Thanks Huggy_B - good to hear.
I like the moniker (Huggy_ B) but the avatar's a bit of a worry!

You a Starsky and Hutch fan by any chance (Huggy B as in "Bear" - the informant)?

Huggy_B · #11 29-09-2006, 09:10 PM

thats the one Adrian......have fun with your Applause!

Fisherman#1 · #12 17-10-2006, 05:40 AM

I'm thinking of buying a Penn Applause 8000 for my heavier fishing. Three questions though:
1-Is it smooth for only 5 bearings?
2-How well does it fare in saltwater?
3-What is its maximum line capacity? It has to be at least 25lb of some length.

Anybody who knows about this or has tried any of the Applause series, please help.