Spinning reel spool oscillation/level wind mechanisms.

The heart and soul of TackleTour. It is, afterall, all about the tackle. Select your subforum of choice and start sharing and asking information, and if you can't figure out which is the right one, choose "General".
Post Reply
bASSMAN
Angler
Angler
Posts: 44
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2003 12:26 am

Spinning reel spool oscillation/level wind mechanisms.

Post by bASSMAN » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:12 pm

How would you rank the various mechanisms that move a spinning reel spool in and out?

What mechanism works best with nylon, fluorocarbon, or braided lines?
Or, is there one best mechanism for all three types of line?
Which is best for maximum casting distance?
Which is best at preventing the line from digging into itself?

There have been many different mechanical movements used in the past to spread the line evenly across a spinning reel spool. Some companies like Mitchell even offered two different mechanism options within the same model of reel, i.e. ‘level wind’ and ‘cross wind’. One utilized a planetary gear train (“Planamatic”), or a double rack & pinion with missing teeth.

It appears that the “Scotch yoke” with an “S” shaped slot (like Daiwa’s locomotive level wind), and the multiple turn cylindrical cam (AKA, “worm gear” or “carriage screw”) are presently the most commonly used mechanisms. Both of these systems seem to avoid the uneven “hills and valleys” line distribution that develops with simpler oscillation mechanisms.

What other mechanisms are worth considering? Non-circular (oval) gearing? Crank and connecting rod? Four bar linkage????

Has anyone here done any analysis of the different mechanisms?
Are there any other sites like “Take’s Reel Room” http://www5c.biglobe.ne.jp/~take300/index.htm that have good analysis of the different oscillation mechanisms?

IMHO, Shimano’s Aerowrap seem intuitively like the best system.
Does anyone know how AerowrapII is different from the original design?

User avatar
promax
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 538
Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2005 8:28 pm
Location: Maryland
Contact:

Re: Spinning reel spool oscillation/level wind mechanisms.

Post by promax » Mon Sep 24, 2007 8:32 pm

All i know is a shimano sidestab puts line on the spool better then a sahara !!

sony
Elite Angler
Elite Angler
Posts: 511
Joined: Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:19 am

Re: Spinning reel spool oscillation/level wind mechanisms.

Post by sony » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:12 pm

worm gears lay lines best on spinning spools; especially when it comes to preventing line from digging in. It also helps to remove a spool washer (when possible) to have the line lay more toward the top of the spool. The new Shimano Stradic FI has the best worm gear I have ever had the pleasure of using. As far as line goes, fireline and limp mono works best on spinning reels.

Post Reply