[catfever]

Just purchased a penn 320ld for big cats, i was undecided between 320ld or 320gt, is one better than the other, im kind of new to baitcasters, does the spool tension knob help on some reels when casting, 320ld doesnt have it, can i leave the drag on just a little when casting, or should i cast with lever in free spool, thanks

 

[CJ21]

Ya it do. it slows the reel down! so it limits backlashes, but u still got to use ur tumb to stop the spool/

 

[nuthinlikeacat]

spool tensioners are nice to have, especially if your using big bait and casting alot.

 

[roh1961]

Just purchased a penn 320ld for big cats, i was undecided between 320ld or 320gt, is one better than the other, im kind of new to baitcasters, does the spool tension knob help on some reels when casting, 320ld doesnt have it, can i leave the drag on just a little when casting, or should i cast with lever in free spool, thanks

Man, you really popped my bubble. I was fixing to get a couple. I don't know if I can cast without it. Are you sure the tension adjustment isn't the cap nut on the lever drag?

 

[HOPPY4]

I am wondering about this myself now! My Okuma LDs have a tension knob that will set the amount of Drag on the lever to start with before allowing to freespool. I have not attempted to casts either of these reel and Do Not NO!! When we are fishing from the boat, it is not necessary to casts. This bears reserch now that it has been brought up. I will be checking this weekend to see.

HOPPY4

 

[dreamcatcher]

I have the 320LD. You definitely want it in complete freespool when you're casting. The only spool adjustment is the lever itself. The silver dial at the base of the handle isn't a magnetic brake.

 

[center12]

I also have a 320LD and Dreamcatcher's post is right on the money. After a couple of backlashes you'll be surprised how smart that thumb will get. Great reels and are wonderful if you use circle hooks, just tighten that drag down slow as the fish runs.

 

[Deltalover]

I have one and the way it works is, first of all you need to determine the light drag setting which I believe is about 8 percent of line rating. You need to do this with a scale. This is the point where the lever is just out of free spool or just after the first click. When your line is out in the current, you can move the lever up to the point that current doesnt carry your weight! When you catch a fish you can move your drag up to a stop which is your maxium drag setting. You can push the button in to move the lever to full lock down. On mine I set it the way they recomended then played with it untill it fit my fishing! I really enjoy mine!

 

[slider]

deltalover is right on the money i have two 320ld and planning on getting more i love em

 

[HOPPY4]

This is a Repost of mine as I placed into the Okuma reel by mistake!

I wasn't able to make a correct test of the 903LD reel on yesterday, but made these observations. The movement of the lever to the Free Spool position (Completely Down or to the Rear) did not effect the spool the same as the adjustment on other reels with a Star drag. The turning of the knob (On the lever handle) in the lowest setting before the freespool will allow for casting under control. Let it be known, an educated thumb is a Big Positive! I was able to toss it underhand without much effort. The possibility or likely hood of a backlash/birdsnest is high. I would not hesitate to use one for casting at distance or as my primary usage as a pilking reels for saltwater. JMHO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOPPY4

 

[roh1961]

I have the 320LD. You definitely want it in complete freespool when you're casting. The only spool adjustment is the lever itself. The silver dial at the base of the handle isn't a magnetic brake.

Have you used the IR320 reel and if so how would you compare it to the 320LD (casting, drag, control, clicker, using heavier than capacity line, etc.) other than one being lever drag and one a star drag? Sorry about getting off the posted topic.