Considering a return to casting with a number of options available for reels. In the past I've used ABUs with various tweeks to them, now we have a new player on the block AKIOS who have their roots in ABU another option is a Rocket company reel again in sizes similar to the two other options or a Rocket company /ABU hybrid combining a Rocket company bare bones side plate with a ABU 6500 or 5500 reel such as the new TSR ince I get past the colour!

As long as you have enough braking adjustment so its slow at the start and fast at the end + quiet and smooth it makes no discernible difference what brand you use.

How have people found the Akios after several months use, the braking systems especially the mono mags sound impressive with better performance than the standard mags that come with the abus that are uneven in their application of the mags hence why Im considering a Rocket side plate.The Akios also come with Ceramics supplied with the tournament reels so again a good buy?

the Akios are in the retail stores and they will be at Papamona, Gisbourne,North Shore and Pania casting days- there guys near you own these reels but its always good to put a plug in to buy from over seas I guess.

Akios,QTC and a few Rockets are here in NZ, I'm sure if you ask the guys will tell you- 

Abu tsr's dont have a great rep .The cages are ok but the mag set up is a std abu job and not whats needed for distance .Too restrictive and not enough range.

The akios have yet to disappoint me . Wide range of braking and made like the abus of old.

Rockets .Not seen a reel in the flesh but they look nice and have a great rep. Wont give any extra distance tho .

I have cast a sl20h near to 200m .Melted the brake blocks


Editb

The braking on these reels has to be set slow enough so the reel dosent overrun when it initially spins up to speed .However leaving the braking set at that slow speed throughout the entire cast will cost you a bit of distance so we wind the brakes off while the lead is in flight.

The braking is referred to as spin times.
We spin the reel up by a sharp tap on the handle and put into freespool and count how long it takes to stop. Mine range from 6 ish seconds to 9ish seconds on full slow to 1 min + full off. 
I say "ish as its not all that precise when all you are doing is tapping the handle to spin the spool.

This applies to adjustable magnetic reels.

This vid shows a braking setup being adjusted .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cr4DSE55Uc&feature=related
  

Anybody tried the new Shimano Tranx as a serious caster?

Watch out TNF--the TAS buzzards are working... 

EditB wrote: clickngofar wrote: Tell me when the next event is on in Auckland, and if I'm not working, I'll bring it along for someone to do an evaluation.   This Saturday 29th September @ the Kumeu Showgrounds. Rego 8.30am . $5 entry. Hosted by the Bethells Angling & Casting Club.