Rear drag reels

Dad had a shimano rear drag and I bought him a new for Christmas a couple of years ago, they were hard to find. I was wondering if anyone else liked them, and if not why?

I have a few,,love them !!! Been using them for 20 yrs

Wish they still made the Cardinal 3s and 4s.

Been using the rear drag shimano's for years good reels easy to adjust drag while working the fish.

DanN had a rear drag shimano reel for sale in the trap shed some time back

I love rear drag spinning reels. It is a shame that everyone has moved away from them. I still have a couple of old pflueger reels, but I’m not sure if they are still manufacturing one with a rear drag. Like everything these days, the front drag is easier/cheaper to manufacture, so that’s what we end up with.

Front drag reels have a larger drag washer and are easier and cheaper to manufacture. Larger drag surface dissipates heat better than the small ones and last much longer. Maybe cheaper bass pro branded reels will find the rear drags but the better quality reels will always have a front drag.

I bought the Shimanos about thirty years ago, the black ones. In all those years of guiding I couldn't count the hours on them. Never a hitch with any. There were three sizes if I recall or at least that I have, the biggest being the 2500. I must have half a dozen yet tho I no longer use them only because other manufacturers have equipped me over time.
I think the key to those reels was to turn the drag loose between long periods of non use. Mine were and are still bullet proof.

Osky

I do that with all my reels. Most of them are front-drag Pflueger’s.

All should. Those reels with the flat spring washer type drags are especially worn if you do not release them.
It's a habit, I even turn them off now on my Komodos and Tranx tho the systems have greatly evolved.

Osky

I’m glad I’m not the only one that likes them, I thought maybe I was really different , I do wish I would have bought two when I bought dads its really nice. I do try to loosen them but sometimes I forget.

I love my 30 year old rear drag Shimano’s.