Reels

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

the Ballistic since they are sealed an less prone to damage from salt water.

Hey Gerry...they're not really sealed. The "Magseal" term they use is a marketing gray area and is a bit misleading. The Magseal oil has magnetic properties that essentially "pushes" bad stuff away from and out of the important stuff. It's not infallible and cannot be dunked in saltwater by any means. Boat use is fine with a good rinsing afterwards.

I have 3 Ballistics--one older EX 2500 and 2 newer LTs. Great reels. I've used them for mostly sweet water applications. I use the older EX back bay fluking and used it for jigging blackfish. It seized this September after 4 or 5 years of abuse, several blackfish, countless fluke and a few husky cow nose rays that smoked the reel proper. Sending it in to be re-built this winter.

The newer LTs i havent put any salt water heat on yet. They've been whipped on by hybrid stripers and a few 20+ lb carp and are no worse for wear. Time will tell.

Also note, the newer LTs are smaller in size so you can likely get away with a 4000 or even a 5000 for jigging blackfish without adding too much weight to your set up. It'll also handle tank stripers, shallow and deep water fluking, albies, bones and mahi offshore.