Anglers have been using baitcasting reels for decades. These are among the most futuristic types of fishing gear, and they offer unmatched precision with power that can handle any type or size of fish you’re looking to catch!
There’re two most used types of bait-casting reels, round baitcasting reels and low profile bait casting reels, each with pros and cons. In today’s detailed guide, I’ll compare Round Baitcast Reels vs Low Profile and discuss their differences, advantages, and disadvantages. By the end of this guide, you’ll hopefully have a better understanding of which type is best suited for your fishing needs!
Quick Comparison
Low Profile Baitcast Reels
The tranquility of fishing is a wonderful stress reliever, but only if you have the right gear. If not, it’ll be a frustrating hassle.
That’s why many anglers have come to appreciate low-profile baitcast reels. This popular style of reel was introduced in the late 1970s. Low-profile reels offer greater precision and effortless casting, making them a go-to choice for seasoned fishermen. But you must understand the advantages and disadvantages of low-profile reels before making a purchase.
PROS
You’re may be wondering what the fuss is all about. Well, there are many benefits that come with using a low-profile reel, such as:
Smooth Operation
Low-profile baitcast reels are designed with smoothness in mind. The smaller design ensures that fewer parts can become tangled or jammed. This makes for a much smoother overall operation.
Increased Casting Distance and Accuracy
Because low-profile baitcast reels are designed for smoothness, they also offer increased casting distance and accuracy. The reduced number of moving parts means that there is less friction, allowing your line to be cast further and with greater accuracy.
Precision Casting
Because of their size and design, low-profile baitcast reels offer greater precision when casting. This is especially useful when fishing in tight spaces or around obstacles. The increased accuracy can make all the difference when trying to land that big catch.
Increased Lure Control
The smaller size of low-profile baitcast reels also allows for increased control over lures and baits. Because of the lower resistance, there is more power on the line. By trying out different lures and baits, anglers can determine what works better for them.
Increased Comfort and Ergonomic
Low-profile baitcast reels are much more comfortable to use than other types of reels. The ergonomic design reduces fatigue and makes it easy to reel in your catch. You can use this style of a reel for longer durations without causing you any discomfort. On the other hand, when using a round baitcast reel, your thumb and forefinger constantly rub against each other, which can cause discomfort. These reels provide better grip and support to your hand, making low-profile reels more popular.
Low-Profile Reels are Best for Smaller Fish
Typically, spinning reels are used for smaller fish. But, if you want to use a baitcasting reel, then a low-profile is the way. A low-profile reel is your best bet if you’re targeting smaller fish. They are much easier to control and use less physical strength. Low-profile bait-casting reels are typically lighter than round ones. These characteristics make them perfect for fishing from a kayak or canoe.
CONS
There’re a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before purchasing a low-profile reel, including:
Low-Profile Reels are Expensive
One of the biggest drawbacks of low-profile baitcast reels is the cost. They are generally more costly than other sorts of reels because to their design and precision engineering.
Low-Profile Baitcasrt Reel Require Maintenance
Another downside of low-profile baitcast reels is the increased maintenance. The smaller parts are more susceptible to damage and require regular cleaning and lubrication.
Low Profile Baitcasting Reels Hold Less Line
You might not like this reel if you prefer a fish to take your bait and run with it. This type of reel holds less line, which gives the fish less room to run. Low-profile baitcast reels have a smaller spool, which means they can’t hold as much line as their round counterparts. This may not seem a significant problem if you’re interested in catching a small fish. But if you’re targeting bigger fish, you’ll need a reel with a larger spool to handle the heavier line.
Top 3 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
9.7
9.5
9.6
Round Baitcast Reels
Round baitcast reels are the traditional type of baitcasting reel, and experienced anglers often favor them. They offer precision and power unmatched by other fishing reels, making them ideal for all types of fish. However, round baitcast reels can be somewhat difficult to use, and they can be heavier and bulkier than other types of bait casting reels.
PROS
Not sure if a round baitcaster is for you? Here are some advantages of using one.
Read About: How to Use a Baitcaster For the First Time
Round Baitcast Reels are More Powerful
Typically, round baitcast reels are more powerful than low profile baitcast reels. This is because the spool on a round baitcast reel is larger, which gives it more line capacity. Additionally, the larger spool provides more torque, making it easier to reel in large fish.
Yes can also catch a big fish like king salmon using low profile reels, but though they are not often meant for heavy fishing, their gears tend to weaken faster. On the other side, the gears of round fishing reels are stronger and can handle heavy catches without any problem. So, a round baitcast reel is the greatest choice if you want to catch bigger fish.
Best for Casting Longer Distances and Larger Baits
If you’re looking to cast your bait a long distance or use larger bait, a round baitcast reel is ideal. The larger spool on a round baitcast reel allows you to store more lines, giving you the ability to make longer casts. Additionally, the added power of a round baitcast reel will help you easily cast larger baits.
Round Baitcasting Reels Hold More Line
Round bait casting reels are great for anglers who need to fish in deep water or who want to cast heavy lures. That’s because round reels hold more lines than low-profile reels. The spool size on a round bait-casting reel is also larger, so you can fish for longer without stopping and re-lining your reel.
Many people use thick nylon monofilament or braided line with bait casting reels, and the larger spool size of round bait casting reels can accommodate these lines better than low-profile bait-casting reels.
Round bait-casting reels are also better for fishing in areas with thick vegetation, such as lily pads or kelp beds. That’s because the larger spool size of round baitcasting reels allows the line to come off the spool more easily, which prevents the line from getting tangled (backlash) in the vegetation.
Allow Faster Retrievals
Round bait cast reels also allow for faster retrieves than low-profile baitcasting reels. This is because the spool on a round baitcast reel is larger, which means there is less resistance on the line when you are reeling it in also, the spool size is bigger than the low profile; the more you turn the handle, the more fishing line gets pulled onto the spool. Therefore, you can reel in your line much faster with a round bait-cast reel than you can with a low-profile bait cast reel.
Less Maintenance Required
Round baitcasting reels require less maintenance than their low profile counterparts. This is because a round baitcasting reel has fewer moving components. Therefore, the reel experiences less wear and tear. Additionally, round baitcasting reels are less likely to break down or malfunction.
If you want a baitcasting reel that will not require much maintenance, then a round baitcasting reel is the way to go.
CONS
While round baitcasters boast many benefits, they still have a few drawbacks, such as:
Round Baitcast Reels are More Difficult to Use
Round bait cast reels are more difficult to use than low profile bait-cast reels. This is because the spool on a round bait-cast reel is larger, which makes it more difficult to control. Additionally, the added power of a round baitcast reel can make it difficult to cast accurately. A person with small hands might have a hard time using a round bait cast reel because after 30-40 casts, their hand might start to cramp up.
If you are new to baitcasting or don’t have much experience using baitcasting reels, then a low profile baitcaster would be a better choice.
Round Reels are More Bulky
Some people like to use smaller fishing reels, but Round bait-cast reels are typically bulkier than low-profile baitcast reels. This is because they have a larger spool, which can hold more lines. Additionally, the round shape of the reel makes it more difficult to palm, which can be a disadvantage when fishing for long periods. However, the increased size of the spool also gives the angler more line capacity, which can be an advantage when fishing for large fish.
Top 3 Round Baitcasting Reel
9.7
9.5
9.6
FAq’s
What are round Baitcast reels used for?
Round baitcast reels are used for fishing in deeper water and saltwater. They provide more power and better control than other types of reels when casting in deep water. They’re also good for fishing in windy conditions since they have a higher gear ratio and can handle heavier loads than other types of reels.
What are low profile reels used for?
Low profile reels are used for various applications, including fly fishing, ice fishing, and spincast fishing. They are also popular among bass fishermen because they offer great casting accuracy.
Low profile reels are smaller and lighter than traditional baitcasting or spinning reels, making them ideal for use in tight spaces or when hiking long distances to your favorite spot. They also feature a simpler design that makes them easier to operate, making them perfect for novice anglers.
Does Baitcast reel cast better with full spool of line?
It depends. A full spool of a line can add more weight and inertia to the cast, resulting in a longer and more powerful throw. However, if there’s too much line on the spool, it can be difficult to maintain good control over the cast, and the line can easily tangle. Generally, it’s a good idea to fill your reel up only as far as you need for the distance you’re casting.
Round Baitcast Reels vs Low Profile: Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between round baitcast reels and low profile reels. However, it depends on your personal preferences and the sort of fishing you’ll be doing. Round baitcast reels offer more power and control, making them ideal for deep-water fishing or fishing in windy conditions. Low profile reels are more convenient because they weigh less and can fit into small areas. They’re also a good choice for novice anglers or those who want an easy-to-use reel. Whichever type of reel you choose, ensure it’s the right size and has the features you need for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.