Upgraded Fishing Line Spooler
Foreword
The upgraded fishing line spooling and unspooling machine is a compact tool designed to make respooling fishing reels easier.
Unlike manual spooling, this device keeps the line under even tension – reducing twists and improving reel performance.
There are various solutions on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. This tool is a variant of the previously reviewed line spooling tool.
It is so similar to the other model that on retailer pages it is often hard to tell which version you will receive.
Key Features
- Clamp with 2 mounting feet: Attaches securely to desks, tables, or benches up to 4 cm thick.
- Adjustable tension system: Mechanism for smooth control of line tension
- Rotating reel holder: Suitable for efficient spooling of both spinning and baitcasting reels.
- Sturdy construction: Plastic and metal elements ensure stable and long-lasting use.
- Compact size: Takes up little space when disassembled.
- Universal design: Suitable for most spool sizes.
- 1x gear ratio: For unspooling line from a reel
- Tool-free assembly: Simply screw the spindle that holds the spool onto the rotating mechanism
My Experience
Since I already used a similar tool, for some reason after my purchase I was bombarded with ads for this variant. As I mentioned in my review of this tool, until I lubricated the tension spring, it provided uneven resistance. Disassembling and assembling with the tiny screwdriver and bolt always carried the risk of losing the bolt and causing trouble.
The tool you see here has two major differences from the “original”:
- The line tension mechanism resembles the drag of a fishing reel and promises smooth operation
- Assembly does not require bolts or screwdrivers
When I received it, I immediately opened it and was pleased to find the tension mechanism worked smoothly. I was tempted to take it apart, but decided to test it in its factory condition first.
During assembly, I noticed that the mounting feet are not rubberized. So you should be careful not to overtighten the mechanism if the surface you are mounting it on is delicate. The presence of two feet makes installation more laborious, without any noticeable benefit to stability. The other device, with just one rubberized foot, had absolutely no issues securing itself firmly.
Mounting the spindle for the spool is easy. It screws onto the rotating shaft, which turns the spool.
Next, we put the spool on the spindle, screw on the washers to fix the spool with line. We mount the reel on a rod, thread the line through the first guide, and tie it to the reel’s spool. Don’t forget to lift the bail before tying the line.
The tension level is adjusted by the knob right next to the handle, which resembles a drag regulator on a baitcasting reel.
I had no problems with winding. The tension system works smoothly, but the adjustment isn’t super precise. Overall, this isn’t an issue, as the operation is completely satisfactory.
Note: For spinning reels, the line should come off the bottom of the spool, since spinning reels wind in the opposite direction of the clock.
Disassembly and packing up the device takes just a few minutes. While unscrewing the two knobs on the feet, I wondered why they increased the feet to two. One foot with a good rubber seal works well enough and speeds up mounting and removal. More isn’t always better.
Pros and Cons
👍 Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble and disassemble (no tools required)
- Smooth operation of the line tension system
- Does its job excellently
👎 Cons
- No rubber seals on the mounting mechanism
- 1:1 gear ratio for unspooling
- The two feet make installation slower
Verdict
This version of the popular line spooling tool has addressed my biggest complaint about the original – uneven line tension and the need for a screwdriver to assemble it. Other compromises have been made, but fortunately, they do not negatively affect its performance, so for me the new version is better than the old one. However, if you already own the previous version, you can skip buying this one.
Where to Buy
Gallery
Appearance
The device consists of 3 main parts