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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 13 May 2020, 23:33 • #51 
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Thanks Ron for checking into that. I will keep an eye out for them.
Ron


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 15 May 2020, 08:43 • #52 
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Ron, looks like there is one US vendor with in-stock SL2500 - they'll probably sell out now..

btw, even though they're listed as OOS on website, I found two of these at Glen's Army-Navy in Grand Rapids, MI
for the loss-leader price of $50 shipped.
Again, even though it's listed OOS, you can probably get the last one at this price by calling.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 15 May 2020, 10:48 • #53 
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Thanks Ron, I'll wait and see if the availability improves on these new reels. Actually I'm anxious to see if Amazon can deliver on the SX1500 I ordered a couple days ago. Often their dealers/suppliers run out and the buyer gets notified after the fact. Here's hoping!
Ron


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 15 May 2020, 10:54 • #54 
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Buying on Amazon, Tica America (importer) is the vendor, so they should know their stock.
If you think about it, they make more profit selling piecemeal on Amazon than by shipping batches to TackleDirect and Sportsmans Guide.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 15 May 2020, 10:57 • #55 
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I hope you're right ;)


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 17 May 2020, 17:53 • #56 
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Just received my $50 loss-leader Libra SL2500 - don't go out of your way to buy it - the Libra SX1500 IOS is way slicker than their worm drive.
Still a good buy at $50 - long spool stroke and built to last.
I do have a niche for this reel - letting my Cetus SS500 take a break on XUL seatrout. (four UL rods, four reels)

The worm gear oscillation is very crisp, but it takes slight, though noticeably more effort to wind this reel, even with a 50mm handle pitch. And I'll qualify that gravity on the handle will move the mechanism, so it's not sealed in concrete or anything.
Not surprisingly, unlike Shimano, there is a slight sound when the worm drive switches direction (but that's even reported with top-line Daiwa).
It would likely be harder to tell the difference in the 4000 size with its long 70mm handle - I really hate the flat handle grasp, though the handle fold design is improved.
I'll probably cobble out an inexpensive lightweight longer handle upgrade on the SL (Basszone or Gomexus).

Capacity is greater with a deeper spool, but the SL2500 spool is 2mm smaller loaded diameter (40 v. 42). Probably the real reason they chose to call this reel a 2500 size is it's 50 g heavier than the SX1500.
The bail function is wonderful (including auto close - just say no), the drag is wonderful with fine adjustments, and the drag sounds wonderful.
Anti-reverse is also optional on this reel, and no added drag feel with the roller bearing clutch engaged, but it already begins with too much. They just don't have a slick worm drive like Shimano and Daiwa (but this is also $50 v. $200).
Like every Tica reel, feels built to last.
The Libra SX still wins for slicker function, lighter-weight mechanism giving remarkable line management with long stroke (and I like the handle grasp).


ps - balance of the SL2500 feels great on my 7'9" Takamiya rockfish UL
The slightly lighter SX1500 will go on the 7'6" XUL.
Note the weight of the SX1500 is not significantly more than the Stradic FL1000 - 20 g (the Stradic FL1000 is sold in Japan as the C2000SHG)

pss - if you're wondering why I'd go to this effort - Arroyo dock fishing - changing up lures is everything, plus rods to loan.


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 19 May 2020, 06:06, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 17 May 2020, 21:26 • #57 
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Thanks for the report Ron.
I happen to like the looks and color of the SX better.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 18 May 2020, 06:15 • #58 
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me, too - even thought about editing that into my review, but form follows function.
The SX represents design fruition - certainly not the latest and greatest (most often = lightest), but their best ideas coming from the Libra SA that established them a dozen years ago, in the same way as the Cetus on the micro side.

I think Tica's current reel with the same level of attention to asthetic appeal in their worm drive series is the Samira SAAT. The Libra SL is basically the same reel internally, minus the rubber seals, but doesn't have the Samira SAAT's styling refinements, including the sharp-looking rotor design. The Samira has an established world market, in places the Libra isn't sold.

People have questioned why are there so many different grades of these reels. But if you look at Daiwa and Shimano, they're even worse, more so Daiwa, and they give each tiny reel variation a whole new model name. Most of their models are a blend of components from several different reels, adjusting the price point to find a market niche.

In another very good video, Tackle Advisors picked on Daiwa specifically about this.
One thing to get out of this video, if you're after big fish, only metal frames will do.
Something I get out of this video, even in the $200 market, where Shimano had the only worm-drive entries, the Libra SX design features stand out.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 18 May 2020, 11:41 • #59 
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I dislike the race to make lighter and lighter reels both in the fly world and spinning tackle.
Why do people want super light reels anyway? Do they like a difficult to cast tip heavy setup? Do people like worn out shoulders? This is made even worse by the trend of longer rods
A setup should balance on your index finger IMO
I have found it necessary to wrap lead core line around the arbor of many of my fly reels in order to balance the outfit.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 18 May 2020, 12:37 • #60 
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Will have to say my magnesium-frame-and-spool Vanquish with the same plama-coated-alloy wear parts as Stradic is shocking at 145 g, but Shimano's goal with this reel was the lightest possible winding inertia, and I've never seen another reel like it. (especially matched with an 8'3" 75-g XUL super-rod.) The Stradic feels sluggish next to it. There's no question you feel more of the line through the Vanquish handle than any other reel, ever.
But even the 8-oz Stradic FL4000 is shocking light next to a 12-oz Libra SX3000 - both great reels, but the Stradic is next-level.
If you're in the $200 market, the Stradic FL is the best buy under $500 (Vanquish unless you shop Japan really well), and everyone will be trying to match the Stradic FL for the next 5 years.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 18 May 2020, 20:55 • #61 
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I got an exceptional wind result on the Libra SL2500, but had to bust my butt to get it.
The spool needed shimming - it was stacking line at the top, not filling on the bottom - and no shims came with the reel.
I have 200 yards on the spool below, 50-yd base wrap of leftover 15-lb braid, and the base wrap was my spool shim guinea pig.
Had to fill the 50-yd base 4 times, back the drag to nil and return the 50-yd to my line winder, hang the spool off the rod guide, and return the reel body to my bench.

I have a big stack of stainless shims, any thickness, perfect I.D. for the spindle, but the O.D. wasn't big enough to shoulder the spool.
What worked was a 4mm nylon washer, drilled open, but I had to sand it to half thickness to get this result on the 4th try.

You can see from my final +150-yd 10-lb braid result it was worth the effort - but I don't have any fingertips left.
Cound't ask for flatter line lay (there's 200 yds under there - Shimano can't beat this).
It should cast way out of sight, and that's what I want for my salt UL niche.

Still the ugliest rotor I've ever seen.
Noteworthy, the effort of loading the reel loosened up the mechanism quite a bit - enough to call it a Libra.
And again, super-fine adjustments setting the drag with spring scale for the UL rod's line-rating - takes more than a half-dozen drag knob detentes to register a difference on the scale.

This lighting hit the rod nicely, but didn't profile the spool very well, and the middle one is pure rod pearl porn and profiles the spool nicely


And worth noting, no such spool shimming problems with any of my Libra SX (or any of my Shimano) - they all got the proper attention at the factory.


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 19 May 2020, 11:06, edited 5 times in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 18 May 2020, 23:24 • #62 
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Just a heads up for previous poster, it appears that tackle direct has the sx3000 in stock


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 19 May 2020, 10:53 • #63 
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Thanks will look into that.
Ron


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 17:54 • #64 
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I just received 2x Libra 2500sx reels in the mail today. I got one for $89 on ebay and the other in a straight auction from the same seller for $20.
I think the 2500sx will make a nice size reel for my Medium to MH bass rods. Maybe light pike.
The frame seems to be in between the other 2.
Here is a picture.


The knob on the 2500 is the same size as the 3000. I wish it had the knob from the 1500.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 18:45 • #65 
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I agree about the handles - with the low gear ratios, the handles are too long on all of them - 50 mm on the SX1500, and 65 mm on the SX3000, and apparently the SX2500 also.
Sure enough, checked my schematic (have the pdf), and SX2500, SX3000/3500 and even SX4000/4500 (really just deeper spools on the 3000 body) all share the same handle p/n.
(the SX6000 is a larger body - the size of a S&W - and giant teardrop handle knob)

Great photo - thanks for that.

I'll share this with you - snagged on ebay to go on my SX1500, waiting on delivery - it shipped, but probably DHL the long way through Europe - I'm excited about it.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gomexus-Power- ... 3664388043
this has the correct hex shaft with 3mm cap screw

I think it will be absolute perfection on the SX1500 - a 36-mm-pitch lightweight double handle with great balance. Planning to put even lighter acrylic knobs on it to shed another 14 g. The real advantage of these little double handles (or short counterbalanced handle) is cranking a low-geared reel quickly.

Noteworthy, the SL2500 also has a 50mm handle, though with it's higher gear ratio, it could go with a longer handle.
Swapping around, I noticed my 3000 was even very nice with the 50mm handle.
Always an option to call Tica America Customer Service and order two more SX1500 handles - should be very cost-effective - when I ordered complete spare spools, they were $10 or 12.
SX 50 mm handle p/n - 2YH-504-1

Big oops by Gomexus. 9Jun finally received the slow Orange delivery from China.
The 4mm Daiwa handle shaft hex faces don't have clearance for the Daiwa-size main gear slot - the handle will not insert in any Tica reel, and probably no Daiwa. This is confirmed by the perfect fit I get with IOS handle hex shaft made to fit Daiwa RCS handles.
Aside from that, I can use the nice carbon double handle, because the square slot on it exactly fits the boss on a Livre Shimano base.


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 09 Jun 2020, 19:20, edited 6 times in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 18:46 • #66 
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Are you saying the entire 1500 handle will fit the 2500?
I might go test that now.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 18:48 • #67 
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it absolutely will - I tried mine on the 3000 and liked it - here's the part number again - 2YH-504-1
You can try it, too...see what you think.

When you google Tica phone number, note there are also two service centers - can call either or both, Harlingen, TX and Seattle, WA


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 21 May 2020, 18:54, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 18:53 • #68 
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I just tried the 1500 handle in the 2500. It works, but the 1500 hex shaft is shorter.
Wondering if this will be OK


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 19:15 • #69 
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it should be fine as long as the cap threads reach - the contact area is not going to make that much difference compared to the torque of the longer handle.
It would also matter if you set your drag to the max 8.8 lbs (for 30-lb line).
Note that any Daiwa hex-shaft handle will fit (older Shimano has square shaft, 3.5 mm cap screw)

You can also search "spinning reel handle hex shaft" on ebay and amazon, but I like the orange anodize on the stock Tica SX handles.


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 21 May 2020, 19:36, edited 3 times in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 19:16 • #70 
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I like the orange very much also. Very nice and contrasts nicely with the different shades of St Croix green


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 21 May 2020, 19:30 • #71 
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That's one reason I'm going with orange acrylic knobs (17mm dia) with orange anodize caps on the carbon double handle I'm putting on my 1500 - wasn't going to mention it until I had it done with photos, but it's pertinent now.


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 27 May 2020, 21:34 • #72 
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Mentally remove all comments above about the SL2500 being stiff.
This reel has many well-selected ball bearings, including the front of the worm shaft and the worm-shaft rider (Shimano only on Stella, Twin Power and Vanquish).

But a nylon bushing at the rear of the worm shaft.
I replaced the nylon bushing with an $8 ball bearing from ebay. Now this reel is virtually as slick as Shimano - just heavy, and Stradic and up get the edge with fine-toothed gearing.
I always take Hansel & Gretel photos on the way in - bread crumbs to get me back out.
That plate is the worm shaft cover


The white nylon bushing easily comes out the back - it also brings a tiny washer you need to replace, and partially brings the worm shaft, which actually helps.
Replacing the bushing with BB is simply alignment finagling.


Make that 11, and more than worth the effort.


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 28 May 2020, 08:33, edited 2 times in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 28 May 2020, 07:50 • #73 
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Paul, there's one other less than cost effective option for tuning handle length on these reels (and hex-shaft Daiwas, such Legalis, Revros and older reels), and maybe this belongs on the reel pimp thread.
IOS is the only Japan maker that currently offers a Daiwa hex-shaft adapter for fancy Daiwa RCS handles.
The handles are available from 35 mm to 60 mm in 5 mm increments, come with all the hardware, but don't come with a knob.
Possibly a little more cost effective, since it comes with the knob, can also use the IOS hex-shaft adapter with a Daiwa Theory handle.

I tried a 55 mm handle on the SL2500, decided it was too long for the 5.2 gearing, as well as comfort, but moved it over and found it was absolute perfection on the SX3000 in place of the 65 mm stock handle that came on that reel. Finally settled on the nicer 50 mm Daiwa handle on the SL2500


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 04 Jun 2020, 20:27, edited 1 time in total.

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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 28 May 2020, 22:25 • #74 
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Nice handles,
I have a question for you. I decided to take apart and service my Penn 4300ss following a youtube video.
I got all the old grease off and regreased with hot sauce. I also oiled the bearings.
I think the bearings are not good. Are these serviceable? Can I get the race apart and repack the bearings or do I need new bearings?
Thanks


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Re: Tica Libra reels
Post 29 May 2020, 00:29 • #75 
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I would definitely replace the bearings.
There are only three common bearings in main gear and pinion gear, and google turns up many suppliers.
Bearing suppliers are abundant because so many are used in fishing reels and RC cars.

https://www.mysticparts.com/PennParts/Penn4300SS.aspx
Good source for schematic and parts list, but you can find the bearings for less than his price.
I checked the schematic, no separate bushing for the 4300 line roller - 4400 has one, which could be replaced with a BB.


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