"Tapered" Spool - spacers required?

[zeck]

Tried loading line on my new spinning reel, but it is "top heavy". That means more line is nearer the spool lip.

Does this mean that I need a spacer under the spool?

Thanks, zeck

[stickbom!]

Too much line near lip means you need to raise the spool height so add washers. If line is bunching up at the base of your spool then its too high so remove a washer or two.

[zeck]

thanks mike.

[skipjack]

Hi, this might be trivial but is there any advantages having a tapered spool? I noticed two of my daiwa spinning reels have top heavy biased when new from the box. Is it an intended design or QA problem?

[stickbom!]

I can't see any merits of have line gathering more at the top or bottom of your spool because it simple reduces the amount of line you can pack into your reel.

There's probably nothing wrong with your reel SJ but do adjust the height of your spool with the provided spacers so as to maximise your line cap.

[Makaira]

Originally Posted by stickbom!

I can't see any merits of have line gathering more at the top or bottom of your spool because it simple reduces the amount of line you can pack into your reel.

There's probably nothing wrong with your reel SJ but do adjust the height of your spool with the provided spacers so as to maximise your line cap.

A reel that does not lay line evenly not only affects line cap, it also affects casting distance. It may also affect the drag performance of the reel as it can result in the line "digging" in because the line cannot / may not be packed tightly enough.

Some surfcasting spinning reels have tapered spools by design for casting distance.

If I am not mistaken, the spool of the Saltiga 6000GT has a smaller spool lip relative to the base of the spool for greater casting distance; which can be considered "tapered" in a sense

[skipjack]

Thanks guys for your inputs. I have adjusted the height accordingly and it packs more lines now. Very negligible difference in casting performance but find the top heavy spool has slightly less friction on the spool lip while casting. This must be the compromise. Cheers.