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Packing backing. How tight?

1402 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  herkileez
Got two Saraciones in my mail today that will need backing. These are expensive reels and I want to set them up right the first time. Few questions.

I have always used 30lb waxed bacron. I like waxed versions because spliced loops on them is easy task and it holds up very well with one continuous feed.

What are the other reasons they make waxed dacron? Less water absorption and tighter packing?

Another thing. I've heard that packing backing too tight might warp the spool. How much truth there is to that?

On a side note, I do zigzag my backing when spoiling a reel. That gives tighter pack and less chance for it to dig into itself.

This a very anal topic but I appreciate your input.
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I don't know about Saracione reels or other modern spools warping like you describe, but the cast aluminum spools in old Hardy reels can/may split or crack under the pressure.
The cheaper pressed component spools will seperate. In my experience springy lines are more subject to ruining spools, IE mono used for chuck n' duck style fishing.

I run braid on a lot of my reels that are marginal for dacron capacity. I spool it on TIGHT. I weave it through my leather gloved fingers to adjust for tension and crank that stuff on.

In my opinion, spooling on tight will help prevent line wedging down into lower layers that can cause lateral loading and put more force on the spool sides.
i do not put backing on any tighter than I would normally recover it when fishing.

if it is wound on extra tight when spooling on fresh and you do actually end up well into the backing- can you wind it back on tight enough to not have an issue with line space on the river?

just my non expert thoughts
i do not put backing on any tighter than I would normally recover it when fishing.

if it is wound on extra tight when spooling on fresh and you do actually end up well into the backing- can you wind it back on tight enough to not have an issue with line space on the river?

just my non expert thoughts

Stream-side - No. I mean the spools should only be loaded so that the entire line and tip come close to the rim. Besides - the entire line is normally not spooled when actually fishing.

Now - if an anglers fights fish with the reel instead of the rod as it should be done - backing is going to spool-up under excessive tension. If the layers underneath are not as tight then there may be a problem. It really is better to wind backing with the spool removed from the reel and mounted to a line winder like it would be done at a shop so as to keep undo pressure off the handle. A portable drill can also be used at home if available. This way the backing is spooled on tightly and more evenly across the with of the spool much easier than it can be done winding by hand. Also, this way any backing that gets peeled off the reel (the top 50-75 yards or so) will always be wound on with less tension than the layers underneath further preventing it from digging in.
I run braid on a lot of my reels that are marginal for dacron capacity. I spool it on TIGHT. I weave it through my leather gloved fingers to adjust for tension and crank that stuff on.
I have often considered using braid for backing but have been concerned about cutting my fingers while holding against a fast running fish? Are you controlling strictly by the reel once the backing is in play? Are there others using Braid?
I have often considered using braid for backing but have been concerned about cutting my fingers while holding against a fast running fish? Are you controlling strictly by the reel once the backing is in play? Are there others using Braid?
I've used braid, where reel capacity is in question, with no problems. When a fish is into the backing/braid I use the drag, or palm the reel. I never hang on to the backing.
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