In case you've spent any serious time just offshore, you already know how the stock talica 50 handle is a workhorse, yet there's always that nagging feeling that will it might be just a little little bit better when you're locked into a long fight. The Shimano Talica series is legendary intended for its drag program and its ability to stop enormous fish, yet the interface—the actual part your own hand touches—is often the first thing anglers turn to customize. It's the main point associated with contact between you and a triple-digit tuna, so when it doesn't feel right, the entire experience suffers.
Why the Stock Handle Isn't Always the Best Fit
Shimano makes a fantastic product, don't get me wrong. The factory handle is designed in order to attract the widest possible range of hand sizes and fishing styles. It's durable, it resistant to corrosion, and it also does exactly what it's supposed to perform right from the container. But "one dimension fits all" seldom works perfectly with regard to everyone, especially whenever you're talking regarding a reel mainly because powerful since the Talica 50.
Intended for some guys, the factory T-bar feels a bit slim or lacks the ergonomic "meat" needed to really crank down throughout the end-game of a fight. If you have larger hands, you might find your fingers cramping upward after twenty minutes of heavy stress. On the other hand, some find the stock arm length a little brief for generating the particular kind of rpm needed to move the stubborn fish off the bottom. That's where the globe of aftermarket enhancements comes in, plus honestly, it's a single of the simplest ways to make a high-end reel feel like a custom-built tool.
The Quest for More Leverage
One of the greatest reasons individuals swap out their particular talica 50 handle is in order to change the length of the crank arm. Within physics terms, an extended handle gives you more leverage. Whenever you're in reduced gear and trying to regain these precious inches of line, a slightly longer arm can make it sense like the fishing reel is doing more of the work for a person.
It's a balancing action, though. If you proceed too long, you end up with a huge "swing" that can make high-speed cranking feel awkward and bouncy. Most aftermarket choices find a lovely spot that provides just enough size to assist with the heavy lifting with no ruining the reel's balance. You need that will smooth, circular movement to stay consistent, not feel such as you're rowing the boat.
Choosing the Right Knob Shape
As soon as you've decided on the arm duration, you have to look with the knob by itself. This is where personal preference actually takes over. You generally see 3 main styles: the traditional T-bar, the oversized ball, and the "egg" or "barrel" shape.
The T-bar is what most people are usually utilized to. It allows you to cover your fingers round the top and draw with your entire hand. However, in the event that the T-bar isn't angled correctly, this can put odd pressure on your wrist. A lot of high-end alternative handles use a good offset T-bar that will follows the organic contour of your own palm while you turn. It's a little modification that makes a world of difference during a two-hour battle.
Then you possess the power golf balls. These have grown to be extremely popular simply because they permit for a "death grip" from any kind of angle. Whether you're palm-down or grasping from the part, a round or even egg-shaped knob remains comfortable. They're usually made from precision machined aluminum, which feels incredibly solid but can get a bit slippery if your own hands are covered in bait slime or fish bloodstream. That's why some versions have holes drilled in them or a bumpy finish to help you stay connected.
Materials plus Durability
Considering that we're talking regarding saltwater fishing, the material of your talica 50 handle matters even more than almost everything else. You're working with salt spray, sun, and continuous tension. Most stock handles are high-grade aluminum, and the aftermarket ones follow match. But the high quality of the anodizing is what separates the particular good stuff through the junk.
Cheap handles may look pretty within the shelf, but after three trips, the salt starts in order to eat away in the finish, plus you'll see that whitened, powdery corrosion begin to form across the screws. If you're upgrading, it's worth spending the extra money on something that's been hard-anodized. It'll stay searching new longer, and more importantly, it won't seize upward when you need it most.
The Importance associated with Bearings
Within that handle button, you will find bearings or even bushings that allow it to rewrite. A lot of people forget regarding this part until the handle begins to feel "crunchy. " When you're looking at a replacement, find out if this uses high-quality stainless steel bearings.
Some guys in fact prefer bushings because they're virtually indestructible and can't actually "fail" the method a ball having can, but you lose that silky-smooth rotation. In case you move with bearings, make absolutely certain you're ready in order to provide them with a small love with some high-quality reel oil every now and after that. A seized handle knob is really a quick way to reduce a fish plus ruin a very expensive reel.
Making the Swap at Home
The particular good news is usually that replacing the talica 50 handle is some thing almost anyone can perform in about 10 minutes. You don't need a level in mechanical anatomist to get it done. Usually, it's just a matter associated with removing a retaining screw, unscrewing the particular main nut, and sliding the old supply off.
Nevertheless, a word of caution: Shimano uses some pretty strong thread locker upon their factory components. If you attempt to force the screw having an electric screwdriver that doesn't match perfectly, you're heading to strip your head. Use the correct tool for the job. As soon as you get the new handle on, a small drop of blue Loctite on the particular screws is a great move. You don't desire the vibrations of a boat motor or the pressure of a fish backing those screws away while you're mls offshore.
Looks and the "Cool" Element
Let's become honest for a second—part from the reason we upgrade our gear is really because we all want it to look good. The Talica 50 is the beautiful piece associated with machinery, and including a custom handle can really make it pop. Whether you need a gold handle to complement the Shimano cosmetic or a brilliant silver or black someone to contrast, there's no shortage of choices.
Some guys such as the "industrial" appearance of raw precision machined aluminum, while other people want something which looks like it goes on a trophy shelf. There's nothing wrong with wanting your gear in order to look just like this performs. Make absolutely certain you aren't sacrificing ergonomics for style. A handle that appears like an item of jewelry yet hurts your odds is the bad investment.
Maintenance for Long lasting Performance
Also the best talica 50 handle on the marketplace won't last in case you treat this like garbage. Deep sea may be the enemy of all things steel. Every time you come back through a trip, give that handle a thorough rinse with fresh water. Don't work with a high-pressure hose, as that can actually force sodium and grit much deeper into the bearings. A light mist is you need.
Every few months, it's a smart idea to take the button off the arm, clean out any oil, and apply the fresh layer. This particular prevents the metal-on-metal contact from galling and keeps every thing spinning like a top. It's the five-minute job that will can extend the particular life of your own handle by years.
Wrapping Points Up
With the end associated with the day, your own gear should function for you, not really against you. When the factory talica 50 handle feels great and you're catching fish, then there's no cause to change it. When you find yourself shaking out the hand after the fight or looking you had just the bit more "oomph" when the seafood is straight up and down, an upgrade is properly worth the price.
It's among those modifications that will you'll appreciate every single time a person turn the crank. When that huge bluefin finally decides to head for that bottom and you have to stay within for the long haul, you'll be glad you have a handle that fits your hand perfectly. It's regarding confidence, comfort, and ultimately, putting even more fish within the deck.