Hey Fellas, This is my first post over here so hello to everyone. I am searching for info and advice from those that are using the QTC frames advertised on links available from this site. I am chasing the 6600W variety as an alternative to stock 6500 Mag Elites of which I have 3. 6600W looks like a good fit because it will give me more capacity with 17 lb. I have looked at the accessories and am wondering do I need the retrofitted end plates. If I want to use the reels exclusively for fishing, are the customized Abu and Beinfeld end plates neccessary, or should I ask do they make that much of a difference over the standard rare earth magnets that come with the stock units when casting? How are the tolerances on the wide spools and frames? Do I need to purchase an additional longer axle or is it included? Anybody with personal experience I would certainly appreciate your advise/experience. B8
I'll add my two cents- neither the QTC frame or benfield sideplate is going to add much to a fishing reel.
The possible exception may be a center mag control will offer more degree of control. It isn't the magnets per say, but how fine of an adjustment you have in how far the magnets sit from the spool. Unfortunately the stock abu magnetic slider typically doesn't even start to move the mag carrier away from the reel until you get to the low end of the setting. It may seem like the slider has a lot of movement with 18 "clicks" on the stock mag elite, but your only really moving the mag carrier on the low end of the setting. I'm sure there is likely a way to modify the stock carrier to employ a wider range of movement of the mag carrier- others may chime in.
The QTC frame is nice in a field reel, but I really couldn't justify the expense in a fishing reel.
IF the expense doesn't bother you, and your reason for adding a QTC frame is the rock solid feel of a one piece frame, by all means go for it. I have 3 QTC cages, a 5500, 6500, and the frame in question, a 6600w- which is definetely wider than the 6500- agree with LED. Even tho it's wider, it's diameter is narrower- to give the low profile feel to the reel as already stated- I actually like the 6500 better, but that's just personal preference.
Keep this in mind - some people think that if an upgrade doesn't add distance, why spend the money ? I don't quite agree with this philosophy, a QTC frame and Benfield mag is not JUST about distance, in fact it may not increase your distance one bit, but it sure is a pleasure to toss one- it is as much about the way a reel performs (silently, vibrationless, etc.), and these are just as good (if not better) reasons to upgrade as chasing distance is.