I have one of these older Alphas. I've actually used it on the same 7" Rhino rod for 30 years. Not an expensive combo at all, but I swear by it. It just keeps catching fish. I agree with what you're saying. It's ideal for bottom feeders like cats and carp. It does work for bass and panfish lure fishing, but this is where the inherent clunkiness becomes a bit more evident. It'll still work, but it most certainly won't feel like a high end Shimano or Mitchell. And yet, when this rod and reel combo finally kicks it, I'm going to Walmart to pick up another one. Oh, and I loved the video. My grandfather taught me how to tear apart and service reels back when I was a young kid. Every time I service or see someone servicing one of these, it reminds me of the very first time I saw a reel in pieces.
I have that exact reel. We bought it on vacation about 10 years ago, so our son could fish the next day. He caught the biggest fish of his life with it. Thanks to you, I put it back in service and he will be using it this summer. Much appreciated.
My father and grandfather called that metal “monkey metal.” The price is the best aspect and we need these in the marketplace. It is not as nice as all my vintage saltwater spinners that are all metal but that’s okay. I got a Prius for my grandson as the metals reels were just too heavy for him. Great video Dennis!
Do you have a video which shows repair or replacement of the anti-reverse mechanism for a Shakespeare Alpha 560 spinning reel? It is a different style mechanism than the one shown in your video for the Alpha 70. Also, can you refer me to somebody who can provide a downloadable parts diagram for the same reel?
I like these reels for taking friend kayak fishing because it hurts less when they loose it or bash it up.. Are you saying I should not throw them away after 20 or 30 fishing days? For a similar price the Daiwa Strikforce B reels seem to last longer. I'm starting to get spare spools so I should standardize on one brand of cheap reel. Would you recomd the Shakespear Alpha over the Diawa Stirkeforce B? Thanks!
I am never saying to throw a reel away. The idea of 2nd Chance tackle is to keep them fishing! Both the Shakespeare and The Daiwa alternative are good ones. Either choice will work well. - Dennis
been trying to days to remove the pressure washer. Still wont budge. UPDATE: I finally got it! Razor blade under the washer did it. But now I can't remove the click mechanism. lol I should just buy a new one. I never got to use this one though. Had it sitting for 14 years in a box, and it still has the plastic around the line that came with it.
Use a pliers, like a needle nose to grab a side of the tab. Use a penetrating oil on the area and then rock the click ratchet up and down. That will eventually loosen it and allow you to remove it. Dennis
You may be missing a drag washer or have them frozen. You are using the right approach. Try adding a washer to the top of the stack and see if that helps tighten it down. If it does, then you will likely need to replace the existing washers. - Dennis
If you have the bearing, go ahead. It will make it run smoother. IF you are going to by the replacements you will probably spend what the reel is worth to do it. Your choice. I wouldn't do it. Thanks for asking - Dennis
If you don't like the reels, make a child happy by giving it to them to learn on. The priced paid is worth the smile! The Black Beauty is a nice reel for the price. I don't know the Tiger. I know that Shakespeare made a Tiger reel, that was also OK for the price, but I am not familiar with a South Bend version. - Dennis
Low end is the trade term. It doesn't mean they aren't great reels. It refers to where they are in the product line up and a statement of pricing versa the the higher cost, more "sophisticated" reels. I have a Shakespeare Prius, which is basically the same reel, and you can't kill it! - Thanks for the note - Dennis
Ok I have a Shakespeare Alpha 50 and I cannot take off spindle I try everything nothing I have done take spindle off can you show a Alpha 50 taking it apart also cannot get bottom covers off there’s a silver one and the main one can’t get ether off
Can you take a picture to show me the inside of the reel? There were many different versions of the Alpha reel that used similar, but not the same approach. Once I see the inside gear set up, I should be able to help. Please send the picture to me at 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com Thank you - Dennis
2nd Chance Tackle I found that there’s a lip on cover you must pull than all is off thanks for answering so fast I still will send a picture so you can see this it took me two days of frustration but it pan out thank you very much for your time
@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks for answering, I bought one and I plan to use it on a 12 foot ugly stik, hope it balances well. I am writing to you from the Island of Margarita Venezuela and here these teams are difficult to find. Thanks again.
Wrong, I go surf fishing at least 4 times a week, and ive been using this reel for 6 years. I make sure to wipe sand and clean it once every 6 months or so. Ive caught 300lb sharks to half pound whiting and works perfect. Its NOT just for using a couple times a year. its not just an unexperianced persons reel, its fine for using everyday if you want to.
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that your reel has stood the test of time and that you are properly maintaining it. The experiences I have suggest that folks like you can get a lifetime of use from that reel. Unfortunately, the ones that come into my repair shop and those I see selling for used have more problems than the average reel. I do not sell reels and I am not a shill for any company or brand. While I appreciate some of the higher tech reels, I am not pushing folks to buy the higher priced brands or models. My point in saying that these reels are great for the novice, inexperienced, or occasional angler is just the opposite. I am recommending that folks consider these reels and NOT buy the more expensive ones - Dennis
I have one of these older Alphas. I've actually used it on the same 7" Rhino rod for 30 years. Not an expensive combo at all, but I swear by it. It just keeps catching fish. I agree with what you're saying. It's ideal for bottom feeders like cats and carp. It does work for bass and panfish lure fishing, but this is where the inherent clunkiness becomes a bit more evident. It'll still work, but it most certainly won't feel like a high end Shimano or Mitchell. And yet, when this rod and reel combo finally kicks it, I'm going to Walmart to pick up another one.
Oh, and I loved the video. My grandfather taught me how to tear apart and service reels back when I was a young kid. Every time I service or see someone servicing one of these, it reminds me of the very first time I saw a reel in pieces.
Thanks for the note and the feedback Jake - These Alpha reels are workhorses. The fish fear them! Best wishes for tight lines - Dennis
This reel is entry level for a first reel for somebody starting to fish
Yes, and if you take care of it, it can last a lifetime. Best wishes Jeff - Dennis
I have that exact reel. We bought it on vacation about 10 years ago, so our son could fish the next day. He caught the biggest fish of his life with it. Thanks to you, I put it back in service and he will be using it this summer. Much appreciated.
I am so glad it helped. Thank you for viewing. - Dennis
Thanks for that I was having trouble getting the spring back into the bale arm.
Glad to have helped!
Your videos are fantastic and very informative, thank you! Also a shout out to you when you said "fisherperson" instead of fisherman...Girls fish too!
Glad you like them! Please stay watching - Dennis
Mahalo. I have the 2580. This reel has sentimental value to me.
Mahalo and thanks for watching - Best wishes - Dennis
My father and grandfather called that metal “monkey metal.” The price is the best aspect and we need these in the marketplace. It is not as nice as all my vintage saltwater spinners that are all metal but that’s okay. I got a Prius for my grandson as the metals reels were just too heavy for him. Great video Dennis!
My dad called it pot metal, but I guess it is all the same!
Do you have a video which shows repair or replacement of the anti-reverse mechanism for a Shakespeare Alpha 560 spinning reel? It is a different style mechanism than the one shown in your video for the Alpha 70. Also, can you refer me to somebody who can provide a downloadable parts diagram for the same reel?
I have them about 20 years
They will last and last if taken care of - Best wishes Jeff - Dennis
Great video thanks
Thanks Jeff - Dennis
I have a couple of this reels with the gold spool
I have a Shakespeare Prius that is basically the same reel as the Alpha. Very dependable.
I like these reels for taking friend kayak fishing because it hurts less when they loose it or bash it up.. Are you saying I should not throw them away after 20 or 30 fishing days? For a similar price the Daiwa Strikforce B reels seem to last longer. I'm starting to get spare spools so I should standardize on one brand of cheap reel. Would you recomd the Shakespear Alpha over the Diawa Stirkeforce B? Thanks!
I am never saying to throw a reel away. The idea of 2nd Chance tackle is to keep them fishing! Both the Shakespeare and The Daiwa alternative are good ones. Either choice will work well. - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Ok I'll start keeping the old ones. I think I'll standardize on Daiwa and it will give me something to work on next winter.
been trying to days to remove the pressure washer. Still wont budge.
UPDATE: I finally got it! Razor blade under the washer did it. But now I can't remove the click mechanism. lol I should just buy a new one. I never got to use this one though. Had it sitting for 14 years in a box, and it still has the plastic around the line that came with it.
Use a pliers, like a needle nose to grab a side of the tab. Use a penetrating oil on the area and then rock the click ratchet up and down. That will eventually loosen it and allow you to remove it. Dennis
How do you set the drag on this reel. I try screwing top of spool but doesn’t make a dogference
You may be missing a drag washer or have them frozen. You are using the right approach. Try adding a washer to the top of the stack and see if that helps tighten it down. If it does, then you will likely need to replace the existing washers. - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Thank you Dennis. I’m glad I found your channel. You have been a big help.
Is it worth it upgrading the bushings with bearings?
If you have the bearing, go ahead. It will make it run smoother. IF you are going to by the replacements you will probably spend what the reel is worth to do it. Your choice. I wouldn't do it.
Thanks for asking - Dennis
Hey my friend I have a tiger and black beauty South bend reels..
They are very cheap reel..
But I don't like them...
What can I do??
If you don't like the reels, make a child happy by giving it to them to learn on. The priced paid is worth the smile! The Black Beauty is a nice reel for the price. I don't know the Tiger. I know that Shakespeare made a Tiger reel, that was also OK for the price, but I am not familiar with a South Bend version. - Dennis
Low end ? This reel had brung in sharks twice my size and I’m kinda tall
Low end is the trade term. It doesn't mean they aren't great reels. It refers to where they are in the product line up and a statement of pricing versa the the higher cost, more "sophisticated" reels. I have a Shakespeare Prius, which is basically the same reel, and you can't kill it! - Thanks for the note - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle oh
Can I use it in a small lake?
Yes - this size is good for small lakes.
Thanks for watching - Dennis
Ok I have a Shakespeare Alpha 50 and I cannot take off spindle I try everything nothing I have done take spindle off can you show a Alpha 50 taking it apart also cannot get bottom covers off there’s a silver one and the main one can’t get ether off
Can you take a picture to show me the inside of the reel? There were many different versions of the Alpha reel that used similar, but not the same approach. Once I see the inside gear set up, I should be able to help. Please send the picture to me at 2ndchancetackle@gmail.com Thank you - Dennis
2nd Chance Tackle I found that there’s a lip on cover you must pull than all is off thanks for answering so fast I still will send a picture so you can see this it took me two days of frustration but it pan out thank you very much for your time
Is the shepaske alpha 80 reel equivalent to a reel 8000?
Yes. The are approximately the same size - Dennis
@@2ndChanceTackle Thanks for answering, I bought one and I plan to use it on a 12 foot ugly stik, hope it balances well. I am writing to you from the Island of Margarita Venezuela and here these teams are difficult to find. Thanks again.
What does a real I'm having a problem with my trip Bale 600 reel
I am not sure of the issue. Watch this video and see if it address your problem th-cam.com/video/fLHA0uTXHJQ/w-d-xo.html Dennis
Wrong, I go surf fishing at least 4 times a week, and ive been using this reel for 6 years. I make sure to wipe sand and clean it once every 6 months or so. Ive caught 300lb sharks to half pound whiting and works perfect. Its NOT just for using a couple times a year. its not just an unexperianced persons reel, its fine for using everyday if you want to.
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that your reel has stood the test of time and that you are properly maintaining it. The experiences I have suggest that folks like you can get a lifetime of use from that reel. Unfortunately, the ones that come into my repair shop and those I see selling for used have more problems than the average reel. I do not sell reels and I am not a shill for any company or brand. While I appreciate some of the higher tech reels, I am not pushing folks to buy the higher priced brands or models. My point in saying that these reels are great for the novice, inexperienced, or occasional angler is just the opposite. I am recommending that folks consider these reels and NOT buy the more expensive ones - Dennis