Back It Up, Spin Reverse

[TONTO]

 I just posted this in the spin reel thread, and didn't want to hi-jack that one, but just wondering how many people actualy use the reverse on their spin reels? I know most never do, but I see this as a vital option on a spin reel. I just purchased a Penn Battle and noticed this reel does not have a reverse option. I believe this is the first spin reel I have ever owned that does not have this feature. I can survive without reverse, but just wondering about others opinions on this. I have nick named this reel my "kiwi reel" since it can't walk backwards.
 I do use reverse ocassionly:
 Rigging if I need to pull out extra line it's nice to be able to throw it in reverse instead of pulling against the drag, especialy if the drag is set abit heavy, then I don't have to back it off I can just back it up.
 When trolling, I don't troll alot with spin reels, but when I do it's nice to be able to throw it in reverse and just count handle cranks instead of backing off the drag and counting pulls.
 Reason three, if I screw up some how and get the line wrapped around the bail, spool or even the reel body, screw ups do happen to the best of us. The best way I have found to fix this is to throw it in reverse and "back it up". I wrapped the line gowing clockwise so it only makes sence to unwrap it counterclock, instead of flipping the bail, pulling line and useualy making a bigger mess.

 So do you guys use reverse, and what for, or would you even miss it if your new reel didn't have reverse?
 
I have a couple Okuma Cedros reels with the baitfeeder option, and have become spoiled, lots of uses for free spool aside from playing out live bait. Anybody else have a baitfeeder? Do you like them and what do you use freespool for?

[bwhntr350]

I do not use the reverse but a local bass pro here from the area claims that he does while fishing for smallmouth. He uses a limber rod and 4 pound test and the reverse and claims it is the best way to go. I mean he actually plays the fish out with it in reverse, or direct drive, sort of, I guess it is.

 I do not have the confidence in that but maybe I will try it this season.

[LBES]

I never have used reverse... typically just rely on pulling on the drag if needed. What's worse is that my kids love it - they're constantly hitting the button and getting the line tangled ., guess who gets to untangle it  ?  The Product Managers at Penn probably did their homework and found that they could be having the engineers work on something of more value.

[bloodhound]

i never use it, if i need more line out ill just open the bail.

[ML_Hunter]

I use the reverse for letting line out while trooling. Although I typically use a casting reel for float fishing, when I do use a spinning reel, I will use the reverse to control the amount of line let out as my float floats down river.

[fast60eddie]

I'v tried it. It didn't feel right. With the drag washers being worn on my BG15 it might be worth trying again until I find new washers. That BG15 from Diawa is one strong reel.

[h20hunter]

Never used it....thats what the drag is for.

[Button Nubbs]

 

[bassquatch]

I set the drag loose and use my index finger for extra muscle on the hookset and during the fight if need be.