{"product_id":"reel-knob-swap","title":"Reel knobs","description":"\u003cp\u003eDownriggershop's comfortable reel knobs specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple colour options\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium size fits 2500 - 4000 size reels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1980 I was 23 and my friends and I were crazy about cars, girls and rock n roll – in that order. My pride and joy was a triple black Pontiac GTO used for towing my centre console. Here’s a pic from back in those days – the car, the boat, a couple of sharks, and yours truly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andy with two sharks freshly caught and his Pontiac\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/andy_with_two_sharks_and_pontiac_large.jpg?v=1539996248\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBack then, if you wanted more horsepower, your only options were bigger engines and\/or bigger carburettors. The 400 cubic inch V8 in the GTO was a big one. But Chevrolet 350s and Cleveland 351s could deliver more horsepower depending on how they were set up and tuned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s a classic from those days, the Ford XB GT in Ryobi Aquila green:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ford XB GT in Ryobi Aquila green, a classic\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/ford_xb_gt_large.jpg?v=1539996254\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe didn’t know it then, but the era of the muscle car was already on the way out. Smaller lighter cars would soon offer the same acceleration – or better – than the big V8s. Turbocharging meant you could improve the performance of a smaller and often less expensive) car.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd now I’m watching the same trend developing with fishing reels. Smaller, lighter, less expensive reels, offering the same performance as bigger costlier models. And just like bolting a turbocharger or a nitrous oxide kit onto the family car it’s possible to retrospectively upgrade the performance of your fishing reels. And it doesn’t cost much, either. The first improvement is the installation of carbontex drag washers. If you haven’t tried those you won’t believe how good your reel feels – and how more confident you feel using it – when the drag is super smooth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/products\/carbontex-drag-washers\" class=\"action_button\"\u003eCLICK HERE FOR CARBONTEX\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Disassembling Diawa reel for Carbontex upgrade\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/drag_washer_assembly_downrigger_shop_large.jpg?v=1539996252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust so easy, and you can upgrade maybe five reels for a little over $20, including delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbon fibre so many streets ahead of factory fibre drag washers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck this comparison,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ea Daiwa 40H:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Diawa 40H drag washer vs Carbontex comparison\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/old_drag_washer_vs_carbontex_replacement_large.jpg?v=1539996257\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s two other options available to make your reel perform so much better. Firstly, regularly changing the line. With quality line so inexpensive now there’s no reason to have the same sun baked salt encrusted line on a reel for two or three years. The second and final upgrade being a replacement reel knob. Think about it. You don’t want a reel knob to stick to your hand, the way a tyre sticks to the road. But that’s what silicon knobs often do. And that’s why a lot of guys wear jigging gloves to prevent abrasion. But another way works so much better. Hot smelly jigging gloves not needed. And that is, replacing your stock factory reel knob with a polished aluminium one. Not only do they feel so much better, they look way better too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"New Downrigger Shop reel knobs, comfort for jigging or long fights\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_shop_reel_knobs_small_and_large_b7141009-723d-4e18-a40b-96659a69c554_large.jpg?v=1539996252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the real benefit is in the extra comfort when winding, or especially when fighting a fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo sizes available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple colour options available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium size fits 2500 – 4000 size reels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elarge size suits 4500 and over\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop reel handles in large and medium sizes\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_size_comparison_large.jpg?v=1539996256\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s how to do the swap, as shown on the Daiwa Procaster 4000X.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTime required, about three minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"First remove cap covering handle screw head\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_1_large.jpg?v=1539996255\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Use a small piece of wire, in the jaws of set of pliers, to remove the rubber cap covering the screw head\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Remove screw that holds knob to handle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_2_large.jpg?v=1539996255\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw holding the knob to the handle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Keep the two ball bearings for the replacement reel knob\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_3_large.jpg?v=1539996257\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. There are two ball bearings inside the Procaster knob, as shown above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut those to one side, they can be used for the replacement knob\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Unscrew the cap on replacement reel knob using a coin\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_9_large.jpg?v=1539997680\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. The replacement knob is supplied complete with main shaft, two ball bearings and screw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this case we will keep all those items for future servicing and use the ones on the Procaster, which are the same size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo remove the shaft from the replacement knob, firstly unscrew the cover, using a coin\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Unscrew the shaft inside the new reel knob spindle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_4_large.jpg?v=1539996256\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Then, unscrew the shaft inside the spindle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Next remove shaft, ball bearing and screw, save for later\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_5_large.jpg?v=1539996258\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Remove the shaft, ball bearing and screw, and save it for later servicing of the reel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"New knob in pieces ready to be installed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_6_large.jpg?v=1539996257\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7. You are now ready to install the replacement knob\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"New reel knob assembly in order of installation\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_7_large.jpg?v=1539996257\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8.The first ball bearing goes on the shaft closest to the handle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen the spindle slides on, then another ball bearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFit and tighten the screw, and lastly screw on the handle cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s how the Procaster looks, with its new reel knob\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Congratulations your Downrigger Shop reel knob is now installed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/reel_knob_swap_part_8_large.jpg?v=1539996259\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot only does it look much better, it works better too. These reel knobs fill the hand beautifully, and make a good reel even better  Add a sheet of carbontex and you can give your reel a total revamp, in both performance and appearance. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these reviews from happy customers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonte ordered a replacement knob for his Daiwa Catalina 4500, and sent a pic after replacing the stock handle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Monte's Diawa Catalina 4500 with new reel knob\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catalina_4500_with_downrigger_shop_reel_knob_large.jpg?v=1539996250\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"It looks great on the Catalina, cant wait to try it out this sunday if the weathers ok.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter P stopped in at the boat show to pick a knob up, and generously sent me an image or two showing it fitted to his Saltist:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Peter's Saltist with a Downrigger Shop reel knob upgrade completed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/replacement_reel_knob_installed_large.jpg?v=1539996258\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew writes from Geelong in Victoria:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andrew with his improved Diawa Procaster reel handle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/customer_reel_with_downrigger_shop_replacement_large.jpg?v=1539996252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Some pics attached of your Diawa Procaster and the feather jig that accounted for some school Blue Fin off Port Fairy yesterday. Was a very capable reel on the 7ft rod I showed you at the show. I handed it around the boat for the other blokes to try and everyone was very impressed with the custom knob and the smooth drag, particularly when the Tuna were taking those last lunges at the boat.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andrew's day catching Blue Fin Tuna made easier with a comfy reel knob upgrade\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blue_fin_tuna_haul_with_new_reel_knob_large.jpg?v=1539996250\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s one on my personal Daiwa 4500T. Note that reel knobs are shipped with an installation page, it’s a quick and easy swap:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"My own Diawa 4500T with a great colour combo reel knob upgrade\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/diawa_reel_knob_asthetics_large.jpg?v=1539996252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuncan from D \u0026amp; H Reel Repairs pleased with those fitted to his clients’ ABU baitcasters. They look good, don’t they?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"D \u0026amp; H Reel Repairs with ABU Baitcasters and Downrigger Shop reel knobs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/matching_reel_colour_profiles_large.jpg?v=1539996255\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatt Summerhayes pleased with his upgrade too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s sort of hard to describe why a ball knob feels so much better, on a spin or jig reel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut it *just does*.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Matt with his finished reel after upgrade\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/completed_reel_knob_swap_large.jpg?v=1539996250\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Reel knob looks and feels great on the Saltist 4500T and took 1 minute to fit. Thanks again Andy\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank from Predatek Lures super pleased with his reel knob swap. If you haven’t tried one, the improvement in comfort is incredible. Especially for the types of fishing where you’re winding all the time, like spinning or jigging:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Frank at Predatek Lures happy with his reel knob swap\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/old_vs_new_reel_knob_install_large.jpg?v=1539996256\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andrew, I had already purchased the knob from you but was unsure how to fit it to the TD SOL 3000. Thanks for the info, it made the job easy. It has transformed the reel, a great modification. Thanks once again. Photo attached. Regards Frank\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlad you’re pleased, Frank! Here’s some colour options but note we can’t guarantee the full range will be in stock when you place an order.  \u003cspan\u003eSend an email to check:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop's reel knob colour options\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_shop_reel_knob_colour_options_large.jpg?v=1539996251\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJim pleased with reel knob upgrade on two favourite Shimanos. He sent some pics of how he did it, some reels need the tab at the back of the handle filed off. Not a hard job:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Drilling off the tab on the back of a Shimano reel handle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/drilling_shimano_reel_handle_large.jpg?v=1539996253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Replaced the reel knobs on both Shimano Baitrunner and Sustain reels with your large knobs. No screw to easily remove existing knobs, and no raised nipples to file down - so used a 2mm drill bit to drill into recessed shaft. Then tapped out with a punch to enable new knob to screw on. Beautifully Optimized!! Thanks again, Jim\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Jim with his upgraded Shimano reel knob\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/customer_reel_upgrade_large.jpg?v=1539996253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI couldn’t go back to the factory handle Jim, not for jigging anyway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop contact us page\"\u003ecall or email\u003c\/a\u003e with any questions at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Medium 2500 to 4000","offer_id":7456508051505,"sku":"","price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/reel_knobs_1.jpg?v=1540004492","url":"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/fr\/products\/reel-knob-swap","provider":"Downriggershop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}