I've been using Shimano's Symetre rear drag for about 10 years now and have found it to be more effective for me. I have 3 RD reels now, and will only look at a RD reel.

After using the rear drag and it's fast adjustment, I personally don't like the front drag. But I still have front drag and use them.

Which do you prefer?

I generally prefer a front drag...seems more compact, and one less knob sticking out. Not a big deal either way though -as long as it's a good drag.

Rear drag...for the reasons you listed.

I've had both over the years...always Shimano. I prefer front drag. I've found the front drag to be more "adjustable".

I have the same two Symetre reels and prefer the rear drag because it has the fish fighting drag that I can reach with my thumb.

tony

Rear drag but most of my reels are now front.

Front drags usually have bigger drag washers, fewer parts, easier to clean and lube along with operate smoother.

Rear drags may offer better dials or controls but the numerous internal parts have to run the length of the reel making for more service and less dependability.

I'm with you on this one rear drag all the way. Seems easier for me to adjust with Shimano's fighting drag system. The only problem I've noticed is "they" meaning rear drag reels are getting harder to find in the size I want. I have a few old reels that I would send in to be fixed if something went wrong with them rather then buying a new one.

JB

I use only rear drag Shimanos. I don't like having to reach across a tight line to adjust drag as needed.

Front Drag Exclusively .

Front Drag... exclusively!

Bruce

quote Arkansas Man: "Front Drag... exclusively!


Bruce"

ME Too

Front drag for me!

All my reels are front drag

I am trying a rear drag Shimano for the first time this year.....I'll report back after our June Quetico Trip.;-)

quote old_salt: "I use only rear drag Shimanos. I don't like having to reach across a tight line to adjust drag as needed."

Ditto; It's a lot more comfortable gripping that knob from behind rather than climbing over the front of the reel. My first open face reel was the old Mitchell 300 with the front drag and more than once, I tripped the bail during a fight while setting the drag.

Never had a single problem with a Shimano rear drag but have read some complaints about them on this site. Have caught many large Steelhead on my old Shimano Quickfire 2000 over the years. Of course I'm bias but don't think any other fish in the area can swim as fast and run as long as a fresh steelhead as they put any reel to the maximum test and never had a problem. Wither it's a 40" northern or a 40 pound crappie I just can't report a problem with a rear drag reel.

What twobygreencanoe said seems very true and makes tons of sense on paper but I guess until I have a reel seize up on me I won't care about the theoretical differences.

Front or rear drag is all up to preference and ders no real correct answer for fresh water fishing.

I've never thought a whole lot about it but judging from my active reels, I must have some preference for front drag as they are in the majority.

Chilly,,. You gotta get out more often :)

quote bruceye: "Chilly,,. You gotta get out more often :)"

Haha, thanks. I only fish steelhead about 75 days a year and then maybe 75 or so on inland lakes but it's great advise that I'll pass onto my boss. I do take apart the reels about 1-2 times a year and grease them up and I'm guessing that's why mine still work great and perhaps others have failed.

quote TwoByGreenCanoe: "Front drags usually have bigger drag washers, fewer parts, easier to clean and lube along with operate smoother.


Rear drags may offer better dials or controls but the numerous internal parts have to run the length of the reel making for more service and less dependability."

That makes sense, less moving parts. But, I've been using a Shimano Sedona RD since 1999, and has been used thousands of hours of fishing and has never once given me any difficulties. However, I do keep my reels clean, and oil them regularly. Good maintenenace is the key to all gear.