Shimano’s Tekota reels continue to dominate the medium to heavy levelwind overhead market, simply because these no-nonsense reels are packed with features traditionally found only on the company’s top-of-the line overheads.

With extra strong gears and sensible retrieve ratios of 4.2:1, robust level winds, and super smooth Dartanium drag washers that release line without a hiccup, these reels are versatile enough to be used in a wide range of fishing situations, but have also proven to be excellent braid reels. Spooled with 24-50 kilo gel spun, the TEK800 in particular, has proven to be a superlative deepwater heavy braid weapon.