Frequently Asked Questions
A Svivlo fishing reel behaves in a way you never thought was possible. It is not until you’ve tried one, the handling can be appreciated.
Below we’ve gathered a some frequently asked questions about the baitcaster problem in general, and our CastGuard™ solution more specifically.
Are Svivlo reels only for beginners?
No, absolutely not. Because Svivlo reels can be used by anyone independent on skill level, they are often mistakenly referred to as beginner’s reels. If you’re an angler that prioritize having the lure longer time in the water, the Svivlo reel is for you.
I use a spinning reel and am a bit intimidated by baitcasters. Can I switch to a Svivlo reel?
The switch to a Svivlo reel will be very smooth. In fact, using a Svivlo reel is easier than a spinning reel.
Where can I buy a Svivlo reel?
For now you can get a Svivlo reel right here on svivlo.com. Once we have distribution in place, a Svivlo reel can be purchased at your local store.
Is CastGuard the same as a DC brake?
CastGuard is a completely new type of cast brake that utilizes Euler force to detect spool slowdown and apply brake force to prevent the line from overspooling. All other technologies, including digital brakes, use spool speed (centrifugal force, magnetic force or Eddy current) to activate the brake. The differences are fundamental and enables auto-tuning of the reel.
Will CastGuard reduce cast distance?
Independent tests has shown that you can cast longer with a Svivlo reel than a tuned traditional baitcaster.
What differs CastGuard from other cast brakes?
It solves the backlash problem.
Current technologies used on baitcasters are activated and brakes only in relation to the speed of the spool. This means that the braking effect is highest at the beginning of the cast and lowest at the end of the cast. A combination of spool brake, magnetic brake, centrifugal brake and thumb is required to properly handle a cast.
CastGuard is activated by Euler force (change in velocity) alone and then applies braking effect with Euler force and centrifugal force. CastGuard is self-adjusting, which means you don’t have to adjust anything to adapt your casts to the weight of the bait or wind conditions.
Why does my reel create birds nest?
Birds nest or backlash is caused by a number of interacting factors, but basically when the spool continues to feed out the line even though the bait has stopped pulling on it. This is mainly due to the mass (weight) of the spool in combination with the speed of rotation and the mass and design of the bait. Higher rotational speed and lower weight of the bait causes more backlash. Unfortunately, this also means that the further you want to cast, the greater the risk of problems.
How do I prevent backlash on my old baitcaster?
There are no solutions available on the market that address the cause of the backlash. Attempts have been made to alleviate the problem by using centrifugal brakes, magnetic brakes, spool brakes, reducing the weight of the spool and reducing friction in the line spreader, among others. The most skilled also use their thumbs to push down the line during spool rotation. Unfortunately, these methods are often counterproductive; the brakes reduce cast length, and reducing friction increases rotation speed, which in turn increases the risk of backlashes. The latest innovations in electronic brakes are exciting and offer a greater opportunity to address the problem, but they only address the symptoms of the problems.
What is Euler Force?
Owl force occurs with a change in rotational speed. It is a fictitious force in the same way as centrifugal force and is a result of inertial force in one or more bodies. You can read more about Euler force here.
Do I need to use the spool brake?
With CastGuard, you don’t need to use the spool brake to set the resistance to the weight of the bait. The spool brake should be adjusted so that there’s no leeway on the spool axle.
However, the spool brake allows you to adjust the aggressiveness of CastGuard which increases the versatility and making skipping very easy.
Does CastGuard require bed-in?
When you turn the handle on the Svivlo reel, you might feel a non-fluid movement. This is normal and due to that CastGuard brake arm needs to become compatible with the brake drum, so they fit together. This process, which is called bed-in, usually takes 10-20 casts but can differ based on cast distance, handle turn speed, and other parameters.
The bed-in process creates a few microns thick layer of brass from the brake drum on the CastGuard brake arm. This process also removes unevenness created during the manufacturing process and mates the two surfaces to a near perfect geometrical match.
Do I need to use my thumb?
Only when releasing the spool and to place the fishing lure in a specific location. When the bait lands in the water, CastGuard will slow down the rotation of the spool. If you place the bait in a tree immediately after casting, the spool will only rotate a few revolutions before stopping.
How does CastGuard compare to digital brakes?
The digital brakes, which have become both better and cheaper in recent years, are currently among the best on the market. However, they still use braking technology based on rotational speed and address symptoms rather than causes. In addition, they require adjustments to adapt to fishing. Some even require charging to work.
There's a clicking sound when I turn the handle. Is this normal?
Due to the design of CastGuard™, when you turn the handle slowly it will generate a slight clicking sound. This is normal and not something to worry about.