The 400 is a great size for local fishing, it will cover the 25-50lb range well with enough line capacity and drag to land any of the schoolie tuna and maybe even a 100lber if it cooperates. Valiant series reels are really only made to be used with braid due to how light they are so line capacity isn't an issue with over 400 yards of 50lb. These are great bait and lure casting reels and will work well for most kinds of lighter bottom fishing.
The new models come with the rubber knob instead of the metal ball handle but they can always be changed out at the factory if you don't mind waiting a few extra days. The gear ratios are great for a mix of uses, especially the low gear being all the way at 3:1 instead of 4:1 like most other reels in this class. This size does come with a clamp in the box so you can use it on a deckhand rod, although you'd want to stick to the modern thin rods like the United Composites to balance out well.
MODEL | RETRIEVE | WEIGHT | GEAR RATIO | BRAID | LINE RETRIEVE | MAX DRAG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BV2-400 | Right Hand | 16oz 454g |
6:1/3:1 | 50lb - 425yds | 38"/19" 96cm/48cm |
24lb 11kg |
BV2-400L | Left Hand | 16oz 454g |
6:1/3:1 | 50lb - 425yds | 38"/19" 96cm/48cm |
24lb 11kg |