Levelwind vs Non-Levelwind HELP!

I just got a new Shimano Torium 16 Reel and it does not have a levelwind.  I have never had a reel without a levelwind before.  Do you have to use your thumb when you reel it in to even out the line?  It seems like all the larger reels I have looked at don't have a levelwind.  Whats the deal with the levelwind?

I just went through the same freakout when I got my Avet SX. I use my thumb to spread the line out but I have found that you don't need to be crazy about it, if it builds up in one spot it is not going to break anything.

For rockfish it works out just fine for me. I heard the they leave off the levelwind cause it might cause line abrasion when fighting larger fish, I really don't know though.

Hey guys don't worry about the non-levelwind. I actually grew up on reels without levelwind and even tried to take the levelwind off my ambassadeur when I first started steelhead fishing.  I eventually got used to it.  Before you know it, you'll be putting line back on the reel evenly without even paying attention.  It actually took me awhile to get comfortable casting with a levewind! It seemed like it kept slowing down when I casted.  Just remember when you cast the reel to put your thumb down when your lure/bait hits the water or a birds' nest will occur, especially on that Avet SX. I was very impressed with my Avet LX, with 40 lb., how far I could cast nothing but an anchovie, with the spool spinning so fast. Anyways, enjoy the new reel.

Yes, you use your thumb to guide the line evenly on the reel.

It becomes second nature very quickly.

I've contemplated taking my level wind off of my 6500 ABU also for casting issues.

MolBasser

as much as i like the level wind feature i sure get tangle ups and bird nests easier when i try and cast with them. my wife likes her's though. as i am taking in line on a non level wind reel i sometimes guide it in with fingers or if there is pressure on the line it kind of just lays to the lowest point on the spool of line by itself and fills in the gaps. this is with 40lb test though. any less and i am not sure what it would do.

When I first started fishing conventional reels, I went through the same dilema.  Levelwinds made more sense to me, but then I started experiencing the drawbacks like ...
1) more backlashes especially on casts
2) often the guide would get misaligned with the spool.

Like Mol said, using your thumb to guide the line does become second nature.  Also, it's rarely a problem when more line gets packed on one side of the spool.  I just correct for it on the next drop or cast.  At the end of day is when I try to guide the line on spool nice and even.

Kayak fishing is especially harsh on reels due to more exposure to sand and water.  The less moving parts -- the better!

I took out the new reel last weekend and it worked great.  The line seemed to go to the lowest spot on the spool.