Line counter?

I’m a newby, went through a few cheap reels this year. I want to move up to a reasonably priced reel that can take a dunking without freezing up. Thinking about a Daiwa Lexa on sale, considering the line counter model. I’ve never used one.

- are line counters durable? Worth it?
- is the Daiwa Lexa 300 or 400 a good buy for salt kayak fishing? 

Brands and bling aren’t important to me. I just want a tough reel.  I’m tired of the awkwardness of spincasters in a kayak. Also something that wouldn’t break my heart if lost/stolen (I’d like to spend less than $200).

I appreciate the advice.

Bill

I honestly had line counters and didn’t use them much.  Unless you’re targeting specific depths or can drop line and not drift all over the place, then I feel the LC is pretty useless. 

That being said, I highly prefer the Lexa WNs over the Lexa LCs. 

Thank you

I own and heavily use 5 Okuma Coldwater line counter reels for trolling freshwater and saltwater. They are well priced and very durable. 

I use the Okuma Coldwater, Daiwa Lexa, and Shimano Takota all with line counters and use them nearly daily during the season (May-sept). I can say that they all have advantages, but as for the Line counters, learn how to replace them as you will want to do it annually or sooner.
The Okuma is a great affordable choice and will handle 90% of what we catch here in Nor-Cal in kayaks. The bad part is the line counters usually only last half a season, but the good news is it is easy to replace and I have yet to be charged for repair parts. Contact Okuma direct for parts.
The Daiwa has a super drag for its size, and handles larger Halibut and Lingcod with ease, but after a season of solid use, deffinatly needs service (bearings & drag). These reels can be a little intimidating for the novice repairman.
The Shimano has a super strong and smooth drag that can handle even the largest species available within kayak range including Pac-Halibut, Thresher Shark etc. The down side is after a few seasons of solid use, it will need service and this is the most complex of the three for the novice repairman. Also, the drag will require a special grease specifically designed for the drag washers (do not substitute) The parts can be purchased from the manufacturer or through E-Parts.com for a discounted price. 
Hope this helps
;0)

I have experience with the okuma lc and the diawa lc. I prefer the handle on the okuma, but that’s just me. I’ve caught some pretty decent fish with both of them.

As far as the okuma goes you can pick up an older model coldwater lowprofile line counter pretty cheap (115 on amazon).  Now there is a newer one that is stainless internals which should be pretty durable. They also have a convector low profile which retails at $100 and might be a good deal. I haven’t used either of the newer styles though.

 

I use line counter reels for the bay and ocean. When rock fishing and used along with a FF it is invaluable for being able to tell when  getting close to the bottom, so you can be ready to crank up a few turns reducing snags. When trolling while paddling it is easy to set the amount of line out. Peddlers can count pulls while moving but I haven't figured out how to do it while paddling.

I have two Takota 500lc paired with Trevala  rods for rock fish and halibut, the newer  Takota A 500lc with a bendy glass rod for salmon, and a Lexa lc 200 with a coho rod for trout.     

I have the lexa 300 is great for your usual trolling around the bay and ocean and also have the tranx for which i use for rock fish. Both reels been great

The Shimano ... is the most complex of the three for the novice repairman...

That's interesting. I haven't owned the other 2 you mention, but really like my Tekotas. I service them and never found it too difficult following Alan Tani's ultra-detailed instructions:
https://www.360tuna.com/threads/shimano-tekota-500-lc-rebuild.3874/

As for line counters, I've never used them and don't really see the need...

The Shimano ... is the most complex of the three for the novice repairman...

That's interesting. I haven't owned the other 2 you mention, but really like my Tekotas. I service them and never found it too difficult following Alan Tani's ultra-detailed instructions:
https://www.360tuna.com/threads/shimano-tekota-500-lc-rebuild.3874/

As for line counters, I've never used them and don't really see the need...

Sorry, I should have been more specific ... I have the Tekota HG LC (new design).
This model is much smoother and had twice the drag capacity, but is more involved when it comes to repairs

The diawa Lexa is a proven Beast for anything here Cali waters. I'm still using my 1st gen 300 and it still cast great. Granted, I have my reels serviced once Year by fishermans warehouse for a affordable price. Worth it and suggested if you fish salt and a lot. As far as the line counters, I only use mine for trolling for trout and salmon. They work great for knowing exactly where the fish are holding . I dont see the point of having a line counter for anything else especially if your using a ff. Diawa lexa. Go for it