Level vs star drag?

Any opinion out there on star vs level drag? Was also considering spinning reel...

My birthday is coming up and considering treating myself with a new reel (budget ~$200)

This is for saltwater RF, lingcod and halibut if I'm lucky...

PS: I hope you guys had a lot of fun at GS9. I'm hoping I will be able to join some events this summer

for trolling i like the lever drag.
you can set the drag lighter while trolling and if you snag bottom it wont rip pole out of the boat. then move the lever to strike and fight the fish.

For lever drag, I have accidentally bumped the lever backwards into free spool while attempting to grab the pole when a fish hit. Luckily I was able to put my thumb on the spool and saved the salmon.  I have all star drag reels now.

what are you comfortable with? Both lever and star drags have their ups and downs. Only difference I can tell is I can cast a lever drag 3x farther than a star drag.

I have a couple of each and use them all for different applications, however if I could have only one I love my Avets (lever drag) which I've used for just about everything. For quick drag adjustments (especially while trolling) I prefer the lever drags, when a free-spool lever/button is preferable I use the star drags.

Shimano makes some decent reels that are very durable and cost effective.

Nice lever reel

http://www.pbsboatstore.com/Shimano-tld15.htm?feed=Froogle&gclid=CISZmtzUycUCFcVgfgodj3oATg


Nice star drag reel

http://www.tackledirect.com/shimanotr.html

For lever drag, I have accidentally bumped the lever backwards into free spool while attempting to grab the pole when a fish hit. Luckily I was able to put my thumb on the spool and saved the salmon.  I have all star drag reels now.

Ummm ... that can happen with a star drag too, with the free spool level essentially in the same place on many models.

-Allen

For lever drag, I have accidentally bumped the lever backwards into free spool while attempting to grab the pole when a fish hit. Luckily I was able to put my thumb on the spool and saved the salmon.  I have all star drag reels now.

Ummm ... that can happen with a star drag too, with the free spool level essentially in the same place on many models.

-Allen

The lever drag lever is much bigger than the free spool lever. It could be just my clumsiness.

Thank you all. I have seen Avnet and Shimano mentioned. What about Daiwa - STTBG35H or STTLD35H.

I currently have a Shimano TR200G (http://www.fishingtackleshop.com.au/products/shimano-tr200g-overhead-fishing-reel.html) which I'm happy with but would like to upgrade Also it takes me a while to get to the bottom while in free pool (even adjusting the cast control, hum not sure if it is the right term...)

I don't see a lot of need for lever drags in the style of fishing we do.  I have a couple avet lever drags and many star drag reels that I rotate between (penn, Newell, pro gear, shimanos) With avets, the drag increase between strike and full is kinda big imo.  It's like going straight into button down mode from a light strike setting.  It's kinda rare that I adjust a drag while fighting a fish anyway.....and when I do it's always to back off on a hot fish.....and I'm a lot more comfortable doing it on a star drag to be honest. 

With that said...I use my avets a lot, when they're maintained they are a workhorse and feel good in the hand.  If you don't have one it's a great all around reel for the quiver. 

I'd have an all lever stable if left up to my own no good in a tackle shop! I have 2 avets now & more on the wish list!

So, lever for me!

I don't see a lot of need for lever drags in the style of fishing we do.

Except for live bait lingcod or halibut fishing.  Many clickers just don't have enough resistance for larger baits or heavier weights.  I know, I should just have my thumb on the spool ...

-Allen

With star drags there are also two different free spool switches to consider. First is crank engaged like abu garcia c3/4 reels. Second is lever engaged like a Penn squidder.

I like both depending on fishing type. Crank engaged is nice for rock cod jigging. Lever is better for Halibut and striper river fishing where accidental drag engagement can be detrimental.

I don't see a lot of need for lever drags in the style of fishing we do.

Except for live bait lingcod or halibut fishing.  Many clickers just don't have enough resistance for larger baits or heavier weights.  I know, I should just have my thumb on the spool ...

-Allen

Agree, fishing live macs for YT, halibut or WSB lever drags work better with the exception of some old penn and newell reels. If you are fishing live macs with circle hooks, lever drags are the best. All that said, I sold all my avets and fish only upgraded Newell reels for inshore big game. For 99% of NCAL fishing, star drags work fine and better than lever for jigging. Star drag reels are lighter, cheaper and easier to service compared to lever drags. I like line counter reels for salmon and jigging for suspended fish.

I maintain my position....not a lot of need for em, I'd agree with Scott's 99% estimation.

I don't see that as a reason to disregard one over the other though.....just means double the options cause neither will leave us dramatically limited. They'll all work.