Taking the Level Wind/Bait Caster/Spinning Reel debate to the next level

The term is level wind. It comes from an improvement over conventional reels where the line would not lay evenly (level) on the spool. The new improvement was the addition of a guide to level the line as it was wound in. Anyone who has used a conventional reel knows that you have to be somewhat mindful of leveling the line yourself or you end up with an uneven spool. Not the end of the world, but not optimal. As has been mentioned the price for this convenience is a reduction in casting range.

Here is an interesting link to check out on the subject: http://www.antiquefishingreels.info/Articles/Smithsonian.pdf

Ahh ... it winds levelly.  Now I get it. 

The other downside of the level wind is more parts, something else to get gunked up with sand/grease etc, and possible failure with a big fish.  That's why the big-game /offshore "long range" reels are all sans level wind.  You can easily distribute the line along the spool with your thumb as you wind, so it doesn't "pile up"  in one spot.  Thumb drag is easier with a non-level wind, too.  That said, I have one of each---a ProGear Albacore special and a Tekota 600. The Tekota is used almost exclusively for trolling.  The Albacore special, for jigging and mooching.  I had an Accurate Boss 270, no level wind, lever drag (dual drag) , but I didn't like it so traded it for the Progear, which has star drag.  Too easy to go into freespool with the lever drag system, at least in my hands.