If the reel did not come with a power handle already on it or as an option then I would refer to the manufacturers website and see if one is available or call Shimano customer service. Another option would be to call the place you got it if it was an outlet like R & H, Thorne Bros and the like. Those folks are usually very helpful. However, not all reels are appropriate to be used with this type of handle which gives you more leverage for a more controlled retrieve. I personally don't own any Shimano bait casting reels so I would have to research their line to know the application of their various models. Those with the heavier gearing to be able to withstand the strain on the mechanism by using the power handle in the first place are the ones you want to use. Otherwise, you may damage the reel if it is not substantial enough. My Penn 975 reel and Abu Garcia 7000 came with the power handle and work extremely well for the big blades, heavy, hard pulling cranks, and large swimbaits. The largest St Croix reel functions nicely with the power handle as well. Good luck!

Hi Steve,

I have used the St Croix Avid AC300 model for 4 or 5 years and like it a lot. I notice the "newer" version is called the AC300 A. The newer one has a total of 6 bearings vs mine at 4. The current St Croix model shows 23.6" per handle revolution which is the same as the new Okuma Akena for example. Looks like the St Croix has a slightly wider spool capacity with less than an ounce difference in weight. The St Croix is said to be made by Daiwa and has been a very dependable reel. You may be paying more for the name St Croix at $230 vs the Okuma example at $100. However, there are some titanium parts and other refinements on the SC and the handle that comes with it is very substantial. I use my SC for any application other than the big blades as I use the slower more heavy duty Penn 975 or 7000 for that. Jim Saric uses the SC on his TV show for any lure size and resistance. When I first got the SC I didn't think it was casting as far as it should even though there are adjustments you can make under the side plate. I called R & H and talked to them about that and was told to take off this "anti back lash" safety part which is not really needed. The distance increased after that and I have been very pleased with the quality and performance of the AC 300. It's very smooth and you can tell it's a precision made piece of equipment. The durability has been there!

As mentioned go to Shimano and see what they have. I know they make them for the calcutta which will probably fit other reels.

Why would you use one? Power, I know sounds silly right? Really though, the reason for that handle is power to pull hard pulling lures. If your need is to take up slack really fast then you probably aren't going to need/want a power handle. A more compact handle is easier to spin and will make it more comfortable to take up that slack when fishing crankbaits, jerkbaits, etc. where you are going to pull, rip, twitch the bait then need to wind up the slack line.

I've got a couple powerhandles, one for my Pflueger reels and one for my Okuma reels. One I like and one I don't because I think one of them is a little too long. I really only like them for one thing and that is pulling big double blades 10's and 12's.

"vano397" said:
thanks a lot guys, are they easy enough to switch out while getting rigged up or is it something i might just want ot dedicate a reel to?
and thanks for the link, i check em out!

I would stick to a dedicated setup and you can still throw stuff with a reel that has a power handle on it. If you order a handle buy an extra set of the nut and keeper just in case you lose one.