Is it worth it? Shimano Torium vs Trinidad Star Drag Reels 20a and 20hg Comparison Review

I couldn't help but be curious about the Trinidad. Angler's praise upon it as a prestigous reel for one of the best surface iron reel, possibly along with the holygrail Torque 25n. There's also the graphite owners, but I don't own any of them. I deep dive into the internals and see what the Torium and Trinidad is all about.
Chapters
0:00 Intro Torium and Trinidad
1:27 Freespool test
3:12 Teardown for internal view
3:30 Internals
6:04 Ending Comparison

[@simongendry1823]

Works great although it kzbin.infoUgkxLoZpKHn4w7dtzXk1eygBlOhbLxuVe3uD took a while to figure out how to reverse it. Nearly disassembled the entire thing. Looks better than my Redington Rise 5/6 reel too.

[@Seastheday88]

Which one you like more Simon?

[@socalsteve22]

Good break down, this would definitely benefit the angler looking for these reels to purchase! 👍

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching Steve 🤙

[@warren_duke]

Super helpful review. Always wanted to know the differences between these two models. Thank you. I own Torium 40 and I love it. Big fish will pull rod and reel out of your hands so respect the drag. Sensitive enough to drift fish live bait. Very happy. No flex or handle turning issues w/ 300lb Ocean Sunfish, 200lb reef shark, etc.

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks Wally. I saw the Torium 40 in use from another angler when we went White Seabass Fishing in July. Huge line capacity and lots of stopping power. Beast of a reel.

[@fieshyfish]

Frame flex is prevalent when you are using techniques like fishing the rail where you crank directly against high pressure. Frame flex just makes it slightly harder to crank and not as solid feeling as a machined counterpart due to the very slight shifting throughout the frame. Its hard to feel but its happening. However if you are pumping and winding (lifting the rod up and winding the slack) it would not be an issue.

[@77jaycube69]

Would you happen to know how much bigger the Torium 40 is to the Torium 20? Is wider and taller or just taller?

[@warren_duke]

TOR20HGA Gear Ratio6.2:1 Line Per Handle Turn46in Mono Capacity (lb test/yds)20/420 25/340 30/280 Braid Capacity (lb test/yds)50/710 65/375 80/310 Max Drag24lb Weight19.2oz HandleEgg Handle TOR40HGA Gear Ratio5.1:1 Line Per Handle Turn46in Mono Capacity (lb test/yds)40/470 50/370 60/270 Braid Capacity (lb test/yds)40/1500 50/1250 65/920 Max Drag31lb Weight27.9oz *Source: Tackle Direct

[@warren_duke]

Weight and Capacity in previous reply. Actual size of reel... not sure. I've had both but lost my TOR20HGA to the star drag tightened too much. Rod and reel pulled right out of my hands. That's when I upgraded to the 40. Feels like the same reel in your hand however it's a slight bit heavier in the hand. The wider spool makes this a breeze to 'palm' while reeling in bigger, deeper fish. Also, the TOR20HGA made me a bit nervous when a 100' deep fish decided to run because the braided line ran low a few times. Never felt like line was running out with the 40. I spool the 40 with 300 yards 50lb thin Japanese braid and there's room for another 150 yards no problem. My thoughts on this reel are as follows: - great for fish as long (length) as your arms spread full width or less. If you're 'rail' reeling you've sadly chosen the wrong rod/reel - you need a much bigger rod/reel. - excellent choice for lightweight gear that outperforms it's weight class. I've literally had fish pulling my 14' dory boat around in the pacific ocean on this reel. -I'm sure other reels are built stronger than the TOR20HGA or TOR40HGA but who cares if it's built to that level? I've never had it fail and it always easily reels in fish of all sizes. I only rinse it off after 8 hours of hard summer fishing and it doesn't show salt fatigue.

[@severnsproducts1433]

Another huge diference os the size of that main gear as well as the drag washers on the trinidad. Good vid.

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching 🙌

[@mannyperez7680]

Are the stars interchangeable between the torium and Trinidad? I really like the looks of the star on the toriums

[@Seastheday88]

I don’t have a Torium in front of me. But I believe it is. They all use a similar square shaped nut that the Star recesses into as you seat it. I didn’t get far on the swap of parts on these two. But I was labor to swap an aluminum clutch lever from the Saltiga onto a Saltist that uses a plastic one. So parts should be very similar between Torium and Trinidad. Hope that helps. Thanks🤙

[@117LIGHT117]

Love my Trinidad 30a. Cast far af, stong drag, good power to bring in fish fast. Only reel i have that spins like 3x more and smoother is my international 30 visx, but thats in a different class lol 😅

[@Seastheday88]

You got the bigger versions of my arsenal lol. I still have the Trinidad 20a and added a 14a since. Beast reels in a compact package. Dual pawl dogs, bearings, cnc frame. Also have the Visx under 30 sizes. Need to add that 30 tho 😆

[@mossguard]

The Trinidad Pinion gear has X-ship. Meaning the pinion gear of the Trinidad is supported by two bearings on both side. The Torium pinion has no bearing support. It just sit on the reel shaft. Just pay close attention to the pinion gear on each reel. You will notice the different.

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for the insight. I ended keeping the Trinidad after this and gave the Torium to a friend. As you mentioned, all the additional bearing for support played the role in decision along with double pawl dogs. Really worth the price.

[@jimpresley-oldfishingfool261]

I like my Torium. I have two of them. I brought in a 5 1/2 foot bull shark with my Torium 30. For the price I can have two of the Torium on two rods in the water and twice the chance to catch fish.

[@Seastheday88]

For the price and type of fishery for our local waters, they really do the job plenty. It’s just an appreciation for engineering and craftsmanship after lol

[@kevincooney5700]

What knob do you have on the Trinidad 16A I want to switch all mine out

[@Seastheday88]

Hey Kevin. The 16 had a Torium knob. It was a spare I had. I did swap a Talica knob to my 16na Part # TGT1699. You can find it on parts (dot)Shimano (dot) com. If you look through catalog, only the Talica 25ii sells it separately. I also see the Torium TGT2277 which is cheaper, but from their 40 size. Also a note, the Trinidad 20 here has a Stella large size knob which honestly feels better, but you also need new bearing, faceplate and screws to make it fit, while the Talica was a swap everything over from the Trinidad. Hope that helps

[@kevincooney5700]

Thank you exactly the answer I was looking for

[@GregClaud]

@@Seastheday88 where did you purchase the Stella knob with the bearing, faceplate, and screws?

[@2derekjeter2]

People say Shimano is the smoothest line of reels I wonder if the bronze gears have anything to do with it, accurate uses stainless steel gears for its tern 2 , I just got the tern 2 it’s still boxed , I wonder how it really holds up against the Trinidad

[@Seastheday88]

Honestly I think it’s just preference. We’re not targeting huge enough species that will stress the reels, at least we shouldn’t. In showroom, the Shimano will feel nice, but once you’re fishing, you won’t notice the difference in how they perform. Plus the accurate is usually lighter overall so you’ll fish comfortably longer.

[@jorgeposadas1192]

I live in Texas, originally from Cali and here where you fish for 12" fish, you can hook up on a 110lb. fish, so you really don't go light, first time I went out, I had 30lb gear, the next time nothing less than a 50lb outfit, now it's when I take my wife red snapper fishing, it's nothing less than an Avet HX 2 speed, my wife loves them cus of the low speed and I've seen guys come on the boat with 30lb outfits and get spooled, for a while there I was using a Seigler SG and I actually hooked up to 250lb tiger shark, I didn't get spooled but it was a 45 min. battle, so it's not like So Cal where you go paddi fishing or yellowtail, here gear medium+ or just go 80lb period.

[@btrillman9231]

Would you recommend the fathom or the torium for surf fishing?

[@btrillman9231]

Or maybe the Trinidad?

[@Seastheday88]

For surf fishing off sand. The fathom 15cs (surf casting) is a specific reel for surf. They’re prob best bang for buck and light enough for local waters. The Trinidad are too pricey for me to use near any sand, worried that I would damage the reel. Hope that helps 🤙

[@jonathank5388]

Hey brother, I just bought the fathom 15 dcs casting special because of the increased line capacity, do you think it could function as a live bait reel because of the great free spool. I know it made for surf but would do you think?

[@Seastheday88]

@@jonathank5388 Hey Jonathan, just saw this. It can make a great live bait reel. The only thing is the knob itself. It’s placement and the size of it, would interfere with your wrist as you’re guiding the line on reeling it back in. I believe you can swap that stubby knob a more flush one that has indents from the gen2 Fathom 12 or 15 star drag. Thanks

[@Joe-bh4vz]

@@btrillman9231, definitely the fathom 15. Out of the box ready with mag brakes. Shimano torium and Trinidad do not have any spool brakes.

[@greghoag1990]

You should make a video comparing the Trinidad and tranx 500 love my tranx for yellow tail and tuna

[@Seastheday88]

I did try to source a Tranx 500, but none willing to let me experiment with theirs🤣. Also read that Trinidad and Tranx 500 are same internals. I wouldn’t be surprised, a buddy pulled up a 60lb BFT with his. Love that they also have HG and PG gears. Looks like a breeze to cast with them.

[@greghoag1990]

Yeah they have great power I have 500pg spooled with 480yds of 80lb maxquadtro it cast Further than my spinner with a 120gcoltsniper.the biggest problem with them is they scratch up pretty easily but it will make short work out of a 35lb bft.

[@Seastheday88]

I need to try that setup. What rod are you pairing it with?

[@greghoag1990]

June 2nd Excalibur 2 1/2 day still room I will be more than happy to let you try out my setup

[@Seastheday88]

@@greghoag1990 that’s going to be a fun trip🙌🙌🙌 fireworks from the slay🤙

[@VENAT0RIS]

My old school Trinidad 20 from 2006 (the old gold ones) is starting to crap the bed; think it has a bad bearing? Meanwhile my cheap 2x Sealine X's (also from the 2000s) are going strong... Obviously the trini is a more refined reel, but at a certain price point, I think you're paying for bling bling and not necessarily functionality/durability

[@Seastheday88]

That unfortunate to hear. Sad thing too, Shimano discontinued parts production of the for those gold Trinis. You’ll need to find what ever New Old Stock are available from other parties. I’ve been fishing various brands and models this past year and agree with your view. It’s hard to tell the difference between one another in function.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

The side plates/body is plastic on the Torium?

[@Seastheday88]

The Torium body and side plate is cast aluminium.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

@@Seastheday88 Nice reel I can’t wait to take it out.

[@Kelberi]

do both have centrifugal braking?

[@Seastheday88]

No brakes. Although the Tranx models has them

[@louivou7907]

The free spool test u did is inconclusive as the braid is heavier than the mono rotational inertia and all that

[@Seastheday88]

You’re 100% correct on that. Truth though, the Torium just has poor freespool from factory. It could be due to factory grease over slick oil or the bearings. I forgot who the Torium looked but I recently pulled apart a saltiga and saltist, saltist has a bushing made from plastic/composite while the saltiga had a bearing in the same spot. Could’ve been like that for the Torium. Regardless, Torium will still be plenty enough for majority of fishing applications. Hope it helps in making a deciding factor 🤙

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

@2:04…above the Trinidad 20 on the right hand side of the video. Above the 20 is that a 14 Trinidad??? It looks much more narrower than the 20.

[@Seastheday88]

Top rows are both 16hg/16a Bottom rows are both 20hg/16a I think it was my camera angle that made it appear smaller.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

@@Seastheday88 I like the idea of a narrow reel. I’ve gotta go to a shop and see how big they are but the 20a seems like it’ll handle 30# mono top shot well. What do you use 100’ top shot?

[@Seastheday88]

@@user-jc4yv7eg7c I’m currently using 40# Izorline XXX on the 20a. I had 40# on 20hg when I was using it 2020/2021. Using it mostly for surface but could do a quick rig swap to drop shot for bottom fishing. The 16 can do 30# and be plenty👍

[@andrewmorke]

The Saltiga 30 HA was my choice over these reels.

[@Seastheday88]

I have a couple Saltigas that’s been waiting for my video review. Only got to use the 15ha so far. The 20 and 35 have been sitting pretty awaiting fish 😆

[@GregClaud]

Hey man. Where did you get a black handle for the Trinidad? I want to replace the white on mine

[@Seastheday88]

Hi Greg. Got the Talica and Stell knob from ‘fishshop dot shimano dot com’ if you look under their parts list, they’ll give you schematics for every part you need. I got the Torium 16/20 size, I think if you get the Talica 20/25 size, you’ll be able to use your Trinidad faceplate. The Stella is off a 14k and larger size. You’ll need the bearing closest to face plate, the one closer to handle works from your Trinidad. Also get the face plate and the screws for it. It’s worth it. Nicer grip compared to the Talica/Trinidad shape.

[@GregClaud]

@@Seastheday88 If I just wanted to replace the white knob with a brand new white knob from the website, do I need to order any other parts with it? Is it easy to replace?

[@Seastheday88]

@@GregClaudhey Greg, real easy to replace. If your bearings are still good, use all original parts and just replace the knob. 2 small philip screws for the plate cover, 1 medium size Philip screw to hold the knob, use loctite when you screw it back on and youre Good to go 🤙

[@UsepBeraufishing]

Wow.. teview reel shimano. Thanks for sharing my frend . Good luck my fren. Sukses always.. 👍🙏🙏

[@Seastheday88]

Thanks for watching sir! 👍

[@tingtong1172]

Can you doma review on Trinidad T40 please

[@Seastheday88]

Hi. The gold one? I haven’t come across one yet. The prices on them are still a pretty penny. Did have a 14 gold for a short season.

[@tingtong1172]

@@Seastheday88 I've had one now for about nearly 15yrs tucked away in storage going to get it tomorrow ha 🤠😀

[@tingtong1172]

Got a new subscriber too mate by the way 🎉

[@tingtong1172]

Got a good idea for ya for a video , I been out the fishing game for long time due to family commitments. I'm bringing out the T40 need a new jig stick any recommendations? 🙏👍

[@Seastheday88]

@@tingtong1172 Oh thats awesome. I'll have to check one out still. Phenix Megalodon 608 or 609 would pair perfectly! and thank you boss!

[@pitchinwedge48]

It means nothing when you compare the freespool of an empty spool vs a full spool because of the added weight of the line. Consequently, your interpretation of the "spin" test is incorrect. The TN20a spins the longest because the greater mass of the spool assembly loaded with line.

[@Seastheday88]

Agreed. I had the Torium 16 spooled prior but moved the line to another reel. It was just a hair longer in time. Hope the Torium20 with line give a better idea on it considering it was last to get spun. Not the most intensive test but to give an idea for those looking to purchase. Thanks for watching.

[@fieshyfish]

@pitchinwedge Actually its because the TN lineup come out of the box with oiled bearings, opposed to the toriums which comes from the factory with Greased bearings. As you can see with the torium spooled it still only gets a few seconds. I'm sure you will get better results after opening and lubing them with something like TSI 321 however the pinion is floating since it has nothing to hold it in place, this adds extra friction to the shaft so it still wouldnt make half of the trinidads freespool preformance.

[@Seastheday88]

@@fieshyfish for the Torium, I was tempted to remove the greased bearing and lube it with slick oil, at the end of the day just stuck with the Trinidad. Honestly even casting the 20a, you have to really thumb it over the Torium as that spool wants to birds nest, its spins that fast. A bit more thumb control, but way smoother distance overall

[@mannyperez7680]

Saltist vs Saltiga next

[@Seastheday88]

Lol, I actually have a saltiga in hand. Been trying to source a Saltist. The 20h Saltist I had before I sold a while ago. Hope to get one soon 🙌

[@alchergaming8734]

Wooww

[@Robot_Chris]

the extra bearing are in the handle

[@Seastheday88]

Wild how much of a difference that would be. I compared the Daiwa Saltist and Saltiga and noticed how much bearings in place of delrin type including the handles.

[@angkolchardix]

Maybe you have an extra reel you can lend me some. I would love too..

[@Seastheday88]

Def bro 😆🙌

[@angkolchardix]

@@Seastheday88 😁✌️

[@fieshyfish]

The toriums are lacking for the price point, absolutely no comparison with the trinidads. The trinidad has bearings supporting pretty much every moving part, along with the machined aluminum frame which wont flex, and forces all the parts into their correct alignments which improves torque substantially. The toriums have no bearing support internally, and a cast frame which will flex under much less pressure turning the handle, there is a huge difference in power between the two. Also the spool bearings on the torium are packed with grease which explains the added unnecessary pressure in freespool. I have owned every model available and ended up selling all of them, to be honest toriums are overated and there are much nicer options at the same price point that offer so much more.

[@Seastheday88]

Woah thanks for the review. I was curious how far I wanted to take it apart. The bearing count was curious and I’m feeling the same about die-cast. My curiosity is how much stress before it has a shift. My newer no fish fathoms free spool the full minute while a caught fish fathom lost its free spool. I haven’t put that kind of stress yet on the Torium on lb fish yet, but to be honest I sold both of those already before I finished this video and kept the Trinidad’s. I’ll have to follow up on your other comment on the saltiga as well. Very curious about them all still. The Ocea jigger 2000 is single dog so it had me curious if 16na Trinidad was similar. Thanks for sharing🙌

[@a.p.mexico1071]

The author of the video have all the right to do a COMPARISON of wherever he want to compare! Both are conventional reels, both are made from Shimano, both can pull out a wide variety of fishes from the sea, but off course, that one reel of $500 dls, going to have differences and better performance againts a reel of $250 dls. Hellooo!!! Is common sense!!! Is obvius!!! If you don't like the comparison, open a KZbin channel and produce a video opening the reels that you choose to compare and show every part of the reels to the world without read printed information!

[@Seastheday88]

@@a.p.mexico1071 hi friend, greatly appreciate your comment. Soul actually has been very helpful from sharing his personal experiences with the reels and hope those information will help others make a better decision on it as well. My understanding of how he describes that for double price, it’s more than double the quality. The Trinidad seems like the best option that can be handed down for generations quality wise. I personally already sold all my Toriums, but they were very fun reels to use while I had them. I look forward to test more reels and share feedback from them and hope to learn from others experience also. Thank you 🙌

[@fieshyfish]

@@a.p.mexico1071 My comment wasn't made against the creator, rather I just wanted to add my own input after using and working on both reels for years. However I do enjoy videos like this, and the creator made a really nice comparison between the two.

[@mancingribut]

What do you recommend at the price point of Torium

[@Tony67032]

yeah shimano has the habit of having that plastic plate inside , its been there for ever

[@Seastheday88]

Hey Tony, lol I was disappointed to find that out. My Fathoms didn't, both star drag and lever drag, Talica was metal too. Had to open up my Saltiga after I filmed this to find the same thing. Read where some owners do report lost of smoothness after landing bigger grade YT or BFT. But I'm sure Shimano would takes care of that under warranty.

[@Tony67032]

@@Seastheday88 Daiwa Satiga has the plastic brace too? I own the lexa 300 and 400 , and I'm thinking about getting the Okuma Tesoro 12 which is about the same size as the trini 20. I don't like Accurate do to the part that they only use Anti Reverse Bearing, I seen quite abit fail during the battle

[@Seastheday88]

@@Tony67032 It does, checked it on both 15h and 35h which I filmed, but haven't pieced together. You're right about the Accurates and I was tempted too, but everyone does mention about the bearing on it along with Avet. I'm curious with the Tesoro, highly rated as well. Considering all the play in the Fathoms, there's only one plastic part which is the gear cover quick access that I found so far. Ready good reports from owner's who took it to Guadalupe on long range trips. When tackle becomes obsessive 🤣🤣

[@Tony67032]

@@Seastheday88 on the Avet is the pinion bearing under heavy load is hard to turn the handle, Accurate on the other hand once those ARB's go out in the battle , the reel is pretty much in free spool which is no bueno , that is why is always good to have atleast one anti reverse pawl and one ARB , that way you always have a back up, any reel with the anti reverse pawl will have back play, reels with one anti reverse roller bearing will not , it will instantly lock the back play , but to me there is no problem with the back play at all

[@Seastheday88]

Learn something new everyday. Thanks for sharing the insight on that Tony!

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

Die-cast? What’s die-cast?

[@Seastheday88]

Cast Aluminum, is where they have a mold pattern, then liquid aluminum is poured into the cast. While CNC Aluminum, is from a full aluminum block, then cut into the desired design. CNC will have tighter quality control than cast. Hope that helps.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

@@Seastheday88 Thanks man. I’m going out tomorrow and buy the Torium. That way I can afford to buy a rod to go with it. I like the way you said the reel was light and the bait can swim out better. For a schoolie and 30# yellowtail I don’t need the $500 reel. Guy on phone said the reel body was made of plastic lol an insisted I buy the Trinidad for the next generation 🤭Yea right lol

[@Seastheday88]

@@user-jc4yv7eg7c it’s a good reel. I used that 20 for all purpose, flyline, bottom and surface. Very versatile. The only plastic part iirc, was the clutch lever on it, where you put the reel into freespool or engage the spool.

[@Seastheday88]

@@user-jc4yv7eg7c also, look into Penn Fathom star drag and if you they have a discount, Okuma Tesoro. Both are fine reels for the price too. Good Luck.

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

@@Seastheday88 I just bought the Shimano Torium and a Seeker rod. If I bought Trinadad I’d only have a reel. I’m glad I saw your video👍

[@bucac1213]

I'll buy those white knobs off you

[@Seastheday88]

They’re long gone. Thanks tho 🤙

[@bucac1213]

@@Seastheday88 damn. They sure would of look nice on my tranx 300 and 400

[@Seastheday88]

@@bucac1213 check fishshop.Shimano.com I bought my black handle from there. They have Trinidad models there too

[@daveyroi6ify]

My torium 30 drag sucks

[@Seastheday88]

Hi David. The drag washers are pretty much identical to the Trinidad. There could be factors to loose drag. How old and when was last service? It may take cleaning off old grease on drag washers and applying Cal’s grease. Or replacing the washers, factory or smoothdrag dot com is a good replacement. Lastly, check the convex washers on your handle side. The two washers may no longer have a convex shape to it which applies the pressure to the washers to mesh tighter. One tip, when storing reels, back off drags completely. As leaving it in tighten position wears out the convex spacers. Hope that helps. The Torium is still a great reel.

[@daveyroi6ify]

@@Seastheday88 I ve had it a few years years and honestly never had it serviced but I rember when it was brand new and I took it out I hooked a few yellow fin and the drag would just loosen I had to keep adjusting it.

[@cicerobatistagomes2615]

Veryj nice. 🫶 Thanks!

[@Seastheday88]

Thank you 👊