spinning reel question

in my arsenal of spinning reels, i came across a new shimano sedona rear drag.  i cannot remember when or why i bought it.  my other reels are front drag.  anyone use rear drags?  is there any benefits?  really don't see that many on the water. 

thanks bull.  may have to strap it on a rod and give it a try.  not as pretty as some of my other reels, but it sounds solid. (just like obama.........whoops ).........
 
man, what a day outside.......this autumn has been beautiful.   

rick, i have symetres and saharas and like them as much as my quantums, but i was surprised to read that sedonas are shimanos best selling reels.

best selling means best received product for the price, not necessarily the best reel or the cheapest price.
 
I think that is the reel that the package in most of their packaged setups.  That helps with sales figures.

Rich,

A rear drag reel tends to have smaller diameter drag discs/washers. This can sacrifice durability/reliability, and have seemed to have greater start-up friction IMO. For SOME reason though, front drag reels seem to loosen, or tighten up on their own for me, so I prefer rear drags. Might be me, or something inherent in the systems, I don't know. I have also found front drags more sucseptible to attracting dirt/grit while fishing.
 
I do know that reels with a reputation for their superior drags, tend to be front drag systems.
 
That said, the Sedona is a great reel. Enjoy it.

in bad weather use a rear drag the water seeps out the lower and has a less chance of freezing up front drags use larger disc and are better for larger fish i still use a rear drag ,and no bigger than 8to 10 lb on it unless going for salmon on the same reel

I've only owned rear drag spinning reels. They work especially well when throwing spoons for steelhead off the mouths, you can keep the drag set hard to set the hook when they hit then adjust when they run without getting your hand near the line as you would if it were a front drag reel...

I had a few rear drag models in the past, but never cared for them.  My front drags always seemed to operate smoother.

The larger diameter of front drag discs, allow the friction to be spread over a greater surface area under less pressure. Thus operating smoother.