Driveheads

Driveheads are the rotating hubs that sit at the front of many types of fishing reels, including spinning, baitcasting, and spincast models. They attach to the reel body and provide a larger, smooth-surfaced interface for the fishing line to unwind from the line spool. The primary function of a drivehead is to transfer the rotation of the reel's handle or crown wheel to the line spool, maintaining consistent line delivery while minimizing line twist and fraying.

Driveheads are typically made from high‑strength alloys such as aluminum or steel, sometimes with a recessed rim for added durability. The rim is often coated or treated with a low‑friction material such as polyurethane or rubber to reduce line wear. Some driveheads incorporate a pocket or groove that holds the line in place during casting, further reducing line wrap. For spin‑cast and spincast reels, the drivehead may be larger and fully round, while bait‑cast reels often have a cylindrical drivehead with a built‑in line guide or seat.

Variants of driveheads include the “hook‑less” type, where the driver replaces the small hook‐shaped lip with a plain rim for larger diameter lines. Some advanced designs integrate slip rings or magnetic attachments that allow for easier switching between fishing lines of different diameters or types. In commercial and industrial applications, a drivehead may (or may not) be called a “hub” or “clutch”, serving as a universal interface between a motor and a drive system.

The term entered angling terminology in the 1920s with the rise of the first commercial spinning reels. Over the decades, improvements in metallurgy and manufacturing have reduced weight and increased torque capacity, allowing anglers to cast lighter lines while maintaining dependable performance. Despite its small size, the drivehead remains one of the most critical components affecting reel feel, line control, and overall fishing performance.