Informative thread. Personally I have a negative bias against thumb-bar reels.
The bar gets in the way for digital drag (actual digits, like: a thumb from the other hand), accidental engagement of reel mode halfway throuth a cast....now THAT's exciting,
And: when gorillas start casting these things, they bend or break off the pin which does the activation into cast mode.
A new frame is about 30 USD.
Put the greenhorns inside, and they also could very well destroy the pin.
Greenhorns: After doing self-service, or repairs, ENSURE THE REEL IS PLACED IN CAST MODE before placing the transmission side back on the frame !!!!
It's best to do this BEFORE you put the side plate back on the brake plate.
Use a small screwdriver, or a 1/16 drill bit etc, to go thru the brake plate access hole, and hit the clutch drive.
There is an elongated slot on the brake plate where the thumb pin fits into, to do this.
This is the place you put the drill bit to flip the reel into cast mode. Make note of this access point as you remove the transmission side from the frame.