More from ICAST - Pinnacle Introduces Tournament-Class Rods and Reels
Posted by Todd Hammill on Thu, Jul 22, 2010 @ 03:44 PM
Pinnacle has been in the game for a long time but they really haven't brought much to the market in recent years until now. They've been known more for their mid-range budget reels but now they are introducing some exciting new tournament-tested rods and reels for the more avid anglers.
They worked with Bassmaster Elite Series and FLW Outdoors pros to create nine new reels across three different lines as well as a new line of 15 technique-specific bass rods. And they kept varying budgets in mind while designing the new tackle for 2011.
Each of the lines of reels offers varying priced reels with additional features and advanced components as you progress through each line.
Their top of the line reels are called the Optimus reels. These reels feature a new X-bone all metal frame that provides more stability and durability throughout the reel similar to the way a car's frame works. With the Optimus XLT at the top of their lineup, anglers will get other new technology like Titanium Deposition finish, Duralumin gears, and a Quick-flip button.
The Titanium Deposition finish is thermally bonded to the metal so that it won't chip or scratch like painted surfaces. Duralumin gears are stronger than brass by 70 percent. The Quick-Flip button enables you to quickly engage a spool on a flip so that you can have instant hookset ability if a fish bites your bait on the fall. These technologies add up to a top-tier reel for $199. They also offer the Optimus XT and X reels with scaled down features and prices.
The Performa reels are the next rung down but still offer anglers tournament-grade reels at an affordable price. They will be priced from $109 to $149 and still feature technologies like the X-bone frame and metal sideplates on some of the reels. The Producer series is the third reel series and they will be priced from $99 to $119 depending on the model you choose.
Then they also will be offering a new rod series called the Tournament Class Perfecta rods. There are currently 15 different modles in the rod line and all the rods will price between $159 and $189 depending on action and length. The major technology is a Double Helical Construction (DHC5). Basically the rods are wrapped one direction, then a layer is added in the opposite direction around the mandrel. It enables them to make the rods lighter with less resin but stil retain a tremendous amount of strength. It also keeps the rods affordable.
We held and inspected all the rods and reels and came away very impressed. It's obvious that a lot of professional experience came to bear in the manufacture of these rods. Guys like Dave Wolak, Paul Elias, Grant Goldbeck and Britt Meyers spilled the beans on what they've learned about the right rod actions for different techniques and what a rod needs in order to meet the demands of all-day, every-day fishing at the top levels of the sport.
The benefactors are the avid anglers like us.
Here are photos of the rods and reels:
Optimus XLT, XT and X
Performa XLT, XT and XT Spinning
Producer XT and X
Perfecta Rods
