ICAST 2011 | Pinnacle Gets Hands-On with Reels and Rods
Posted by Jason Sealock on Tue, Jul 26, 2011 @ 09:15 AM
Pinnacle totally revamped it's baitcaster, spinning reel and rod lines last year when it released it's new Tournament Class tackle. This year it added a bunch of new reels in both spinning and baitcasting as well as two new lines of rods. More than 25 new products in all.
The new Optimus XiHS is a Hand Tuned reel that features high-end technologically advanced components and materials. Each reel is tuned by technician before it leaves the plant to make sure the reel is performing optimally before you ever pick it up.
With Duraluminum gears and worm shafts, carbon fiber drag systems that reduce heat and wear, 7.3:1 gear ratios, and 10 double-shielded ball bearings this reel is smooth, solid and good looking to boot. It's very comfortable to palm which is a plus for fishing all day with a setup not to mention it only weighs 7.1 ounces. It's their top of the line reel and will retail for $249.99.
They also released a hand-tuned spinning reel. The Optimus Hand Tuned Spinning reel is a 5:1 machine with quality components and material that is tuned to work extremely well out of the factory. It comes in 30 and 40 sizes, and the frame, sideplate, rotor, spool and handle are crafted from advanced reinforced carbon fiber that's stronger than aircraft aluminum. Their waterproof multi-stack drag will keep water and debris out and keep the drag operating smoothly.
Seven double-shielded stainless steel bearings and one for unlimited anti-reverse keep the reel smooth and solid while fishing. These reels will retail for $149.99.
They also added a microguide rod line and a walleye rod line to their product offerings for 2012. The new DHC5 blanks feature no fiberglass scrim. The Double Helical construction yields a sensitive, light blank. Then with the new addition of microguides. The Fuji microguides feature Alconite inserts that make for a light rod with great cast control. The rod line will contain 10 models that will retail for $189.99.
Not to be left out, the new DHC5 Walleye Rods will give toothy-critter chasers a high quality rod for a variety of techniques and fisheries. They will have the same featured components of the DHC5 bass rods but will be in 10-technique-specific actions geared toward walleye pursuits, from vertical jigging to slip bobber fishing. These rods will retail from $189.99 to $199.99 depending on length.
Pinnacle is definitely growing a following of loyal folks who've seen the great performance of their rods and reels over the last year. We talked to several media guys at the show who have fished their stuff and really love them and we've just started fishing the reels in the last couple of months. We'll keep you updated as we use more.