Wired2Fish 2012 Wishlists | Reels
Posted by Jason Sealock on Thu, Dec 01, 2011 @ 09:00 AM
We thought it might be a nice idea to put together a few wishlists based on the new tackle for 2011-2012 that we've been able to get our hands on and sample that might make good presents and or items to take a look at for next fishing season.
Here are a few new 2012 reels that we've been able to test and fish that we think will be pretty good investments for anglers next season.
The Abu Garcia Pro Max [$79.99]
We just got this reel from the folks at Abu Garcia, and quite frankly it's a great reel. It's very smooth. It casts and retrieves very well. It has very fine tune adjustments, a good braking system and a smooth drag albeit not quite to the level of the top end Revos. The sides and body are composite.
The Ardent Edge Tournament [$149.99]
This new line of Edge reels from Ardent have a lot of people excited. There are four models in the in the new Edge line. We got the new Edge Tournament 6.5:1 reel. So far it's been a pretty smooth reel. It's got a much smaller profile than their XS1000 and C400 reels which is good to see. The new Drag Tracking Technology will be interesting to see how it handles big fish this season.
The Lew's Tournament Mg [$129.95]
The new Tournament MG offering from Lew's is another tight and smooth reel with a more power feel to it. It's got a bigger more rugged handle and a deep spool for spooling up with a bit heavier line. It still features the super smooth casting and retrieve, micro-click adjustments on tension, drag and brakes. The reel looks like a workhorse and so far it has been hucking around umbrella rigs with 2-ounces of tackle on them. This power reel at this price point is a great buy.
The Quantum Exo [$249.95]
This reel started the biggest buzz at ICAST this year, and it's going to keep buzzing all over angler's bass boat decks next season. It's super light, looks killer and we were pleasantly surprised at how smooth and tight the reel feels when fishing it. Being that this is a departure from the norm in making frames and side plates so we were concerned there would be a let down somewhere. Not the case. This reel was real smooth, light and a joy to fish with all day.
The Abu Garcia Revo MGX [349.99]
Another reel in the "amazingly light category", the Revo MGX is the best in materials, top of the Revo product line reel. It's a magnesium frame. The word magnesium means too things. It's extremely light and extremely expensive. The reel is an amazing 5.4 ounces. They are using a X-Mag alloy frame with C6 Carbon side plates to reduce weight and keep the rigid strength in the reel. The variable brakes are awesome as is the drag on this reel.
The Abu Garcia Orra SX Spinning [$99.95]
Another new Abu Garcia reel for next season is the Orra SX spinning reel. It's been very smooth and we like the larger spool size of the SX30 for keeping the line a little looser and making long fluid casts. The 9-bearings and Carbon Matrix drag give this reel ultra smooth performance when reeling in lures and fighting big fish. The X-Craftic alloy frame looks good and seems to keep the real durable.
The Pflueger President Spinning [$59.99]
The Pflueger President spinning reel was completely scrapped and rebuilt from the ground up. It's a 9+1 bearing spinning reel. Aluminum spool, titanium coated spool lip and line roller, solid aluminum bail wire and multi-disc drag give anglers a smooth, well performing reel at a very good price point.