Quantum’s new Iron reels are aimed at giving anglers exceptional value with high-end features. First, layered on the outside is the protection of Saltguard 2.0 which contains a Quantum exclusive SCR Alloy that is impurity free to prevent a source for corrosion to set in. The SCR Alloy is then covered in Quantumâs proprietary coating process to further prevent rust and assure long-range performance. Inside Ironâs salt-protected chamber is a watertight Performance Tuned Carbon Stainless Ceramic (CSC) drag system that resists heat and warping.
Care to wager a guess why this is named the Rocket or painted a screaming shade of orange? Because it’s the fastest reel to hit the market – period. It’s got many of the high-end internals of the MGX, but with a key difference: It’s gear ratio is – brace yourself – 9.0:1. It chews up a freaky 37 inches of line per turn of the reel handle (that’s more than a yard per turn) and features 11 bearings and 20 pounds of drag.
The Chronarch you know and love just got lightyears better. CI4+, a new carbon material, is all over this reel, making it corrosion-proof, light and freaky strong.
The engineers at Quantum have outkicked the coverage of the price range on this reel. The Energy now has a spinning version that has weight-reducing features found in the Exo line, but for $139. The main shaft is made of aluminum for lightweight durability, and a performance tuned carbon stainless ceramic drag system, unique to Quantum, performs flawlessly no matter how much heat is applied during a drag-screaming run from a big fish. Further unique to Quantumâs Performance Tuned durability is a bend resistant, nickel titanium bail wire that has a lifetime warranty.
The Tour MG is built with an extremely lightweight magnesium frame with carbon side covers for a retail price thatâs as much as $300 less than some of the magnesium baitcasters on the market. Loaded with 11 PT bearings, an Internal Centrifugal cast control system not only helps dial-in spool tension to changes in lure weights and wind direction, but also helps reduce weight by taking heavier magnetic controls off the reel.
Zebco’s famous 33 gets a hot of upgrades for its 60th anniversary. Tangle free fishing in 2014 begins with the new 33âs uniquely designed T-ring that greatly reduces the fishing lineâs ability to travel behind the spinnerhead. Plus, âbirdsâ nestsâ are further prevented from getting behind the spinnerhead by an innovative no-tangle pick-up pin control arm configuration. Perhaps one of the biggest misperceptions about spincast reels is that they are built for small fish. Well, for years Zebcoâs 33 has proven that false, and the brand new MicroFine Drag adjustment will further confirm the 33âs ability to land big fish through smoother, more precise, and accurate drag settings. The 3.6:1 gear systems in the 60th anniversary edition feature the tightest tolerances ever built into a Zebco 33, collecting a fast 19.1 inches of line per turn versus the slower 3.3:1 gear ratio and 18 inches of line per turn in the reels of yesteryear.
Abu Garcia is inundating the market with new reels, and each of them are upgraded. The Orra line gets a crankin’ reel that oughta fit the pocketbook of any angler with the Winch. It’s 5.4:1 gear ratio is ideal for easing big deep divers down ledges or pulling squarebills through jungle-like shallow cover. A big handle takes the work out of cranking all day.
Some anglers prefer spincast outfits, and the new GX2 has got you covered.
The GX2 spinning rod is available as a combo.
Underspin, anyone? Regardless of how you like to cast, there’s an Ugly Stik GX2 combo for you.
Another combo just for the ladies.
Okuma’s flagship reel for 2013 is the Helios Air, a 5-ounce scorcher that’s designed to be competitive $400 reels, but it carries a price tag in the $200 range.
The Komodo offers a rigid diecast aluminum frame and handle side plate and heavy duty stainless steel gearing and shafts. It comes in right-and left-hand retrieves with a 6.4:1 gear ratio.
The Magic Flight Dimpled Spool Edge technology promises longer casts — much like a dimpled golf ball goes farther than one that’s perfectly round.
If you’re looking for a lighter spinning reel that’s up to most any fishing job, the Stradic CI4+ might be for you. Ultra-light frames and sideplates made of reinforced carbon fiber and a Magnumlite rotor and spool means there’s not an extra ounce on this workhorse.
The Tournament edition casting reel comes in two gear ratios (6.5:1 or 7.3:1), right or left hand retrieve, weighs 5.8 ounces and 8+1 ball bearings. Like all Ardent reels, it comes with a three year warranty on parts and labor. It will retail for $99.99.
The Pro edition casting reel comes in two gear ratios (6.5:1 or 7.3:1), right or left hand retrieve, weighs 5.8 ounces and 10+1 ball bearings. Like all Ardent reels, it comes with a three year warranty on parts and labor. It will retail for $129.99.
The Elite edition casting reel comes in two gear ratios (6.5:1 or 7.3:1), right or left hand retrieve, weighs 5.8 ounces and 12+1 ball bearings. Like all Ardent reels, it comes with a three year warranty on parts and labor. It will retail for $149.99.
Mitchell’s updated 300 combo set has a rod that is made of 24 Ton graphite, and the reel has an innovative Bail Halo design. It comes in cork or EVA handle, and in two different colors.
Designed to meet the durability and performance requirements of the pros, Tatula offers a rugged gear train within a rigid aluminum frame. It offers gear ratios between 5.4:1 and a blistering 8.1:1.
Looking to toss a big swimbait, the Lexa 300PWR with a 5.1:1 gear ratio is the reel for you. The Lexas are the biggest baitcasters in Daiwa’s arsenal and have a 25-pound drag max.
If you’re a basser on a budget, the re-designed Excelere EXE offers top-dollar features like analuminum frame and a variety of gear ratios all for less than $100.
With 10 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings and an aircraft-grade machine forged spool, the BB1 Pro Series is smooooooth! It’s got a 6.5:1 gear ratio and those Lew’s padded knobs, too.
Ten stainless steel ball bearings and a lightweight high strength carbon body and side cover keep the Gold Spin High Speed reel light and smooth. Four sizes with corresponding line capacities keep them versatile.
