From Bassin' Magazine
The Reel McCoys, New Rods & Reels
By Tyler Henning, Equipment Editor

For the everyday angler, sometimes it’s just easier to pick up a perfectly matched rod and reel, leaving no choices up for debate. It might just be a savvy move to buy one of the new combos available that will guarantee no mistakes and errors in your shopping prowess.

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Reels

Casters

The days of the canepole are long gone, and now, present-day rods are outfitted with extravagant reels. The new-age reels are built not to break, not to fatigue, not to fail. If you’re still using a reel that is more than five years old, you’re missing out on lightweight hawg haulers that make a day on the lake a piece of cake.
One thing you may notice between these reels and those of yesteryear is the use of new materials such as magnesium and aircraft-grade aluminum as well as more in the side-plates, frame and other parts. No rod should go without being blessed by one of these great reels.

Shimano Core mg Low Profile
The last thing any angler wants is exhaustion at the end of the day when that monster bass finally latches on. The Shimano Core baitcasters weigh in at 6.1 ounces for the 100MG and 6.7 ounces for the 100MGFV — the flipping version.
The light weight of the reels is possible through Shimano’s use of magnesium in the frame and side-plate, and aluminum for the Magnumlite spool. The basic Core model has a 6.2-to-1 ratio, while the flippin’ version has a 7.0-to-1 ratio, bringing in 26 to 30 inches of line on each turn. The Core employs four ball bearings and one roller bearing. www.shimano.com

Ardent XS 1000
The American-made XS 1000 is a stand-out performer, engineered as an upgraded version of the popular XS baitcaster. The revamped model is a lightweight, low-profile, backlash-resistant reel — even in the wind.
The XS 1000’s easily adjusted Strike Saver Drag System delivers an ultra-smooth drag with total lock-down capability, and a quick-release mechanism on the reel’s side provides easy access to a six-pin centrifugal brake system.
Ten stainless-steel ball bearings and a 6.3-to-1 ratio are two significant elements that make the XS 1000 a tough customer. The craftsmanship is backed by a three-year warranty from Ardent. www.ardentoutdoors.com

Abu Garcia Revo Premier
Precision-engineered aluminum forms the essential parts of the Revo Premier, one of the lightest baitcasters anywhere at 6.35 ounces. For pure enjoyment during a day on the water, the Revo Premier cuts down fatigue while remaining a steady and sturdy reel. A one-piece aluminum frame and crank side cover keep the gears and bearings in perfect alignment for a longer life, while the Linear Magnetic Brake offers fine tuning in any casting application by consistently applying mag force to the spool. The six ball-bearing reel can hold 145 yards of 12-pound line and is rated with a 6.4-to-1 ratio. www.abugarcia.com

Daiwa Steez
The STEEZ100HA and its left-handed version are designed for power-fishing situations and the heavier lines that accommodate them.
Using magnesium and titanium, Daiwa engineers created a reel that weighs a mere 5.6 ounces. Eleven ball bearings provide the smoothness and reliability that allow this reel to win the fight against monster bass.  Casting is easy with the free-floating aluminum spool and Daiwa’s Magforce-Z magnetic anti-backlash system. The 6.3-to-1 ratio Steez baitcaster is enhanced by Daiwa’s Swept Handle design that moves the paddles closer to the rod’s centerline for less wobble during a retrieve that brings in 26 inches of line per turn. www.daiwa.com

Pflueger Patriarch low profile
The Patriarch is the new king of the Pflueger low-profile baitcasters, with 10 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, titanium-plated side-plates, titanium line guide and dual soft-touch knobs.  The Patriarch features the Ultimate Brake System, a patent-pending design consisting of a six-pin centrifugal brake system combined with an externally adjustable magnetic brake system for a virtually limitless range of spool-control settings. The braking systems work in conjunction to give anglers the ultimate in casting touch and ability. Two models are available, a 6.4-to-1 and 7.1-to-1 ratio, both weighing 8.4 ounces. www.pfluegerfishing.com

Penn Sargus low profile
Penn is often regarded as a saltwater specialist when it comes to reels. However, Penn is making a splash in the freshwater arena with the Sargus low-profile baitcaster. The Sargus is a larger baitcast model, holding 200 yards of 12-pound monofilament and weighing 9.8 ounces.
Six ball bearings power the reel that features an externally adjustable centrifugal brake system, carbon-fiber drag washers, stainless-steel clutch and machined-aluminum frame and right side-plate. The Sargus is a solid player out on the water, with a 6.4-to-1 gear ratio and 27 inches of line retrieved per handle turn. www.pennreels.com

Quantum Burst
Quantum designed the Burst to be the baitcaster of choice for anglers looking for a thriftier model that still performs with the big boys. The Burst is made with a composite frame and a DynaMag magnetic cast control, as well as a MaxCast skeletal spool, titanium-coated line guide and Continuous Anti-Reverse. Anglers can choose between two models – a high-ratio burner that has a 7.0-to-1 high-speed gear ratio or a universal 6.2-to-1 ratio that takes in 26 inches of line per turn.  The Burst will garner attention on the water, as anglers notice the unit’s distinctive and tasteful markings. www.quantumfishing.com

The Spinners

Quantum Tour Edition pti
Four sizes – 10, 20, 30 and 40 – make up the new Quantum Tour Edition line, each with 12 hybrid polymer-stainless Performance Tuned bearings, a redesigned Line Management System and a lightweight skeletal titanium handle that reduces the reel’s weight.  Engineers incorporated the TiMAG III, the third generation of Quantum’s titanium bail with magnetic bail trip. A 30-degree wider bail opening decreases the line slap for great casting distance.  The gear ratios for the four models are all in the 5.2 to 5.3 range, and they weigh anywhere from 8.4 to 13 ounces. www.quantumfishing.com

U.S. Reel SuperCaster 180 Series
The U.S. Reel SuperCaster’s wide spool design casts better, creates less line twist and handles a wide range of line sizes. The new 180 weighs in at 7.1 ounces and has a 1.8-inch diameter spool. The 180 can handle extra-small to large lines with no problems. Two series are available in the 180 model, the 180SX and 180XL. The difference between the two is that the SX series has an aluminum side-plate and body material, while the XL uses a composite side-plate and body, with a final weight a half ounce lighter than the SX. www.usreel.com

Shakespeare Intrepid Front Drag Series
Shakespeare boasts that the Intrepid Front Drag series has the smooth operation of reels that are much more expensive.
Features of the bargain spinner include three ball bearings, one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, machined aluminum spool, spare graphite spool, smooth multi-disc drag system and anti-twist titanium-coated line roller with Sure-Click bail. All light to medium freshwater fishing needs can be handled by the Intrepid Front Drag, which comes in four sizes that vary in weight from 7.6 to 11.6 ounces and have a 5.2-to-1 gear ratio. The series has at least one model that would be classified ultralight, light, medium-light and medium in class. www.shakespeare-fishing.com

Pflueger Supreme XT
Taking the place at the top of the Pflueger spinning reel lineup is the Supreme XT series consisting of four models created to address ultralight to medium fishing applications. Nine stainless-steel ball bearings and a lightweight, durable magnesium body make the reel extremely smooth.
The design of the Supreme XT yields a fast 6.2-to-1 gear ratio in the three largest models, as well as a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, Sure-Click bail, large stainless-steel bail wire and anti-twist titanium line roller. The Supreme XT comes with a neoprene reel bag, spare aluminum spool and double anodized machined-aluminum spool. www.pfluegerfishing.com

Rods

The rod bends. The fish jumps. Then that doubt creeps into your head as you ask yourself, “Is this 10-year-old rod even strong enough?” If you have questions about one or all of your current rods, we have the answers in the form of new rods sure to take a beating from the big bass that are in your plans this year.

Kistler Helium LTA

Sugar and spice make everything nice. That’s why Kistler decided to spice up the already popular Kistler Helium LTA rod series. Still proven to be one of the lightest rods on the market, a facelift that involved changing aspects from butt to tip has the Helium LTA series looking and functioning very sweetly. New for the Kistler rods is a unique butt cap style with a stylish bluish cork that replaces the black foam. A hump-style handle has replaced last year’s straight handle, while a Fuji ACS exposed reel seat has been added to casting models. The Helium LTA also added Batson black and blue deep-pressed guides with a flanged tip. One of the fan favorites, Kistler’s innovative hook keep, is now black instead of chrome. www.kistlerrods.com

Fenwick Elite Tech Rod

The Fenwick Elite Tech Rod series is built with specialization in mind, and some of the most distinct differences are among technique-specific rods. For instance, the Jerkin’ Stik rod has a balanced backbone, tip flex, spine and components to control bait speed and action, while the Drop-Shot Rod is lightweight and extremely sensitive with a split-grip and comfort-first design. The rod blanks are color-coded so anglers can employ more than one of the Elite Tech rods while fishing. Twenty models are available in spinning and casting models with 12 fishing techniques covered by the series. www.fenwickfishing.com

G. Loomis Swimbait Rod

For those anglers using big baits to bring in big fish, G. Loomis’ four-model swimbait rod line was developed for bass over 10 pounds. The most versatile of the series is the 955, which has a good backbone for throwing lures between 2 and 6 ounces. The 955 is rated for 15- to 30-pound test and is nearly 8 feet in length.  The swimbait rods from G. Loomis are engineered to not disappoint when bringing in the bass of your life. www.gloomis.com

E21 Carrot Stix LTX

Available in both casting and spinning versions, the Carrot Stix LTX is named because 6 pounds of carrots go into each Carrot Stix. The finished product is possibly the finest rod blank on the market.  Through E21’s technological efforts, the blank is evenly stressed when loaded, reducing the opportunity for it to fail. The blank is also bonded to a fully exposed grip, putting the angler in full contact with the rod for enhanced feel and performance. www.e21fishing.com

B’n’M Float ’N Fly with Tennessee Handle

B’n’M Poles is known for great crappie or panfish sticks. However, for the smallmouth bass anglers, B’n’M Poles has been producing fine Float ’n Fly rods for some time. For 2008, B’n’M modified its Float ’n Fly to include a Tennessee handle.  The addition of the Tennessee handle allows the angler to place the reel anywhere for a personalized feel while performing the “10-to-2 technique” that is popular for winter smallies. Two options are available, a 9-foot and 10-foot model, with both in two-piece sections. www.bnmpoles.com

Shimano Cumara Bass Rods

Shimano is unveiling eight casting models and seven spinning models of the Cumara bass rod series this year. Designed primarily for bottom-bouncing techniques, the one-piece Cumara rods provide the sensitivity needed when working jigs and plastic worms. The custom split reel seat yields direct contact to the blank, while shaped high-density EVA for the grips provides added comfort and reduced rod weight.
Shimano’s patent-pending integrated hook keeper is paired with Fuji SiC guides wrapped with Gudebrod thread for one high-end rod with ultimate performance when used with 6- to 14-pound line. www.shimano.com

Quantum SuperLite PT

Quantum’s latest Performance Tuned (PT) line is the SuperLite PT, which features 18 casting and spinning models with custom-built actions that range from drop-shotting to large swimbaits.  The SuperLite PT has no foregrip, giving anglers direct contact with the blank to know exactly what is happening on the other end of the line. The split-handle grip is constructed from EVA foam, and the guides are American Tackle titanium frames with diamond-polished Nanolite inserts.  All SuperLite PT rods are one piece, have one of five handle styles and vary in length from 6 foot 3 inches to 7 foot 11 inches long. www.quantumfishing.com

St. Croix Legend Tournament Split Grip

No matter which of the 24 technique-specific St. Croix Legend Tournament rods you choose, all are rolled in high-modulus/high-strain SC graphite. Integrated Poly Curve mandrels create blanks with obvious transition points for improved strength and reduced weight. Advanced Reinforcing Technology is an exotic carbon-fiber material that adds strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight.  The Legend Tournament Split Grip rods are outfitted with Fuji ECS, TCS or SKM reel seats, depending on the model, as well as the Fuji Alconite Concept Guide System with chrome frames. www.stcroixrod.com

All-Star ASR Series

Bass will be hypnotized and mesmerized by the professional quality that will be helping anglers properly fish jigs, frogs, topwaters, spoons, spinnerbaits and more with the All-Star ASR series rods. The rods’ fine touches, such as IM-10 multi-modulus graphite blanks, Fuji Alconite Guides, stainless-steel double-foot quick-release hook keeper and premium cork for a comfortable grip with split-grip technology, give anglers the control to work baits the way the bass and angler both want. Seven casting rods and three spinning rods are in the model line, ranging from 6½ feet to 7 feet 2 inches in length. www.allstarrods.com

Esox Series Rods

Along with e21, the new kid on the block this year is Esox. Strong, light and with extreme sensitivity, Esox Rods feel like an extension of your arm. Made by hand in Richmond, Ind., every Esox rod is built for balance and comfort. Premium cork is hand-shaped and sanded for both the rear and fore grip. The engineers at Esox put in graphite reel seats for greater strength and lighter weight. Confident in its American-made product, Esox has a huge variety in six different categories of rods that include casting, swimbait, crankbait, flipping sticks, musky and spinning rods. www.esoxfishingrods.com

Daiwa Steez

Daiwa has a new Steez baitcaster arriving in 2008 so the company has introduced three new rods perfect for the Steez or other high-performance baitcasters. They include an 8-foot, heavy-action SVF Compile-X flipping stick; a 7-foot, medium-heavy-action SVF Graphite Trigger rod and a 7-foot, medium-light spinning model. The new rods are produced with a construction method that provides for maximum density. The resulting blanks are light and sensitive, while remaining powerful and tough. Steez rods also benefit from an Air-Beam reel seat design, Fuji titanium-framed SiC guides and Air Foam grips that are lighter than cork or ordinary EVA foam. www.daiwa.com

American Rodsmiths H3 Titanium ltra

The American Rodsmiths H3 Titanium Ultra has a touch of personality that makes the fishing stick unique. The new H3 Titanium Ultra features American Rodsmiths’ patented 92-million-modulus/hybrid titanium blank with titanium recoil guides. The guides work together with a carbide tip that is electronically fused into place and angled at 45 degrees for easier casting. The Comfort Set rear grip on the H3 won’t bruise your body after that instinctive power move that brings the rod butt into the body. Casting and spinning models are available in a wide range of actions, lengths and practical uses. www.americanrodsmiths.com

Pflueger Razor Tip Rods

With a tip that’s 250 percent stronger than regular graphite rods, the new Pflueger Razor Tip rods are going to have a soft spot in the hearts of anglers who have had rod-tip problems in the past. The stronger tip is attributed to combined graphite and carbon construction that makes the tip thinner and stronger. Perfect for light-line anglers, the super-strong tip still detects the softest of bites. Available in six spinning models, the Razor Tip rods come in a variety of sizes and from ultralight to medium-light actions. www.pfluegerfishing.com

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