Ardent Apex Ranger Casting Reel
Ardent Apex Ranger Casting Reel
By Perry Mack
Ardent Apex Ranger Casting Reel
With the goal of putting quality in your hand without putting a dent in your wallet, this new reel from Ardent has a high strength aluminum frame with a swept-back aluminum handle and deep-V aluminum spool. A star drag system and a seven ball bearing system lubricated with Ardent’s ‘Reel Butter’ synthetic reel oil rounds out the package. Available in one model which is right hand retrieve, it weighs in at 6.3 oz, and comes with gear ratio of 6.5:1. MSRP: $80 USD
Bass Pro Shops Bionic Plus
Bass Pro Shops Bionic Plus
Bass Pro Shops Bionic Plus
The multiple gear ratio choices and their advanced DBS dual braking system, let you choose the right amount of spool resistance for most baits.
The graphite side covers are an unexpected quality feature at this price, and the double-anodized forged aluminum spool is both light and durable. The Bionic Plus is offered in both right and left hand versions with 5.3, 6.3 and 7.0 gear ratios providing a choice of 20, 25 & 27 inch per turn retrieval rates respectively. MSRP $80 USD
Lew's® Laser® MG Speed Spool® Series
Lew's® Laser® MG Speed Spool® Series
Lew's® Laser® MG Speed Spool® Series
Lew’s says ‘Not every angler wants to invest in a top-of-the-line model right at the start …’, and the MG speed is a feature rich reel at an affordable price. You get a lightweight graphite frame and side plate, externally adjustable magnetic brake system and a die cast aluminum spool. The 10 lb max drag is on the lighter side, but a good reflection of the realistic day to day limit for reels in this price range. Weighing in at 7.2 oz, it is offered at ratios of 5.4, 6.4, and 7.1 with retrieval rates of 23, 28 and 31 in per handle turn. MSRP $80
Pflueger President XT
Pflueger President XT
Pflueger President XT
This right-hand only low profile baitcast reel is lightweight and comfortable to hold. The C45 sideplates make this reel lightweight yet extremely durable while the 9 bearings make it exceptionally smooth. It comes in one size, weighs in at 6.8 oz, has a 7.3:1 gear ratio for a retrieval rate of 79cm (31 in) per handle turn. MSRP $80 USD