When I first removed
the reel from the neoprene cover, all I could think was BLING ! The
bronze reel was spotless like a mirror. When I first turned the spool it
just spun effortlessly……I really wanted to get this reel out to the
fish.
The 5” diameter
really picks up the line quickly during the retrieve. I have not
experienced any point on the reel that the line will hang-up on. The
convex housing conforms well to the hand. The clicker is handy to help
keep from spinning the reel during transport and when tying a rig.
Being new to
actually casting a CP Reel, I found the reel to be very manageable to
operate. At no time during the trial of the reel on the water, did I
ever experience any negative performance of the reel. The reel was used
in 50 degree temps thru 10 degree temps with no problems. This reel is
very quiet and very smooth.
At no time did I
experience any initial start up issues of the reel during some very cold
temperatures/conditions.
Being new to
operating this type of reel and during very heavy wind, I did have some
control issues where I allowed the line to jump the spool and get around
the foot of the reel, however, this reel is very well machined and
polished so that there was no detrimental damage to the line. The drifts
provided by this reel were incredible.
In the time I have
been afforded the opportunity to use this reel, it has cleaned up easily
and with so few components to worry about, I have had no issue with it’s
durability. I did put the reel thru warm and cold, dry and wet
conditions and reeled in many steelhead with it, and it was flawless. I
believe that the reels integrity could last quite a long time with
minimal care.
This reel is very
eye appealing and it’s mechanical properties were flawless.
With several decades
of steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes under my belt with long rods and
spinning reels / fly reels, I was pleasantly surprised that the use of a
CP reel was fairly easy to pickup. It definitely takes time to get the
casting technique down, but this reel affords even a “new pinner” to
feel comfortable on the very first trip out
NICE REEL !…….I will
be adding a Raven Matrix XL 5.0” reel to my arsenal !
James W. Britt Jr.
Steelhead Alley
(Ohio)
|
Review |
Scale |
Points |
Overall Grade |
| |
scale 0-10 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
First Impression |
 |
10 |
|
|
Design |
|
10 |
57/60
Awesome!!! |
|
Performance |
|
9 |
|
Functionality |
|
9 |
|
Durability |
|
9 |
|
Quality |
|
10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Max Points |
60 |
|
|
|
Total Points |
|
57 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
[0-10=Its a Joke!] [11-20=What are
they Thinking?] [21-30=Below Average]
[31-40=Average] [41-50=Great Product] [ 51-60=Awesome
- Must Have!]
|
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