Does anyone fish the ardent Reels?

[zamguy]

The reel with that amount of drag is the pitch/flip reel, I believe.  I had a couple concerns. Since there is no worm gear, and the line wraps along side the surplus line on the reel, woudnt the braids become more easily stuck into the reel?  Also, with that amount of drag, something has to give.  Either the line or the rod must give, or you will have to use less force in setting the hook.  Since braids dont break very easily, I am afraid its the rods that will be breaking, no?

[pawpaw]

, with that amount of drag, something has to give.  Either the line or the rod must give, or you will have to use less force in setting the hook.  Since braids dont break very easily, I am afraid its the rods that will be breaking, no?

Couldn't you have the drag set where it would slip a little on the hookset? I guess you wouldn't need the 28lb of drag then though. All I know about these reels is Alton Jones uses them and he said they would cast quite a bit farther than anything else. I don't know if the one he uses is the same as the one they sale, of course. I would like to see them make a competive reel just because they are made in the U.S.A.

   Oh, the drag is not adjustable, right?

[zamguy]

NAH, I think you are right, its got to be adjustable.  I guess I am so used to laying into the drag handle that I hadnt thought it may be adjustable, my bad.  And I too, wanted to have a reel "made in America", but I cannot use a reel that has a loose side cover out of the box.  Maybe things will improve at a later date.  For now I will stay with my stand-bys.

[-Shawn-]

No, the drag is not ajustable. This is a tequnique specific reel.  All it is for is pitching/ flipping and dragging fish out of heavy cover.  It would be perfect for me, Ptching to salt cedars. When I set the hook I want the fish coming to the boat. If he even has the chance to run, you probably are not going to get him out.

I understand playing fish is more fun. But when there is money on the line getting him in the boat as quick as possible is the name of the game. 

[JEVSkeeter]

Fords and Chevy arguments!

I've been using three of the reels for the past six months and have nothing but good things to say. I am and have been a quantum PT Energy user for some time and the reels both perform well, are easy to maintain, and outcast the quantum's line/bait to line/bait. It's a Ford and Chevy argument from most so I suggest you simply beg, borrow, or buy one to try for a while. You know what you get when you post questions such as this one on a forum. A lot of opinions! Try and decide.

As far at the little button on the side of the reel goes, that is the release for the sideplate, look around and you'll find these on other reels also. Open it up and put it back on to make sure it's seated. I have several hours on the three I'm using and have had no problem at all. The reels appear plain and basic in appearance, but they perform if you give them a try. That's my opinion.

[JEVSkeeter]

Durability is not an issue with the reels. I tried them this year after a guide friend of mine Capt. Don House www.bransonfishingguideservice.com
started using them for both himself and his clients a couple years ago. As you know guides put many hours on the equipment and need gear that will stand up under the abuse dished out by clients.  Also the Ardents are not as difficult to set up as my Quantum's which I love.

So bottom line for me is that you can find problems with anything if that's what you want to do and that is your focus. If one reel worked for everyone there would only be one manufacturer out there of any type of product from reels to cars as no one would buy anything else. Just remember, one man's junk is another man's treasure.

[-Shawn-]

I want to try the flipping and Pitching reel,  If it works like it was designed to they will be great.

[Mike Cork]

I want to try the flipping and Pitching reel,  If it works like it was designed to they will be great.

Very True could be the perfect application reel 

[-Shawn-]

I just haven't been able to put my hands on one yet.  But with elimination of the level wind the internal components should be simplified. 

[-Shawn-]

 

I am going to take Jdaddy to Oh ive a couple of times this week.  This is also where Alton Jones spends his off fishing time.  Maybe we will run in to him and I can get a look at one. 

He was there 3-4 days a week last january. 

[Mike Cork]

Oh sure Jdaddy will go fishing in TX but won't come to Louisiana where the real hawgs are 

[-Shawn-]