I confess...I have been cheating!

Bubba_Bruiser · 03-18-12, 09:09 AM

Anyone that knows me around here, knows I am a Shimano fan. But with the release of the G series Curado, I have found myself with a wondering eye.

I bought an Okuma Serrano last year and love it. But since Ardent has bumped up from the Zoloft pill ad looking reels, I am finding it hard to fight the urge to purchase an American made reel in the $200 class with already installed ABEC bearings. Have any of the serious reel mechanics put their hands on any lately? ProReel, has any came in your shop? Someone give me the low down. Am I on the verge of promiscuity or should I ramain in my monogamous relationship. I don't see myself buying a G Series Curado because I am not wild about the thumb bar. I would be bumping up to the Chronarch or sniping the D series off of ebay until they step it back up.

Tavery5 · 03-18-12, 01:01 PM

Bubba, I have a friend who is on the Ardent Pro Staff, he has been fishing with the Ardent reels for a few years now and I have talked with him several times about the reels. He tells me that they fish great, cast and retrieve are both very good.

I have not had the opportunity to fully disassemble one of the reels yet, but have taken as good a look as possible at them in store. I find them heavy and the engineering is not at a level that justifies the price. For example, one of the models require you to remove the handle side plate to remove the spool.

The newer line of their reels, the Edge series look to be better, more ergonomic, better over all design. They are still very heavy compared to allot of other reels in their price range, but look like a big step in the right direction.

Bubba, don't be confused when someone says ABEC bearings, ABEC is not a brand but a standard for rating bearings. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, they rate bearing tolerance on a scale of 3 to 9, with most reels coming from the factory with ABEC 3 rated bearings. There is allot to understand about bearings, but not all ABEC 3 bearings are the same, design elements of the bearing such as the cage can make allot of difference as to which application they are best suited for.

If it were my money and wanted to try something other than Shimano, I would spend my money elsewhere. I would look at either ABU, Diawa, Lews, or possibly even some of the newer Quantum reels.

I applaud your decision to spend your money on an American made product, but until they increase the quality and engineering in their product, others will get my money.

Bubba_Bruiser · 03-18-12, 01:14 PM

Appreciate it Taco. There aren't many reviews to be found other than those posted on some of the places you can buy them. And I just don't want to go off a "I love it, would buy more!" generic post. But thanks for the info and schooling.

Tavery5 · 03-18-12, 01:17 PM

No problem, If you get serious about buying an Ardent, I can put you in touch with my buddy and he can talk your ear off about the reels.

pro reel · 03-18-12, 01:35 PM

I have to agree with Tony. I have worked on a few and found them to be very generic for lack of a better term. Not so much that any one thing sticks out, just nothing outstanding about them. The abec thing is also a gimic to use in advertising. It's worthless to say that it has abec bearings because there is no such thing. Now if they were to tell us what abec rating they use and where the bearings are built, that would be usefull info.

bamabassman · 03-18-12, 10:15 PM

well i ain't talking to a CHEATER no mo. BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Bender · 03-19-12, 08:20 AM

Come on Bubba, just jump up to some Cores.

I'm actually not in the market for any reels right now, quite the opposite since I'm cursing how many I have since I'm doing maintenance on all of them right now, but I'm not too impressed with Shimano's current lineup. I do have some other reels though and of my "off brand" reels, I think that the Lew's has performed pretty well. When I get to tearing into that one I'll let you know what the guts look like after a year of light use. I have never owned an Ardent though.

Bubba_Bruiser · 03-19-12, 09:35 AM

Do you realize how many miles I have to fly to buy a Core? hahahahaha. I have a healthy gift card from my last turn in, but I was thinking of a Stradic CI4 and a Core on the next purchase. But with the boat fever back in full swing, I might need to hold on to it for some H'bird DI options.

BigBassin144 · 03-19-12, 09:46 AM

I wouldn't buy the reels in Shimano's new line up either, even if I was a Shimano guy. I'd pick up a Chronarch D off eBay before the new "Curadarch."

Also, I'd stay away from the CI4 as well. When I was looking into spinning reels, those consistently felt bad. The Sustain on the other hand is one of the smoothest spinnings reel's I've felt, although it's a heavy one.

But you know me, I say give Daiwa a try.

BB

Bender · 03-19-12, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I wouldn't buy the reels in Shimano's new line up either, even if I was a Shimano guy. I'd pick up a Chronarch D off eBay before the new "Curadarch."

That brings up a good point. One of my favorite reels is still the old Chronarch Mg. Maybe you could look into those or their JDM counterparts.

Bubba_Bruiser · 03-19-12, 10:29 AM

Believe me, I have them lined up on my watch list. The Sustain has an even heavier price tag. I may be willing to venture out on a spinning reel a whole lot faster than the baitcasters.

Jrob78 · 03-19-12, 11:13 AM

If you really want to venture out and try something new, get a Pflueger Patriarch or Patriarch XT. They are about the most underrated reels on the market, in my opinion.

kennethdaysale · 03-19-12, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBassin144

I wouldn't buy the reels in Shimano's new line up either, even if I was a Shimano guy. I'd pick up a Chronarch D off eBay before the new "Curadarch."

Also, I'd stay away from the CI4 as well. When I was looking into spinning reels, those consistently felt bad. The Sustain on the other hand is one of the smoothest spinnings reel's I've felt, although it's a heavy one.

But you know me, I say give Daiwa a try.

BB

Just as a counterpoint, and not just because I'm a Shimano fan....I've been using a CI4 2500 for a year now and can't think of a single bad thing to say about it. Light-smooth-excellent drag-no twist-fair price-good bearing count-outstanding IPT-comfortable-looks good.............

keithdog · 03-19-12, 10:58 PM

I just have one thing to say. "GARCIA". If your going to have an affair, at least make it worth your while.

03-18-12, 09:09 AM	#1
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	I confess...I have been cheating! Anyone that knows me around here, knows I am a Shimano fan. But with the release of the G series Curado, I have found myself with a wondering eye. I bought an Okuma Serrano last year and love it. But since Ardent has bumped up from the Zoloft pill ad looking reels, I am finding it hard to fight the urge to purchase an American made reel in the $200 class with already installed ABEC bearings. Have any of the serious reel mechanics put their hands on any lately? ProReel, has any came in your shop? Someone give me the low down. Am I on the verge of promiscuity or should I ramain in my monogamous relationship. I don't see myself buying a G Series Curado because I am not wild about the thumb bar. I would be bumping up to the Chronarch or sniping the D series off of ebay until they step it back up. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

03-18-12, 01:01 PM	#2
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	Bubba, I have a friend who is on the Ardent Pro Staff, he has been fishing with the Ardent reels for a few years now and I have talked with him several times about the reels. He tells me that they fish great, cast and retrieve are both very good. I have not had the opportunity to fully disassemble one of the reels yet, but have taken as good a look as possible at them in store. I find them heavy and the engineering is not at a level that justifies the price. For example, one of the models require you to remove the handle side plate to remove the spool. The newer line of their reels, the Edge series look to be better, more ergonomic, better over all design. They are still very heavy compared to allot of other reels in their price range, but look like a big step in the right direction. Bubba, don't be confused when someone says ABEC bearings, ABEC is not a brand but a standard for rating bearings. ABEC stands for Annular Bearing Engineering Committee, they rate bearing tolerance on a scale of 3 to 9, with most reels coming from the factory with ABEC 3 rated bearings. There is allot to understand about bearings, but not all ABEC 3 bearings are the same, design elements of the bearing such as the cage can make allot of difference as to which application they are best suited for. If it were my money and wanted to try something other than Shimano, I would spend my money elsewhere. I would look at either ABU, Diawa, Lews, or possibly even some of the newer Quantum reels. I applaud your decision to spend your money on an American made product, but until they increase the quality and engineering in their product, others will get my money. __________________ They call me Ishmael

03-18-12, 01:14 PM	#3
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	Appreciate it Taco. There aren't many reviews to be found other than those posted on some of the places you can buy them. And I just don't want to go off a "I love it, would buy more!" generic post. But thanks for the info and schooling. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

03-18-12, 01:17 PM	#4
Tavery5 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Wichita, KS Posts: 2,427	No problem, If you get serious about buying an Ardent, I can put you in touch with my buddy and he can talk your ear off about the reels. __________________ They call me Ishmael

03-18-12, 10:15 PM	#6
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	well i ain't talking to a CHEATER no mo. BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! __________________ so many lures, so little time.

03-18-12, 01:35 PM	#5
pro reel BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 761	I have to agree with Tony. I have worked on a few and found them to be very generic for lack of a better term. Not so much that any one thing sticks out, just nothing outstanding about them. The abec thing is also a gimic to use in advertising. It's worthless to say that it has abec bearings because there is no such thing. Now if they were to tell us what abec rating they use and where the bearings are built, that would be usefull info.

03-19-12, 08:20 AM	#7
Bender BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Brighton, MI Posts: 2,414	Come on Bubba, just jump up to some Cores. I'm actually not in the market for any reels right now, quite the opposite since I'm cursing how many I have since I'm doing maintenance on all of them right now, but I'm not too impressed with Shimano's current lineup. I do have some other reels though and of my "off brand" reels, I think that the Lew's has performed pretty well. When I get to tearing into that one I'll let you know what the guts look like after a year of light use. I have never owned an Ardent though.

03-19-12, 09:35 AM	#8
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	Do you realize how many miles I have to fly to buy a Core? hahahahaha. I have a healthy gift card from my last turn in, but I was thinking of a Stradic CI4 and a Core on the next purchase. But with the boat fever back in full swing, I might need to hold on to it for some H'bird DI options. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

03-19-12, 09:46 AM	#9
BigBassin144 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toledo, Ohio Posts: 9,463	I wouldn't buy the reels in Shimano's new line up either, even if I was a Shimano guy. I'd pick up a Chronarch D off eBay before the new "Curadarch." Also, I'd stay away from the CI4 as well. When I was looking into spinning reels, those consistently felt bad. The Sustain on the other hand is one of the smoothest spinnings reel's I've felt, although it's a heavy one. But you know me, I say give Daiwa a try. BB __________________ As of June 14, 2014 the members of the BF.com forum have moved to basschat.yuku.com!

03-19-12, 10:29 AM	#11
Bubba_Bruiser BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: South MS Posts: 3,659	Believe me, I have them lined up on my watch list. The Sustain has an even heavier price tag. I may be willing to venture out on a spinning reel a whole lot faster than the baitcasters. __________________ \,,,,/ ROCK ON! HRN4L!

03-19-12, 11:13 AM	#12
Jrob78 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 4,671	If you really want to venture out and try something new, get a Pflueger Patriarch or Patriarch XT. They are about the most underrated reels on the market, in my opinion. __________________ There are 3 kinds of people in the world…those who can count and those who can’t. HRN4L

03-19-12, 10:58 PM	#14
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	I just have one thing to say. "GARCIA". If your going to have an affair, at least make it worth your while. __________________ Just one more cast, and then some!

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