Ardent XS

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RattleTrapper

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 24, 2006
Messages
451
Location
Rock Spring, GA
I got to meet with the president of Ardent Reels yesterday and take a look at their new XS baitcaster. It's available in 6.0:1 It's built very tight, so the reel wears in instead of wearing out. As I'm sure most of you know, smooth reels often get their smoothness from their loose construction, which leads to them wearing out quicker. The Ardent XS' tight contruction makes it feel a little less smooth initially, but after a few uses, the gears should loosen just enough to make it quite smooth. It's got an extremely tough frame and finish and I'm told it can easily outcast other models by 40 yards right out of the box. It also has an adjustable break system which can be accessed by pulling a lever to open the side. The entire reel can be taken apart with a small phillips head in about 30 seconds to allow for easy lubricating. It is also 100% made in the USA. It's available at Bass Pro shops or from Ardent Reels for 249$, I'm not sure of anywhere in Chattanooga that carries them. Unfortunately, they are only available in a right handed model, a left hander should be available this summer. They also have a spinning reel coming out around christmas. And lastly, Ardent is putting out a new line of lubricant for reels. Reel Grease and Reel Butter should be available soon. It is supposed to be longer lasting and it will not react with other lubricants, so you won't get that conjiled build up from mixing two different kinds. Just thought I would pass this along.
http://www.ardentreels.com/index.asp
 
These reels are supposed to be excellent. I emailed them a couple of years ago before they even had any retailers and the president contacted me back. Since they were so new, I was just wanting to inquire about the price and see about getting some. I was in the market for twelve new baitcasters and $3000 was a smidge more than I was willing to spend. Even after he knew he'd priced me waaay out of consideration of his product, he was still very appreciative that I'd even expressed interest and even asked me for advice on what they should consider down the road if they ever were to build a more affordable offering. Definately a nice guy. I hear they've been working on the spinning reel for quite a while, so I'm sure when it makes it out that it'll be a winner.
 
In my experience with reels you tend to get what you pay for. I have went through a bunch of browning, basspro's, cheap daiwas, and quantums that have all lasted for about two years and just developed all kinds of issues. On the other hand i have a few shimano curados and some higher end daiwas that have lasted for years and still perform flawlessly.
 
beetlespin - 11/16/2006 5:08 PM

In my experience with reels you tend to get what you pay for. I have went through a bunch of browning, basspro's, cheap daiwas, and quantums that have all lasted for about two years and just developed all kinds of issues. On the other hand i have a few shimano curados and some higher end daiwas that have lasted for years and still perform flawlessly.
Click to expand...

I'll second that one.
 
fishinvol - 11/16/2006 4:54 PM

200 bucks for a reel just isn't worth it. I am sure they are fantastic,but not in my lifetime.:(
Click to expand...

I like that, Thats funny. I just wish I could think like that.

I have a Zebco spinning reel that cost $400.00+ ( A Zebco Spinner !!!) I also have three Penn Reels that cost over $1,000.00 each. I have 1.5K in one of them. emoRolleyes
 
I like that, Thats funny. I just wish I could think like that. I have a Zebco spinning reel that cost $400.00+ ( A Zebco Spinner !!!) I also have three Penn Reels that cost over $1,000.00 each. I have 1.5K in one of them. emoRolleyes[/QUOTE] </p>



<font color="#6600ff">I think that it is against the law to fish with equipment that costs that much on the Chick and Nick.  That may fall into the area of "a vulgar display of wealth".  I think my last purchase was a Zebco 202 with spongebob on it.  JK of course, LL.</font></p>
 
Rattletrapper, Glad you got to meet Mr. David Gray. He's as top notch as they come. How many reel companies do you know of that you can talk to the owner by email or a phone call? It is very refreshing to see a quality 100% made in the USA product. I have been on their team for about a year now and if you have any questions or if your in the Acworth, GA area and would like to take a test drive let me know..

If anyone is interested in buying an Ardent they have there 2006 versions on sale at the following link for 199.99

http://www.ardentreels.com/products/viewProduct.asp?prodId=38

Mike
 
RattleTrapper - 12/1/2006 1:54 AM

Where's the Zebco?
Click to expand...

Quantum is a Zebco Product.

No, FA That is not a vulgar display of wealth, It is a sign to show why I am Flat Broke.
(I have a bunch of stuff for sale)

As for the 1.5K Penn International, My Ex-wife bought that for me and it did not cost me anything.

RattleTrapper, I agree with you about the Ardent reel. That is a very fine reel and as prices go these days, that is a USA product worth having.
 
One other thing about Ardent Reels, Not only do you get what you pay for when you buy a reel with the Ardent XS reel you get more than you pay for. At $249.99 it gives you 10 ball bearings, a full 3 year warranty, and it is the most impressive reel I have ever casted. It is much more backlash and overun resistant than any other reel and that is really what you want a casting reel to do. If you try it you will be impressed.

Mike
 
RattleTrapper - 11/16/2006 2:28 PM
I'm told it can easily outcast other models by 40 yards right out of the box.
Click to expand...

and you actually believe that it can cast 120 feet further, sounds just a little far fetched to me.emoSorry emoRain
 
Wow!emoEek I have said it before and I will say it again, I have stuff being held togather with duct tape and super glue and it does just fine. Now if you do not believe me ask one of these guys that fish with me. Some of my reels sounds like they are falling apart when you cast them but they get they fish in the boat.emoBigsmile I always was under the idea that it is not always the equipment that catches the fish but the guy or gal holding it.emoTongue Jmax

A $1000.00+ for a reel!!!!!???????emoWorthy emoWorthy emoWorthy
 
Well I bought some nice Pfluger reels this summer, I really like them alot, in the summer that is. The last couple of really cold days that I have tried to use them, they were froze up big time. I had to dip them in the water to get them to work. I'm not complaining, my point is this, and it goes along with what Jmax said. All my old reels that scream and holler and look like hell never fail me. The newer more expensive ones are the ones that I have to baby. And yes, I understand that my expensive may be your cheap, its all relative.
 
Some of my old junky rods are getting a makeover. Thanks FA for taking on such a seemingly impossible task. I have had those two rods for about 16-17 years, they just feel good.
 
<font color="#6600ff">Flip, you are going to be sooooo thrilled and surprized when you get'um back....you will probably say it is ok for me to fish in my PJ's any time I want to.  lol</font>
 

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