First Impression

Low in profile and comfortable in the palm , the Gravity 7 is built around a rigid aluminum alloy frame with a bright silver finish and classy gun metal trim . It sports a cone-shaped line guide , carbon fiber handle tipped with tapered rubber grips , a removable carbon fiber side plate , recessed

brake dial with 20 settings and a 14-pound C3 Force star drag . Like the drag , the tension knob adjusts with subtle clicks .

Crack open the side plate and it ’ s evident this is truly a custom-tier reel . Inside , Ark ’ s patented “ Gravity Control ” braking system and a shortshaft duralumin spool work in unison to provide pleasant casting experiences with small and big baits alike . The magnetic braking system has three modes of operation ( marked I , II , III ) that are easily adjustable by pushing down on the red rotor and turning it to the desired setting . The rotor locks on two silver pins at each setting . The “ III ” setting provides maximum braking ; “ I ” is minimum braking . Braking in each of the three internal

modes can be fine-tuned using the external 20-digit brake dial for 60 ( yes , 60 !) different settings .

In Action

I learned enough about the G7 in a few testing trips to feel confident saying it ’ s the “ reel deal .” I found plenty to like about the reel once I got comfortable with how the brake settings work , and , more importantly , how to get them dialed in when throwing baits of different sizes and weights in varied conditions with fluorocarbon and braided lines .

Don ’ t expect to be able launch baits out of sight with this reel , but you will experience smooth , long casts and skips with minimal effort . The G7 can handle everything from big glide baits

and magnum crankbaits to wacky worms and lightweight crankbaits with the proper combination of settings , beginning with the internal setting .

While everyone ’ s casting ability is different , a good general rule is to go with the No . 3 setting when casting big , heavy baits , No . 2 with medium-weight baits and No . 1 for finesse baits and flipping , where you will rely heavily on your thumb to slow down the spool . The 0- 20 external brake dial allows for fine-tuning depending on wind and other conditions ; the higher the number , the more braking control you get .

Final Thoughts

It ’ s an ambitious task for a young company to step into the reel game and go