5 OTHER NOTEWORTHY
NEWCOMERS
Just because the splash of 13
Fishing Concept Z has hogged much
of the limelight recently doesn’t mean
there aren’t a plethora of other new
reels worthy of consideration. Tried-
and-true is just that, and traditional
reels with those boring, quaint, old-
fashioned bearings are lighter,
smoother and more refined than
they’ve ever been. Concept Z notwith-
standing, the trend in most other new
reels has been making what’s already
good better.
Here are five new reels that do
just that.
Daiwa Ballistic LT
Daiwa’s newest entry into the spin-
ning reel market is, as its name
implies, light, with the smallest model
(1000 series) weighing 5.8 ounces.
Most other models that bass anglers
would use weigh less than 7. The
Ballistic LT features a seven-bearing
system, a machined aluminum
DIGIGEAR and what Daiwa calls its
Magsealing for protection from water
and debris of various sorts. $229.99.
JANUARY 2018 I FLWFISHING.COM
Shimano Curado K
Quantum Smoke S3 PT
The latest iteration of this venera-
ble cult favorite is the Curado K,
which has been upgraded with
Shimano’s MicroModule gearing in
6.2:1, 7.4:1 and 8.5:1 ratios, plus a
smaller, lighter, more palm-friendly
frame and smoother operation. $179. From a price/performance stand-
point, the new Smoke S3 baitcaster
from Quantum is a standout. It sports
Quantum’s new ACS 4.0 cast control
system for increased braking adjust-
ment options, an enlarged paddle
handle and spool, four different gear
ratios from 5.1:1 to 8.1:1, and an alu-
minum frame. $169.95
Shimano Exsence Lew’s HyperMag Speed Spool
SLC Series
The Exsence, which sits one rung
down from Shimano’s flagship Stella
spinning reel, is a magnesium-
framed, blacked-out Stealth Bomber
of a spinning reel. The all-black,
water-repellent finish gives the
Exsence protection from the ele-
ments, while the Hagane gearing and
MGL rotor ensure butter-smooth
operation. $539.99 to $549.99.
The HyperMag Speed Spool SLC
from Lew’s is packed with perform-
ance features, including an oversized
machined aluminum spool, 20-pound
carbon fiber drag, 11-bearing system,
Winn Grips, magnesium frame, 27-
position centrifugal brake adjust-
ments and a feathery-light 5.4-ounce
weight. $299.99.
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