Ardent Evercast Horizon Reels (Collegiate & Military)

[highyellow1]

Hello everyone, new here & about to post in the intros but wanted to ask a quick question.

What is the overall feeling about these reels? I understand they are not made in the US & Evercast is their cheaper option (learned from searching); however I'm new to fishing (well have not done it since my teenage yrs & now 36) but looking to start with a cheap but good spinning & baitcaster. I'm in the Air Force so thought it would be cool if I could show some pride with the Air Force reel. In fact I found a brand new one for $40.

Worth it or pass? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[roadwarrior]

I am not familiar with the Ardent brand or any of their reels. I'm sure some of our members

will comment when they see your post. If you are looking for suggestions and alternatives,

here are a few:

 

Keep an eye on our Flea Market. This is where you can get the best bang for your buck.

Shimano Symetre 2500 is a great spinning reel at it's pricing point.

Shimano Citicia 200 is what I would recommend for baitcasting.

Both of these reels should sell for $100 or less "gently used".

 

 

[Goose52]

As a Marine Corps veteran, I bought the USMC model with the intent of perhaps fishing it a bit....but mostly keeping it on display in my den/office/bunker.   I put line on it, caught one fish with it, retired it, and it's now on display.  The reel I received is "fishable" but is not a very good reel overall. It's rough on the retrieve, average on casting, and in general just feels cheap. I have lots of other BC reels and don't need to fish this one. 

 

I paid $60 for mine. If you can get the USAF reel for $40, then that's not much to pay for something that celebrates your service and it makes a nice keepsake. BUT, if you are looking for a reel that you would want to fish with quite a bit.................I'd explore other options.

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I suggest putting the money toward a better reel and maybe consider a military theme custom rod.

[mjseverson24]

I have two of the Navy reels from evercast, and I really like them for the price point, the cetrifigal breaking system is a little aggressive, so I usually have only set to one or two, but smooth casting, decently smooth retreive, decent drag, and good customer service. At $40.00 that is a good buy, both of mine were $70.00 each and I feel that is a fair price for the reel. I compare them to the skeet reese reels and the lews laser MG.

 

Mitch

[highyellow1]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  I'll go ahead and pick it up as I'm probably not ready for a bait caster just yet and worst case is it will be decorative piece.  At $40 its not a huge deal and if I ever participate in one of those military fishing day out on the water events I can show some service pride.

 

I am interested in the military themed custom rod.  Do you have a link?

 

Goose52, thanks for your service and paving the way.

 

I'll do some more research on another option.  I just seen this combo for a spinning reel, thoughts?  

 

Pflueger President/Cabelas Tourney Trail

[highyellow1]

Meant to ask for a recommendation on a comparable rod for the Evercast reel?  

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  I'll go ahead and pick it up as I'm probably not ready for a bait caster just yet and worst case is it will be decorative piece.  At $40 its not a huge deal and if I ever participate in one of those military fishing day out on the water events I can show some service pride.

 

I am interested in the military themed custom rod.  Do you have a link?

 

Goose52, thanks for your service and paving the way.

 

I'll do some more research on another option.  I just seen this combo for a spinning reel, thoughts?  

 

Pflueger President/Cabelas Tourney Trail

PM me with your email or email me direct and I'll send some pics of past builds I've done for Vets etc.

[highyellow1]

PM sent.

[highyellow1]

Any thoughts on a rod or the combo I mentioned above?

[Goose52]

Any thoughts on a rod or the combo I mentioned above?

 

On the spinning rod combo - you really can't go wrong with a Pflueger President reel - the 6930 model ("30" size) is a good versatile size for bass (the "35" size is really bigger/heavier than you need). I have no experience with that Cabelas rod but at the sale price - it looks like a good deal for the combo. You just have to decide the types of baits you want to throw and decide on whether you want the ML or M power rod and then the length. 7' is my preference for the boat or on the bank with no overhanging trees. 6'6" might be preferable if you have any casting clearance problems.  Cabelas has limited options on that sale page so if you want the "30" size reel, you have to take the 6'6" length rod.  Were it me, I'd get the 30-size reel, the 6'6" rod, in M (medium) power as the most versatile option.  If you were ONLY planning on throwing the lighter baits, the ML might be an option.

 

On the rod for the BC reel - you have to decide what you want the rod for (techniques and weight of bait) and your price range. For all-around use, a good starting point is a 7' medium power, fast action rod. Very versatile rod. Usable for single-hook applications and workable (but not ideal) for treble hook applications.  If you fish in a lot of slop or are planning on using heavier baits (like heavier jigs, heavy soft plastics, etc.), you might consider a medium-heavy power.  On price, there are viable options from about $40 on up.  The Berkley Lighting Shock and Abu Vendetta are available at good prices in Walmart.  Once you get up to the $80 to $100 range - there are quite a few nice rod lines.  If you search in this forum for "best rod $100" you'd get all sorts of hits.

 

Good luck in your decision!

[highyellow1]

Thanks for the info, going to look at the Vendetta.

[J.Bass]

On the spinning rod combo - you really can't go wrong with a Pflueger President reel - the 6930 model ("30" size) is a good versatile size for bass (the "35" size is really bigger/heavier than you need). I have no experience with that Cabelas rod but at the sale price - it looks like a good deal for the combo. You just have to decide the types of baits you want to throw and decide on whether you want the ML or M power rod and then the length. 7' is my preference for the boat or on the bank with no overhanging trees. 6'6" might be preferable if you have any casting clearance problems.  Cabelas has limited options on that sale page so if you want the "30" size reel, you have to take the 6'6" length rod.  Were it me, I'd get the 30-size reel, the 6'6" rod, in M (medium) power as the most versatile option.  If you were ONLY planning on throwing the lighter baits, the ML might be an option.

 

On the rod for the BC reel - you have to decide what you want the rod for (techniques and weight of bait) and your price range. For all-around use, a good starting point is a 7' medium power, fast action rod. Very versatile rod. Usable for single-hook applications and workable (but not ideal) for treble hook applications.  If you fish in a lot of slop or are planning on using heavier baits (like heavier jigs, heavy soft plastics, etc.), you might consider a medium-heavy power.  On price, there are viable options from about $40 on up.  The Berkley Lighting Shock and Abu Vendetta are available at good prices in Walmart.  Once you get up to the $80 to $100 range - there are quite a few nice rod lines.  If you search in this forum for "best rod $100" you'd get all sorts of hits.

 

Good luck in your decision!

X2 pfleuger's are good I own 1 president and one supreme XT spinning reels I love them. They are tough and strong. Just don't get the pflueger rod its a generic rod that you can do better. BPS has some rods just under 100 bucks that are good quality.