Carbonlite Reel

[Diggy]

I remember reports of the reel being geary and not smooth, but I noticed they said they improved the gearing for 2014. Does anyone have experience with them since then the initial release of the newer model. If so, can you feel a difference from the initial release version?

[21farms]

just curious where you saw it that they improved the gearing for 2014?

[Goose52]

Nearly two years ago, I was told via PM by someone who is apparently an industry insider (and who chooses to remain nameless - the tackle industry is so secretive it seems ) that the "grinding" issue was caused by a concentricity issue in one or more of the drivetrain parts. This created an out-of-round situation and was the cause of the grinding feeling that you would feel once per handle turn.   That issue was present in the initial production run of the reels but the problem was supposedly resolved in the summer of 2012.  Whether the problem is indeed absent from the current production reels, I can't say with certainty.

 

I have two JM-CLs from the first production batch. I don't notice much grinding during actual fishing situations (as opposed to sitting at home and playing with the reel).  The reels are just OK.  Drag is pretty good, casting distance, at least initially was pretty good.  At the time, it was the lightest reel in it's price class (perhaps it still is). BUT, I've already had to replace the spool bearings in one of the reels after very little time on the water, I don't care for the external adjustment of the centrifugal brakes, and I don't care for the method used to secure the outer spool bearings (tiny Phillips-head screws instead of c-clips) and the handle-side spool bearing cannot be removed from outside the reel - you've got to remove the sideplate to access the bearing.  No quick way to clean the bearings on this baby.  Too many negatives here for me.

 

I will continue to occasionally fish the two reels that I have now (sorta in back-up duty) but I won't be buying any more.  Due to the foregoing, I can't give any positive recommendation to any prospective purchasers of this reel (and this is from someone that currently owns 17 BPS BC reels).  OTOH, some folks have posted that they really like the reel so perhaps the later models are working OK and these folks don't have the same dislikes that I have regarding the brake adjustment and bearing retention.

 

You pays your money and you takes your choice...

[Diggy]

just curious where you saw it that they improved the gearing for 2014?

In the summer angler catalog that you can get from the store- 

 

New for 2014 "incredibly smooth duralumin gears"

 

Then it has a pic of Roland Martin saying the new and improved duralumin gear system

[21farms]

In the summer angler catalog...

thanks. luckily, my 2014 summer angler catalog was still in my recycle bin i ran out and retrieved it. it's interesting BPS would make those claims yet not change the model number or the SKU. for example, the  7.1:1 model was JCL10SHA in older catalogs and that has not changed in the 2014 summer catalog; usually, they would change the letter designation—in the case, should've been redesignated JCL10SHB—otherwise, how can they (or, anyone else for that matter) tell the 2014's apart from the pre-2014s?? even the SKUs are the same and the BPS website makes no mention of the "new and improved" duralumin gears.

 

if i sound jaded, it's because i am. i ordered one when they first came out...at that time, it was the lightest reel available under $400. the one i got had to be the grindiest reel i've ever handled—it felt like working one of those old manual eggbeaters—and all the time, not just once a rotation. anyway, long story short, in the last couple of years, i have sampled dozens of them in all three speeds and, while some were better than others, not one of them is what i would call 'smooth'. there was even a rumor the year before last that they "fixed" the issue...well, as late as 2013, i went in and sampled the "fixed" ones: no change. so, when i read all those reviews on the BPS website from people claiming how smooth they are, i'm absolutely shocked. for me, i'll believe they have "new and improved, smoother" gears when i feel it, not when roland martin says so..

[Getfit74]

I love mine had it for two years now. Maybe I got lucky but I don't have any of the issues others seem to have. Great drag, super smooth and very light. Just for comparison I do have an Abu MGX as we'll and to me I like the Carbonlite just as well especially since I could have bought three Carbonlites for what I payed for the MGX.

[kickerfish1]

Worst reel I have ever used. 21farms hit the nail on the head with his assessment. I will also add the finish is sketchy at best. The only thing positive I will say about my 7:0.1 is the weight, profile, and castability seem to be its only high points.

[Jason Penn]

i've got 3 of the reels, 2-7's & 1-5:1.  the 7:1 have that grind every rotation of the handle, but since i use them for bottom baits it really doesn't bother me.  the 5:1 doesn't have the grind

[Diggy]

thanks. luckily, my 2014 summer angler catalog was still in my recycle bin i ran out and retrieved it. it's interesting BPS would make those claims yet not change the model number or the SKU. for example, the  7.1:1 model was JCL10SHA in older catalogs and that has not changed in the 2014 summer catalog; usually, they would change the letter designation—in the case, should've been redesignated JCL10SHB—otherwise, how can they (or, anyone else for that matter) tell the 2014's apart from the pre-2014s?? even the SKUs are the same and the BPS website makes no mention of the "new and improved" duralumin gears.

 

if i sound jaded, it's because i am. i ordered one when they first came out...at that time, it was the lightest reel available under $400. the one i got had to be the grindiest reel i've ever handled—it felt like working one of those old manual eggbeaters—and all the time, not just once a rotation. anyway, long story short, in the last couple of years, i have sampled dozens of them in all three speeds and, while some were better than others, not one of them is what i would call 'smooth'. there was even a rumor the year before last that they "fixed" the issue...well, as late as 2013, i went in and sampled the "fixed" ones: no change. so, when i read all those reviews on the BPS website from people claiming how smooth they are, i'm absolutely shocked. for me, i'll believe they have "new and improved, smoother" gears when i feel it, not when roland martin says so..

I had one but the bezel fell out where the line guide is located. I actually returned the gold version for the newer and kicked myself after. I ended up buying a used gold one online because the reel was so succulent! I was willing to give it another shot if its fixed, especially at a discounted rate.

[Getfit74]

Wow why do you guys not return them if your having problems with them?