My Review On The Shimano Zeles Baitcasting Combo

[Catch and Grease]

Hey guys, I've been wanting to do a review on this combo for awhile because I've been very impressed with it. I got it around Christmas as a present and I didn't ask for it, so I hadn't looked into it and didn't know if it was any good beforehand.

The rod is a MH Fast action And the specs say it is rated for 1/4 to 1oz weight and 10-20lb line and can be bought in 6'6 or 7' (I've been using the 7'), the reel is a 6.5:1 ratio reel that reels in 27 inches per crank, carries 110 yards of 14lb mono and has a max drag of 10lbs.

I'm gonna start with the reel, it's a very smooth reel and hasn't gave me any problems as far as the drag sticking or giving and haven't had any issues. It's a great reel for beginners because of its easy to set brake system which only consist of a dial on the side, weighing in at 7.2oz it's not the lightest reel ever but it's certainly not too heavy... I used it for probably 6 months now on almost every fishing trip I've went on and it has been nothing but good, I've used it for jigs, spinnerbaits, frogs, squarebills, you name it and they all work good. It could be a little faster for some stuff like jigs and Texas rigs but the 27 IPT is perfect for people just starting out who want a reel for many applications, I also threw it on my square bill rod and it is soo good, it's like it was made for small crank baits. It throws lighter weights alright but isnt incredible, I have thrown stuff like weightless speed craws and you can get good distant with the right rod. It's small and easily can be palmed and is super comfortable.

Now for the negatives.... The number one thing that I don't like about this reel is the handles, they are a little small and aren't made out of the rubber material most reel knobs are made from, it's a solid plasticky material that is very easy for your fingers to slide off, I have had my fingers slip off LOADS of times using it for pitching jigs, crankbaits etc... So I would recommend getting some new covers to slide on your reel knobs to give you a better grip. That's really the only complaint about the reel that I have and it can be fixed easily with cheap reel knobs.

And now for the rod... the rod is great for jigs and Texas rigs and that's what I'm throwing on it most of the time, but for the person needing an all around rod it is perfect, I've used it for spinnerbaits, frogs in moderate cover, buzz baits, etc.... It just has a good amount of backbone and action for many many applications. It's a split grip rod with the blank exposed under the handle so you can feel bites better and is pretty darn sensitive for the price, much more sensitive than I expected. It's guides are about average size and Are very sturdy, I've beat this rod to hell and back and it hasn't shown any signs of wear, overall very sturdy rod. One thing I dislike is that the lure keeper is on the side of the rod instead of the top right in front of the reel, not a big deal it's just one thing I think could be changed. The handle is very comfortable and the padding isn't cheap junk, it doesn't have any holes or tears yet and I don't think it will anytime soon. IMO It is a fantastic rod.

Overall I think for the beginner or experienced angler that doesn't want a combo that breaks the bank this is a very good choice.

It is around 120$ and can be bought off the internet or at stores like academy, gander, and maybe even some walmarts.

Oh and P.S It's green! Matches my aqua green powerpro perfectly! Lol

[F14A-B]

Sounds like its working well for you, if you're happy ! That's a good thing, nice review on the entry level equipment!!!

[bootytrain]

I didn't even know of this model.. I googled it and the combo looks sweet. It looks to share the caenan/curado g frame which I handled at bps this weekend, and it is super comfortable to palm. Almost bought a G because it palmed so good lol. Nice review.

[Catch and Grease]

I didn't even know of this model.. I googled it and the combo looks sweet. It looks to share the caenan/curado g frame which I handled at bps this weekend, and it is super comfortable to palm. Almost bought a G because it palmed so good lol. Nice review.

Yeah it seems to be pretty under the radar even though its been out awhile... I haven't seem anyone else in person that was was using the combo.

[Ersteman]

Hi, thanks for the review on the Shimano Zeles Baitcaster combo. I purchased the Zeles combo from Gander Mtn for $64 after tax and will be picking it up next week from the store. I hope it works out well! I'll post my review as well. 

 

Are you familiar with the Black Max combo?  I have that one now currently.  How would you compare the Black Max to the Shimano Zeles? 

 

Thanks,

Mike

[Catch and Grease]

I'm glad you bought it! 64$ is a steal considering the zeles combo is worth paying the full 120$...

I use a black max combo a family member has all the time while they fish with me and I would give the edge to the zeles, but dont get me wrong the black max is an alright combo...

The reel on the black max is a good beginner reel but I don't care for the rod very much.

You will be very pleased with the zeles and I look forward to your review!

I'm curious did you order the 7' MH fast action one or the 6'6 medium fast action one? I'm only familiar with the medium heavy.

[new2BC4bass]

Nice review on a rod and reel I didn't know existed until yesterday.  It does look very nice in the picture I looked at.  Thanks.

[Ersteman]

Well, I was excited about the Zeles, until I arrived at the Gander Mtn store to pick it up. There was a large visable scratch on top of the reel and the top rod eyelet was cracked and pieces of the eyelet were broken off, so I was awarded store credit.  With the store credit plus some extra cash, I grabbed the GSX Elite Baitcaster for about $75 on sale and the GSX Tourney rod for $40 on clearance.  Both totalled around $115, but I like the combo a lot.  So sorry, no Zeles review from me.  I haven't used my new combo yet either, so I can't even tell you how that one is.  Have a good one. 

[Catch and Grease]

That's a shame, hope the rod and reel you got works out for you!