WdyCrankbait Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 Hey everyone, I was loaned a Pnnacle Primmus Xi-HS Hand-Tuned reel to try out and the following is my thoughts/opinions review I wanted to share. Quick Bio on the reel weight = 5.9oz 11 bearings, 10 + 1 roller bearing six-pin cent. brake 10# @ 120 yards is the line rating For the people that really dont feel like reading all of this, here is my brief subnopsis. Great little reel! Really, not much, if anything wrong with it, or I did not like about it. About the size of a Shimano Curado 50E reel, feels very solid, I know it has the potential to cast a mile, but doing this review a nasty cold front is moving through VA and the winds are gusting! Get curious about these reels. Ok, longer review time. First, let me emphasize what reels I have to compare this to, Lew's Tournament Lite SS, and Shimano Curado 50E. (I have many others, but I am restricting my comparison to those two because of similar qualities, size, weight, applications.) Second, I have to state my Lew's is my baby so, in real terms, that will be the yardstick. The Lew's is lighter, casts further then the 50E so, with the Pinnacle seeming to be more direct competition considering the specs and size. Both Lew's and Pinnacle are under 6.0 ounces. The 50E is about 6.9 ounces and from my initial tests, both Lew's and Pinnacle will outcast it, and also gives me more accuracy casting. I am going to try and keep this review to comparison of attributes of the reels and not really performance based (unless the difference is drastic and something I notice immediately). I feel because I have had the 50E and Lew's for awhile, naturally I can get more performance out of it vs. fishing a new reel in 10-20 mph wind with gusts to 30 mph. For my field testing, I fished with a Yamamoto Flappin hog with a 3/16 oz bullet weight, KVD 1.5, and weightless 5" senko. We all have KVD 1.5s, and use weightless senkos. The rod used is a Powell Endurance 723, Medium-heavy. Ok, now for the meat and potatoes, the Pinnacle does feel very solid in my hands! Certainly more then my Lew's (and I love my Lew's) and actually just as solid, if not more then a 50E. (Yes, I know that is blasphemy to some Shimano people.) Compared to the Lew's, the Pinnacle definitely gives me more confidence to use the reel with the feel of it. My Lew's has the new C45 side plate material. Yes, it does make the light, I am sure it allows for that hollow feel, and echoing sound in the reel when using it. (But, no problems with the Lew's to date, owned it since mid-September and caught a 4.5lb on it, and hooked and lost another big fish. I think it is a new attribute to reels that use this type of material to get used to.) The Pinnacle definitely has more torque when reeling in a KVD 1.5 squarebill, I have to work harder when using the Lew's (ugh, my poor beloved Lew's). I believe that has to do with the handle length (will be addressed later). Both Lew's and Pinnacle reels have a clicking drag and tension knob. The Pinnacle is an INCREDIBLY smooth reel. The handle is very well connected to the reel. No play in the handle, forward and back, or in and out. (and this reel has been used by someone that fishes a lot.) Casting was great with the Pinnacle, but limited, with all the wind blowing, gusting, it made it a little difficult to get confident with a new reel, open up the reel and really let her shine. Personally, I think this reel has great potential in casting distance. When I did get backlashes do to a gust of wind, the spool over ran quite easily which tells me the spool is very free, and distance is there in the reel. Let me address some things I really like about the Pinnacle. First, the handle, for me it is a great length! My Lew's handle just feels too short to me (picture below), like I'm pedaling in too low a gear up a mountain. Also, the tension knob seems to have a good amount of input to the reel/casting. The Lew's has that quality and I like reels with centrifugal brakes that have tension knobs that have a good envelope of performance. A 1/2 turn on the Pinacle knob changes noticeably the casting. I like that fine tuning precision, it gives me confidence the reel can provide the performance I want. Also, the thumb bar on the Pinnacle is slanted down a little, which ergonomically does wonders for me. The reason I say that is my Lew's thumbar is always fouling with my thumb on the spool when I engage the reel. I rest my thumb on the spool, and because I have big hands, my thumb rests on the depressed thumb bar as well. So, when I engaged the spool, my thumb usually fights it. Next, the weight, at 5.9 oz., yeah to me that is a big selling point. I have a connective tissue disorder which is leading to early arthritis in my hands so, that is why I am buying lighter reels, and starting to sell off my Curado E series.). Little ergo things like that go a long way for me. It makes it comfortable for me to fish, and therefore I will use it more. I really did not find much I did not like about this reel. People might not like the gun metal gray on the racecar red. Personally, colors do not affect me too much. I have a family of Curado E sereis reels, dark green sitting on Powell Endurance, neon purple and black rods. It really does not get much uglier as a combo then that. Some things that will hinder this reel. The price point, ($224.99; source TW @ the time of writing this) with all the competition in the price range from $175-$250 (I choose that price range for two reasons, one to include the Curado I, it is a proven reel that everyone is somewhat familiar with, two, the $250 to allow for a 10% off sale somewhere that will drop a $250 reel down to $225.) There are a lot of other, "sexier looking," new reels that are grabbing fishermen's eyes, and the less mentioned name Pinnacle. It is a name that, well I dont see a lot on here mentioned. Ok, another minor thing or two. Now for the real nit picking, I would like to have this reel in a 7+ speed as well, and for all you south paws out there, guess what? You will have to learn to fish with your right hand reeling, or by-pass this reel. So, I am not going to say buy this reel, I feel if I say that, this review will turn into an infomerical, but I would say definitely look at this reel if in the market at this price range. Personally, to me, I think this would be a fantastic smallmouth reel, squarebill reel, heavier shakey head reel, etc. I am sure it will handle bigger baits, but at the time of me writing of this, I am on a smallie kick! (Trying to get a casting set up for that.) I hope this was worth your time, Wdy 4 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 7, 2015 Super User Posted January 7, 2015 Nice Job How does it compare to your best or favorite Quantum reel ? A-Jay Quote
WdyCrankbait Posted January 7, 2015 Author Posted January 7, 2015 Nice Job How does it compare to your best or favorite Quantum reel ? A-Jay Hahah, I see someone pays attention to my posts on here, and I guess when you saw $250, you thought Quantum. The EXO 100PT, that is the one. Quantum fits my bigger hands, more reel on my palm and I love the longer handle on it, I think there is more power in the Quantum personally, plus, the Quantum casts incredibly far, too far, outside my hook setting range. But, distance is not everything and I did have a harder time being accurate with lures. I want to be accurate vs. have another 15 feet, or more on my cast. Having the Pinnacle and using it during this cold front coming in, it is difficult to guess and speculating would be it. I believe the reel can really cast far. Smaller, lighter reels in my past have given me both distance and good accuracy. I have a gift card to TW that will let me get the Quantum, but I have not gotten it. I set a $200 ceiling on reels for myself. One to consider costs, and two, if I can not buy a reel for $200 or less that will last me something is wrong. So, honestly, I think the Quantum is a great reel, but not worth that $$ to me. But, if they go on close out, yeah I will be lurking. 1 Quote
Super User A-Jay Posted January 7, 2015 Super User Posted January 7, 2015 Hahah, I see someone pays attention to my posts on here, and I guess when you saw $250, you thought Quantum. The EXO 100PT, that is the one. Quantum fits my bigger hands, more reel on my palm and I love the longer handle on it, I think there is more power in the Quantum personally, plus, the Quantum casts incredibly far, too far, outside my hook setting range. But, distance is not everything and I did have a harder time being accurate with lures. I want to be accurate vs. have another 15 feet, or more on my cast. Having the Pinnacle and using it during this cold front coming in, it is difficult to guess and speculating would be it. I believe the reel can really cast far. Smaller, lighter reels in my past have given me both distance and good accuracy. I have a gift card to TW that will let me get the Quantum, but I have not gotten it. I set a $200 ceiling on reels for myself. One to consider costs, and two, if I can not buy a reel for $200 or less that will last me something is wrong. So, honestly, I think the Quantum is a great reel, but not worth that $$ to me. But, if they go on close out, yeah I will be lurking. Yes I do pay attention, Besides there are only like 5 other humans on this entire site that admit to and apparently are pleased with their Quantum tackle so we have to stick together. Thanks for the review and the supplemental information. I reviewed some Pinnacle gear myself this summer and had a similar experience. I 'm sending you a pm - check it. A-Jay 2 Quote
Super User QUAKEnSHAKE Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I like Pinnacle and Quantum. Now if they both could get more placement in actual stores to get hands on item. Quantum has a little bit of presence but Pinnacle has zero. 1 Quote
WdyCrankbait Posted January 8, 2015 Author Posted January 8, 2015 yes, Pinnacle should have more placement in fishing stores. That would help get them recognized a lot more, they make a good reel! Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of. Quote
TorqueConverter Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 Who's the OEM behind Pinnacle? Lews are Doyos and Pinnacles are ______. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I have heard that they are associated with Silstar. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Pinnacle and Silstar are one in the same and are OEM as well as private label manufacturers. Very nice review! I have a Prinmus as well. It's on a 7-3 H/F DHC7 rod that I use for frogging. The thing has been outstanding for me. 2 Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Glenn, Keri, and we Moderators have had the great opportunity of evaluating Pinnacle rods and reels for the last year or so. Not only has Pinnacle dug themselves out of their hole, they have erected a beacon for craftsmanship and quality. I'm sure that I speak for the rest of the BassResource staff when I highly recommend that anyone considering a new rod or baitcaster should take a good, hard, look at Pinnacle's new line of products. Yes, Pinnacle is a sponsor, but none of us will endorse any product unless we truly believe in it, and we believe that Pinnacle has reached the pinnacle (pun intended) when it comes to their baitcasters and rods. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Not only has Pinnacle dug themselves out of their hole, they have erected a beacon for craftsmanship and quality. I have a question since you have been able to test them yourself, what does hand tuned mean, what exactly are they hand tuning? Oh, and how many do you own? Quote
Super User kickerfish1 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of. This would echo my thoughts though I cant speak of their newer offerings from the last few years. The spinning reel I did buy back in the late 90s was one that soured me. Would probably try one of the new offerings eventually but it would have to be a situation where I was test driving one of someone elses... Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I have a question since you have been able to test them yourself, what does hand tuned mean, what exactly are they hand tuning? Oh, and how many do you own? Good question. I have two of their baitcasters and one of their spinning reels. One of the baitcasters is the one mentioned above, and the other is the new one that retails for less than $100. I'm too lazy, and it's too cold for me to go into the garage to get the modle numbers. To be honest I have no idea of what Pinnacle's definition of hand-tuned really means, but for me the baitcasters seemed to be ready to go, right out of the box. The drag and brakes were pre-set, and needed very little adjusment. Go to the Home page and look for the equipment reviews. You will find all of our reviews of the Pinnacle gear. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Glad you enjoy the reels, hope they serve you well. I'm sure R.W. will be along soon enough to post a link to the reviews, he rarely misses an opportunity. 1 Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Glad you enjoy the reels, hope they serve you well. I'm sure R.W. will be along soon enough to post a link to the reviews, he rarely misses an opportunity. Since you don't feel like finding it yourself, here's the link http://www.bassresource.com/tackle-reviews/ Quote
TorqueConverter Posted January 8, 2015 Posted January 8, 2015 I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of. Hey, I liked that hole. Those old junky Pinnacle reels offered drilled whiffle type spools, titanium nitride coated level winds AND centrifugal braking. I couldn't get half of that on Quantum for more money. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 From what I can tell, hand tuning involves a multi point inspection and a proper lube set up. The hand tuned reels look like a reel I cleaned and serviced, not the usual grease slobbered all over and bearings over oiled. I have five reels, three are hand tuned. Of course, I've had every one of them broken down and personally inspected everything. The parts are quality, better than some big name brands oft cited here as favorites. Bullet proof construction seems to Bettie calling card of late. Take a look at my break down of a Primmus and a sub $100 reel side by side. Pretty interesting. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Good question. I have two of their baitcasters and one of their spinning reels. One of the baitcasters is the one mentioned above, and the other is the new one that retails for less than $100. I'm too lazy, and it's too cold for me to go into the garage to get the modle numbers. To be honest I have no idea of what Pinnacle's definition of hand-tuned really means, but for me the baitcasters seemed to be ready to go, right out of the box. The drag and brakes were pre-set, and needed very little adjusment. Go to the Home page and look for the equipment reviews. You will find all of our reviews of the Pinnacle gear. Top anglers looking to squeeze every last drop of performance out of their gear will appreciate our top-of-the-line Optimus XiHS Hand Tuned baitcaster. We individually hand tune each reel, putting it through a rigorous 8-step manual program covering every major system inside and out, to ensure it comes pre-calibrated for optimum casting, braking, retrieving and drag performance. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to start with the best materials and craftsmanship available, including our rugged X-Bone™ frame, all-Duralumin spool and drive train, quality double-shielded bearings, and super-tough carbon fiber handle and star drag. The NEW Optimus XiHS Hand Tuned baitcaster. Optimum performance, left out of the box. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 From what I can tell, hand tuning involves a multi point inspection and a proper lube set up. The hand tuned reels look like a reel I cleaned and serviced, not the usual grease slobbered all over and bearings over oiled. I have five reels, three are hand tuned. Of course, I've had every one of them broken down and personally inspected everything. The parts are quality, better than some big name brands oft cited here as favorites. Bullet proof construction seems to Bettie calling card of late. Take a look at my break down of a Primmus and a sub $100 reel side by side. Pretty interesting. I respect your opinion enough that if I ever have the chance I will try one, but I can't see myself spending money on one before hand. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 Hey, I liked that hole. Those old junky Pinnacle reels offered drilled whiffle type spools, titanium nitride coated level winds AND centrifugal braking. I couldn't get half of that on Quantum for more money. I see a theme starting to develop here. Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 In short, the Primmus palms like an Alphas type reel, casts like a 50e, and feels like a TD-X reeling in. They've sort of won me over. Wish they had some lefties. Quote
Super User aavery2 Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 In short, the Primmus palms like an Alphas type reel, casts like a 50e, and feels like a TD-X reeling in. They've sort of won me over. Wish they had some lefties. Be honest with me, would you have ever put out the 200 -250 to try one on your own based on what you know of Pinnacle's past? Quote
Super User Long Mike Posted January 8, 2015 Super User Posted January 8, 2015 I can't speak for John, but I will say "no I wouldn't have." Having used their gear, I can now say that Pinnacle offers some of the best there is. I can only hope that their marketing campaign can keep up with the quality of their reels. So far, it hasn't. 1 Quote
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