Primmus Mini Review.

[new2BC4bass]

I am not the best guy for reviewing anything as I'm not the type to notice minor differences like many.  For what it is worth (about .02 cents....or less) here is my opinion so far of the Primmus.

 

I spooled it with 12# AN40 and used it on a 7' ML Hurricane Redbone for the 2 weeks I was in Florida.  Rod is a saltwater model and is rated for 3/8-3/4 oz.  I used a Yo-Zuri 3DB Popper, Gary Yamamoto Chikara 200 Crankbait, Sebile Bullcrank, Mann's Baby 1 Minus, Rapala DT-6 and CCR-10 and a Bomber Square A.  Most, if not all, run 3/8 or 1/2 oz.  This reel is an excellent casting reel.  Really zinged those lures out there.  Especially the Popper which flew like a bullet.  I realize the rod plays a major roll in showcasing the potential of a reel.

 

It was already set with 2 brakes on when I got there from the little practicing I got to do at home before leaving.  At home I am always casting standing up.  In Florida I am always casting sitting in the front of a 14" dinghy.  This makes for some jerky casting as I don't want to catch my brother-in-law.  (Wouldn't know how to fillet him!)  Plus it was often quite windy.  I went to 3 brakes on which didn't seem to hurt distance, but helped a little with overruns due more to my jerky casting stoke than the wind.  I also ran spool tension higher than normal.  Normal being just enough to remove side-to-side play.  Tension was set as is normally suggested....slowly dropping with little over-run after hitting the water  This is one of the 2 Pinnacle models hand tuned at the factory....the other being the Optimus XiHS.  Retrieve is very smooth.  It is also a nice looking reel.  The center drilled and drilled parts were done after anodizing and left in the white which adds more bling.  I didn't notice any sloppiness which leads me to believe this reel is built with pretty close tolerances.

 

Most of my fish were caught on unweighted worms.  None were big.  Fishing wasn't as good as I normally experience while there.  The couple caught using the Primmus didn't test the reel's drag.  Drag seemed to be smooth pulling line by hand.  Obviously I can't comment on the reel's longevity.  Surely it should do as well as any other reel in its price range.  Products don't last long with today's information channels if they don't perform as well as similar priced products.  Nor will products stay around long if they don't sell.  I hope more try Pinnacle's new reels.

 

I have 2 tuned Fuegos, a tuned Sol with Presso spool, a tuned TD-Z 105H, Curado 51E, Tatula Type R, T3 1016, Alphas F and 50th Anniversary Zillion that I can think of off the top of my head.  Plus I have several other models of reels that DVT has deep cleaned for me such as a Chronarch 101A and 100B, and an older Patriarch XT.  All fantastic reels in my eyes.  I am impressed by the Primmus.  I feel it is a good as any of these other reels for the weights I was using.  I am looking forward to trying lighter (and heavier) weights.   I highly recommend it as an option for those looking at reels in its price range.  I believe TW sells them for about $225.  I got mine delivered for $157 and change.  All I can say is that this Primmus won't be my last Pinnacle reel.....just the first. 

 

 

[Jeff H]

If you have to move any of those others to make room for more Pinnacle's you be sure and let me know.   

[new2BC4bass]

If you have to move any of those others to make room for more Pinnacle's you be sure and let me know.   

 

Although I gave one reel away, I have never sold one.  I picked up a few others since the end of last season.  A Scorpion 4 x 4 SVS, a standard Tatula, a Tat Type R that I've managed to take out a couple times, a PXL and another TD-Z 105H with an upgraded spool.  Looking forward to trying them all out although some still need line spooled on them. 

 

Reel purchases have to be curtailed to only a select few more.  Unfortunately this area kind of sucks when it comes to fishing, and new gear (usually only new to me) is about the only reason I keep going out.  Looking forward to when I can move to Florida.  Notice I didn't say retire even though I am past that age. 

[roadwarrior]

Nice review. I have been VERY impressed with the Primmus, too!

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/149259-review-of-pinnacle-primmus-xi-hs-hand-tuned/

 

 

 

[Boogey Man]

Great review!

 

I think folks who look at Pinnacle for their past reels are missing out on some fine products. I used mine a few more times last week and continued to be impressed with the Primmus. Small, lightweight, cast both light and heavy lures very well.

[Jeff H]

I've dealt with a few.  If you like Pinnacle, you'd like Quantum because in my opinion they are about equals in quality and performance.  I still have to test out my new Producer LTE but I won't comment on it until the end of this season after some good use.

[Boogey Man]

I had a chance to use mine a little more this morning. Was casting a 1/4oz popper like a dream. Caught a few small bass, the biggest being about 13 inches so still haven't gotten a chance to test the drag. The size fish I catch, a good drag test may take most of this year lol.

[new2BC4bass]

I've dealt with a few.  If you like Pinnacle, you'd like Quantum because in my opinion they are about equals in quality and performance.  I still have to test out my new Producer LTE but I won't comment on it until the end of this season after some good use.

 

In that case I guess I will have to look at some of Quantum's reels the next time I go to Cabela's.   Hadn't considered them before other than to suggest the PQ when someone asks about $100 reels.  And that was based on the majority of positives posted on this forum.  Have you had the opportunity to fish one of Pinnacle's factory tuned reels for awhile?

[Jeff H]

No, I haven't fished their tuned models, and probably never will.  I have the Producer LTE now and I think that's as far as I'll go with Pinnacle.  I'm most happy with Daiwa and Magforce Z right now.