Have you guys seen this thing?

[Sword of the Lord]

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

 

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

[Choporoz]

mopeds and hefty gals.....that's all that comes to mind...even with the open mind I bragged about just this morning....I can't get interested

[Ratherbfishing]

I hate to be accused of being a "hater" (actually, I really don't care) but I have yet to meet a spincast reel I'd give the nod to. Note:  if someone wants to GIVE me one of these, I'd give it a fighting chance but I'm certainly NOT shelling out a benjamin for one.

[Big Swimbait]

11 minutes ago, Sword of the Lord said:

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

 

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

 

This could be the ultimate Ned Rig reel. I don't discount anything anymore. A few years ago we got schooled by my partner who had a boat load of Falcon rods & green Curado reels. He picked up a Zebco 33 with a tiny Brush Hog & won the dang tournament!

[Jaderose]

I saw this thing in the Bass Pro catalog and my first though was "Why"?  I just don't see the market for this.  I'm sure it's a GREAT reel but if you're gonna drop that kinda coin on a reel, it probably means you're fairly serious fisherman and have probably moved past the Zebco phase.  Not dissin it......just don't see the market for it.  I guess the ned rig thing makes sense but my President does that for less money and I guarantee it's lighter

[Sword of the Lord]

1 hour ago, Jaderose said:

I saw this thing in the Bass Pro catalog and my first though was "Why"?  I just don't see the market for this.  I'm sure it's a GREAT reel but if you're gonna drop that kinda coin on a reel, it probably means you're fairly serious fisherman and have probably moved past the Zebco phase.  Not dissin it......just don't see the market for it.  I guess the ned rig thing makes sense but my President does that for less money and I guarantee it's lighter

I would say there's two factors.

 

If you can make a reel that is as fast as a baitcaster and can throw the light lures of a spinning reel, without the backlash or line twist, that's remarkable. Add to it that it can be spooled with mono, fluoro or braid. It's your all in one reel that takes the headache of line issues away.

 

Also, they're probably trying to get their brand and their iconic closed faced reel out in the spotlight.

 

If this reel doesn't eat line, doesn't knot up inside, doesn't have garbage drag, and yet can be a baitcaster or a spinner essentially, there's no reason to not be interested for reasons other than pride and ego in my opinion. Closed face reels are so taboo in bass fishing that nobody is interested in the fact that it appears they are very very close to being a better option with new technology. I'm not gonna say the Bullet is necessarily a better option, but if this is phase one of making them baitcaster level, I cant wait to see what's next.

[tkunk]

That thing is freaking heavy. It's about same weight as Shimano 400/Revo 60.

[islandbass]

That is definitely a cool concept for those afraid to use a baitcaster. The thing that keeps me scratching my head is who in the right mind would pay $100 for a spin cast reel and a heavy one at that?  A $100 gets you a basic no frills bc reel and a whole lot in a spinning reel.  Go figure.

 

I wonder if they put up a weather balloon/feeler to see if there was a market for this.

 

Let at some of the species in the recommended uses:

# Recommended Uses: 

Bass - Ok, I think

 

Panfish - Sure

 

Catfish - Huh?

 

Trout - Ok

 

Salmon - Seriously?

 

Muskie/Pike - Really?

 

Walleye - Not Sure

[OCdockskipper]

I haven't used a spincaster in 4 decades since I bought the vaunted "Fishing Machine".  Nonetheless, I have a wife who fishes with me once a year or so and she struggles with casting accuracy.  I could see dropping $100 on this to make her rare trips more enjoyable and potentially raise her interest in going out more.

[fishwizzard]

3 hours ago, portiabrat said:

That thing is freaking heavy. It's about same weight as Shimano 400/Revo 60.

 

I started fishing with a spinning reel so the idea of a well-made spin caster is appealing just to have one to play with, but the weight and bulk of this thing is a complete turnoff.   If that thing were as big as an egg and was much lighter I would absolutly buy one. 

[fishnkamp]

I have a friend that swears by his old Zebco 808 series spincast reel for hauling in big river cats, so I will not say those reels are all toys. I have seen him battle soms BIG river cats and tiger musky.  I di have a Daiwa Omega +  for my wife to use for throwing jigs. It worked well.  I replaced it with an Irod Genesis spinning rod and she enjoys fishing it better.  So this Bullet might be a good option to skip under docks with and who know what else.

[WRB]

The Zebco Bullet isn't new and 2X the 33.

Tom

[3crows]

There is no way to really feather the line like spinning or thumb with a bait caster, pushing the, uh, button, will result in an abrupt stop to the lure thus limiting casting accuracy. Sorry, I see no real point to this reel.

 

I understand the line pick ups are wheels, not pins, it may be the ultimate spin cast but it is still a spincaster. 

 

I caught a nice shark on a fly rod with a Zebco 33 mounted, I was around 15 yo. I did not know any better, now I do. There is a time to grow up and leave behind the toys of childhood days. 

[Bluebasser86]

Not being able to palm it would make it a no go for me even before that crazy price tag. 

[Deplorable Fisherman]

18 hours ago, Sword of the Lord said:

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

 

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

 

I just came to say......hmmmm.....that user name looks familiar!

[KDW96]

I think its more of a pride,image issue. I bought my wife and daughter an OMEGA  Z03. I must say i am really impressed with its performance so far. Numerous 5plus bass and catfish,with no problems. The one thing that will help,is an occasional long cast or letting the line out quite a ways,and reelinging it back in under slight tension,which i do with my bait casters,keeps line packed and less loops etc.

[Choporoz]

52 minutes ago, KDW96 said:

I think its more of a pride,image issue. I bought my wife and daughter an OMEGA  Z03. I must say i am really impressed with its performance so far. Numerous 5plus bass and catfish,with no problems. The one thing that will help,is an occasional long cast or letting the line out quite a ways,and reelinging it back in under slight tension,which i do with my bait casters,keeps line packed and less loops etc.

And that about sums it up.  Doesn't really matter how good it is.  Few of us are ever going to consider using one.

[Fishes in trees]

That reel is too heavy for me.   Now when they come up with one with similar stats that weighs less than 8 ounces, then I might consider one for my collection of "borrower" reels.

[fishindad]

I don't know about the previous commenters but I haven't used a spincast reel since I was a kid, some 50 years ago. It always amazes me how negative people have become with a general attitude towards pessimism. Has anyone actually held one of these and put it on a rod and casted with it? Are you comparing this reel to your Steez/Aldebaran/Tatula/Curado? This thing comes with a spare spool, has all metal gearing, reversible handle, and looks better built than the Zebco 33 I grew up with. I would definitely give it a shot at $85, which is what it would cost through retailers offering 15% off. As the OP mentioned, it would be completely backlash-free. Where I fish on the open waters of the Great Lakes making bomber casts to cover water, I could definitely see flinging baits and not worrying about backlashes - which have to be the most frustrating thing about revolving spool reels. Sure it's heavy and probably can't be palmed but if given a chance maybe Zebco would manufacture and market a smaller version that is lighter and palm-able? I love fishing my GLX/Legend Extreme/Curados but I consider myself to be open-minded to trying anything once : ) I hope this reel does catch on and Zebco markets smaller, lighter versions. The one thing this sport desperately needs is to introduce more young people and new anglers and if this reel helps, then I am all for it. The only negative comment I have is the model name they chose - "Bullet". If in fact they are marketing towards children and female anglers they could/should have selected a much more appropriate name.

[Stasher1]

2 hours ago, Choporoz said:

And that about sums it up.  Doesn't really matter how good it is.  Few of us are ever going to consider using one.

 

 

Not to single you out, but it must really suck to be so insecure that you'd actually worry about what people think about the reels you own/use.

 

A reel is simply a tool to perform a task. Contrary to popular belief, a baitcast reel isn't the best tool for every situation and the same can be said for spinning reels. 

 

[Jaderose]

I couldn't possibly care any less what people think about the gear I use nor do I discount a person using a Zebco.  I've had many, MANY people ask me about what kind of gear to get and 9 times out of 10 I'm talking to someone that is, at best, an occasional weekend warrior.  I always tell them to spend a few bucks and get a decent Zebco or Daiwa Spincaster.  But $100 for a Spincaster that weighs 13.4 oz.  Let me say that again........13.4 oz.   I would not want to throw 300 or 400 hundred times in the course of a day.  I think my heaviest reel weighs a little over half that.  I'm SURE it's a great reel.  Just not for someone that is gonna be out for 10 hours like a lot of us on here are.

 

But.....I would like to give it a toss!  

 

 

p.s.  I've got an Old Tru Temper Uni Spin that I LOVE to take out and fish with occasionally.  Caught many panfish and a few bass with it.  NOT a gear snob.

[Team9nine]

16 hours ago, 3crows said:

There is no way to really feather the line like spinning or thumb with a bait caster, pushing the, uh, button, will result in an abrupt stop to the lure thus limiting casting accuracy. Sorry, I see no real point to this reel.

 

Feathering the line on a spin cast reel is rather easy, and I first remember learning how reading an article by Stan Fagerstrom, legendary trick caster, back in the 80s. The technique hasn't changed.

 

Granted, the majority of persons on this board would likely never purchase such a reel, but if you've ever hung out on a general fishing message board where anglers from all walks of life come and post pics, I could certainly see a market for these. Heck, just from all the negative comments alone, I'm tempted to buy one and post a video using it on the water and catching bass 

[Sword of the Lord]

1 hour ago, Team9nine said:

 

Feathering the line on a spin cast reel is rather easy, and I first remember learning how reading an article by Stan Fagerstrom, legendary trick caster, back in the 80s. The technique hasn't changed.

 

Granted, the majority of persons on this board would likely never purchase such a reel, but if you've ever hung out on a general fishing message board where anglers from all walks of life come and post pics, I could certainly see a market for these. Heck, just from all the negative comments alone, I'm tempted to buy one and post a video using it on the water and catching bass 

Good idea. I think I'm going to stoop lower and take a Shakespeare Excursion rod and a Zebco Platinum 33 on 10lb fluoro to a favorite pond this weekend and get video of me catching fatties. I have a lot of confidence in those little Zebcos for light stuff considering I was using them until I learned to use spinning gear. Always caught 1-5 pounders with no problems at all.

[the reel ess]

On 8/9/2017 at 2:25 PM, Sword of the Lord said:

If you can make a reel that is as fast as a baitcaster and can throw the light lures of a spinning reel, without the backlash or line twist, that's remarkable. 

 

You could always do that with a spincast reel. Fact is, 5.1:1 is pretty pedestrian for a baitcaster nowadays. I own three reels that are 7.5:1 and one that's 5.1:1. The slow one feels like it takes twice the effort to use. In the last couple years 7.5:1 has become normal.

 

Spinning reels can do everything this reel does better for less. I have one that cost $40 that just won't quit. I have another that I bought on a BPS combo that cost $70 for the whole combo that's more than a decade old, with heavy use.

 

But I'd certainly be open to hearing how well it works.

[Sword of the Lord]

22 minutes ago, the reel ess said:

You could always do that with a spincast reel. Fact is, 5.1:1 is pretty pedestrian for a baitcaster nowadays. I own three reels that are 7.5:1 and one that's 5.1:1. The slow one feels like it takes twice the effort to use. In the last couple years 7.5:1 has become normal.

 

Spinning reels can do everything this reel does better for less. I have one that cost $40 that just won't quit. I have another that I bought on a BPS combo that cost $70 for the whole combo that's more than a decade old, with heavy use.

 

But I'd certainly be open to hearing how well it works.

I'm far more excited that this seems like the first phase in making a reel that has the power of a baitcaster and the ability to throw light like a spinning reel, while also being able to use braid, without the line trouble, than I am the Bullet itself. 

 

They claim it's faster than a 6.1:1 baitcaster.