Finally found the Unicorn!

[CaughtMeABiggun]

Starting a new thread here to update an older thread about a reel that I have spent 20 plus years searching for.  I think this was the first Extreme XPS baitcaster that Bass Pro Shops released. It did not last long, was expensive, and I don't think they sold many at all. After years of searching I found one on eBay tonight and immediately purchased it. I don't think it has ever been used. The listing said Johnny Morris reel, but there is nothing Johnny Morris on the reel. Only has Extreme logos. The reel is also gray and not green. I remembered it being green, but I was a kid and it's been 25 years since I saw it in that catalog so it could have been gray. All that aside it is the reel. Now having some pictures from the listing, I was able to piece together why it was so expensive and possibly so rare. The reel was a rebadged Ryobi Ixorne. I am not certain but I think this could be the only reel that was ever produced by Ryobi for BPS. It was made in Japan and featured Ryobi's new Flying Arm Braking system. This was the first externally adjustably centrifugal braking system. From what I understand Shimano's SVS is a evolution of this idea/design. 

[garroyo130]

I also remember there being a green version of this

[Bankbeater]

1 hour ago, garroyo130 said:

I also remember there being a green version of this

Yeah, I had two of the green ones.  They were both returned to BPS.

[J Francho]

Daiwa had external brakes long before these reels.

[CaughtMeABiggun]

@J Francho Yes Daiwa had magnetic external brakes (MagForce). I don't believe they were making externally adjustable centrifugal brakes. But I could be wrong. 

@Bankbeater Do you remember the if the Gray one was sold with the green ones? What problems did you have with yours? I have no plan on using this reel. Its just for nostalgia. 

[Bankbeater]

@CaughtMeABiggun, I can only remember it was in the early 2000s.  I think around 2002 or 2003.  Both were brand new reels,  The reels would seize up after being used for an hour or so..  The first extreme lasted maybe a month, and the second one didn't make it through the first outing. 

[J Francho]

The Ryobi system came out in 1998, Shimano's in 2014. My point is they have been three decades behind in offering externally adjustable brakes. I like centrifugal brakes, they work fine - as fine as Daiwa's systems. But they've been far behind in the convenience factor. I'd probably happily fish that XPS reel. Hope it serves you well.