Ardent Reels

[J Francho]

Two pages of replies, and three people that have actually used them, along with one that thinks they're great for "flippin' frogs," whatever that means.  So, the score is +2, -1, and a bunch that take TT for gospel.

:-?

[SWMIBASSER]

Two pages of replies, and three people that have actually used them, along with one that thinks they're great for "flippin' frogs," whatever that means. So, the score is +2, -1, and a bunch that take TT for gospel.

:-?

I should have been more clear in pointing out the T/T review. I was only pointing out the reels oddball construction (to me) which is shown in that review.

In my opinion the T/T reviews are often swayed by preconceived notions. I've read their reviews on Abu reels for instance. The lower end Revo's with magnetic brakes receive a low rating for casting performance because of the brake. Yet the higher end or JDM reels get great marks for the same braking system.

IDK maybe I'm the only one who sees that.

[J Francho]

I was only pointing out the reels oddball construction (to me) which is shown in that review.

I suppose you're referring to the removable gear box. Nothing oddball about it. Reels have been built that way for over 50 years.

IDK maybe I'm the only one who sees that.

No, you aren't.

[trevor]

Ardent is starting to sound pretty good! rigid and reliable!

[NewAngler]

I have an Ardent and absolutley love it. Smooth, durable and simple. I dont need a color scheme on my reel, nor do I need it to be so shiny it doubles as a mirror.

I am the second owner of my Ardent, and I don't think the previous guy took care of it all that well. Felt like there was sand or something inside causing a slight grinding noise. I took it apart (I know NOTHING about the construction of fishing reels) blew a couple times on the inside and put it back together and is perfect. I can tell its been dropped, boat rash to all hell and possibly put into an incinerator, and its perfect. And it was Bruce Sprinstein style "Born in the USA". Trevor, you can't go wrong with an Ardent.

[trevor]

man i think you just sealed the deal! ill be saving this summer working as a mate

[slonezp]

I bought the Ardent F500 flipping reel last season and have had zero issues with it. It can only be used for flipping/pitching and has a fixed drag setting which is plenty strong to pull fish up thru the weeds.

[trevor]

theyre alot of money for me (im 15), and i bet my parents wont let me buy them, but its a cool dream. PS both my parents love fishing, just not really fresh water. but again, cool dream.

[NewAngler]

Dude, work hard in school and earn your money and your parents should have no issues with you buying one. Check out the flea market.

[trevor]

I'm not in anyway bragging, but i get all A's in school and work in the summer, its not that. I just have high suspicions that a 200 dollar BASS, key word being BASS reel, will not fly, if you know what i mean! ;D

[trevor]

so, for now, its just a wish. oh well. maybe I'll buy an ardent t-shirt and fool myself ;D

[trevor]

Does anybody like their reel cleaning supplies?

[etommy28]

there reels and cleaning supplies are fantastic. the cleaning supplies should work with fly reels too. they are some of the best reels on the market right now.

[etommy28]

i will admit, they are not the prettiest or cheapest, but they are quality and long lasting. plus they have a full 3 year warranty, I dont use a reel if Im not a 100% sure about it, and i have 3 and ordered 3 more.

[flipinstick88]

I'm actual owner number 3 or 4. I have 2 xs1000s and a c400. I am very pleased with the preformance of these reels. I know most people on this forum recomend Shimano reels and it is for a good reason. I used, and loved Shimano for years but have switched to Ardent because I can cast them further and they have a superior drag system. I have read the Tackle Tour review and it seems to contridict itself. It gives it a mediocer score but then has this to say: "The retrieve on the Ardent baitcast reel is actually quite impressive. It's very smooth and fast thanks to high quality ABEC 5 bearings Ardent chose to use in the XS1000 reel. Under load, cranking feels effortless and quite powerful when working lures and hauling in fish. Speaking of the handle, when I spun the knobs, I was amazed at how fast and long they would spin. I don't think I've ever seen a knob spin this fast and freely, for the same duration of time."

And.... "In terms of comfort, the XS1000l feels pretty good in hand when palming. The shape of the reel fits into my hand quite well and is comfortable to grasp all day fishing. The handle knobs are large and easy to grip, and are made of a soft firm rubber material that's welcoming to the fingers."

Sounds like a good review to me! I will be buying a couple more xs1000s this year.

I want to end this post by saying that I am in no way sponsered or payed by Ardent Reels.

[trevor]

I thought the same thing when I read that review, thats why I said I didnt understand it correctly

[Primus]

Question for flippinstick88, I have all Shimano casting reels and the only one that I would consider besides theirs is the Ardent because it's made in the USA. I've been a little reluctant to try it because of some of the negative reviews that I've seen for this product. I've thought about trying one for deep cranking because it's supposed to excel for distance, my question is how would it compare to a Chronarch B (if you've tried one) ? I bought 2 Chronarch B's last year when Tackle Whse had them for $ 188 and I've been pleased with the casting distance, the narrow spool seems to be great for that application and I've had a hard time coming around to the E series reels because for me they set too low on the rod for my preference. Thanks

[flipinstick88]

Have not thrown the Chronarch, I have the curado B and D. I deep crank with my Ardent. Throws far and has a very smooth and  powerful retrive.

[trevor]

Man do ardent reels sound nice!

[trevor]

ardent should come out with a red white and blue reel

[0119]

I fishing buddy of mine had to have the Ardent when he learned it was USA made.  He got the lower model and was amazed at the incredible distance he got.  I looked at it and thought it looked at least 10 years old tech. wise.  It did cast though.   Drag nothing special.   He fell down a rip rap wall while fishing from shore and the handle and both side plates took a beating.  He sent it back for repair and they told him they would fix it for free but they had no parts for it.  He had to wait 3 months for the new model.  He was thrilled to get a new reel for free.  Within the 1st week the line guides eyelet fell out and the palming plate had an adverse reaction to what he thinks was sun screen residue on his hand.  All the paint melted.  Again Ardent sent him a new reel.  Lots of problems if you ask me but he swears by them.

[Grey Wolf]

Well we could say it's the greatest reel built in the USA and end this great debate.

[Stasher1]

I fishing buddy of mine had to have the Ardent when he learned it was USA made. He got the lower model and was amazed at the incredible distance he got. I looked at it and thought it looked at least 10 years old tech. wise. It did cast though. Drag nothing special. He fell down a rip rap wall while fishing from shore and the handle and both side plates took a beating. He sent it back for repair and they told him they would fix it for free but they had no parts for it. He had to wait 3 months for the new model. He was thrilled to get a new reel for free. Within the 1st week the line guides eyelet fell out and the palming plate had an adverse reaction to what he thinks was sun screen residue on his hand. All the paint melted. Again Ardent sent him a new reel. Lots of problems if you ask me but he swears by them.

Casting distance has very little to do with overall reel quality. I have a little South Bend baitcaster downstairs that's built on a plastic frame with one bearing, and it'll outcast my Curado, Patriarch, and any other baitcaster I've ever owned as long as I keep the bushings oiled. There isn't a single "quality" part in this little piece of junk, but it'll sling a lure quite a ways.

[bilgerat]

I fishing buddy of mine had to have the Ardent when he learned it was USA made. He got the lower model and was amazed at the incredible distance he got. I looked at it and thought it looked at least 10 years old tech. wise. It did cast though. Drag nothing special. He fell down a rip rap wall while fishing from shore and the handle and both side plates took a beating. He sent it back for repair and they told him they would fix it for free but they had no parts for it. He had to wait 3 months for the new model. He was thrilled to get a new reel for free. Within the 1st week the line guides eyelet fell out and the palming plate had an adverse reaction to what he thinks was sun screen residue on his hand. All the paint melted. Again Ardent sent him a new reel. Lots of problems if you ask me but he swears by them.

Casting distance has very little to do with overall reel quality. I have a little South Bend baitcaster downstairs that's built on a plastic frame with one bearing, and it'll outcast my Curado, Patriarch, and any other baitcaster I've ever owned as long as I keep the bushings oiled. There isn't a single "quality" part in this little piece of junk, but it'll sling a lure quite a ways.

South Bend tackle. Now that brings back memories. I still have a SB spincast reel from when I was a kid. That used to be a big name in tackle back in the 70's.

Come to think of it, it was crap back then also

[trevor]

Well we could say it's the greatest reel built in the USA and end this great debate.

No. Avet is the best made in USA. A shame theat they dont make freshwater too