Ardent

[BassCats]

Anyone had a chance to try the new Ardent low profile edge reels? I am interested but tackle warehouse isn't doing a demo on them yet. Want to hear feedback on this new reel and the new drag tracking technology.

[SDoolittle]

I was just reading about the Ardent Edge. I'd like some feedback as well.

[trevor]

I am a little skeptical of these new reels. I love my XS1000, but these reels seem to take some steps backwards, and some forwards. They have a profile similar to a Revo, which should be more appealing to most people (personally I think the XS is a perfect fit for my hand). They are also using Smoothie drag washers, a huge upgrade over the old drags. But it seems they are using lower rated bearings. The spools aren't ported (not necessarily bad) and the reels are quite ugly. Also crazy expensive for such an untested product. I am not sold on the "Drag Tracking Technology". I have never encountered a bass that I felt seriously tested my equipment. It will be interesting to read some reviews on these reels, and I am certainly rooting for Ardent.

[webertime]

My buddy got one yesterday actually. We're going fishing this weekend. I'll get his opinion and try it myself and report back.

[trevor]

My buddy got one yesterday actually. We're going fishing this weekend. I'll get his opinion and try it myself and report back.

I look forward to hearing about it.

[webertime]

I look forward to hearing about it.

I got to fondle it tonight at our club's meeting.

Light.

Spool doesn't spin for very long at all.

My first impression from a 10 minute feel up was that it doesn't feel that awesome, but we'll see how it actually works this weekend, more to come...

[trevor]

I got to fondle it tonight at our club's meeting.

Light.

Spool doesn't spin for very long at all.

My first impression from a 10 minute feel up was that it doesn't feel that awesome, but we'll see how it actually works this weekend, more to come...

Had a chance to use it any more?

[webertime]

The drag was super nice. However the rest of it felt like a Citica/Curado performance-wise, just lighter. I hated the feeling of the knobs, they felt cheap.

Would I get one at full MSRP? Nope. It's a nice reel but not really worth 2 Curados/Revos/Agrests.

[trevor]

The drag was super nice. However the rest of it felt like a Citica/Curado performance-wise, just lighter. I hated the feeling of the knobs, they felt cheap.

Would I get one at full MSRP? Nope. It's a nice reel but not really worth 2 Curados/Revos/Agrests.

Which model was it? There are a few in the Edge series.

[webertime]

The 7.2:1 Faux-Carbon one with the carbon handle and drag star.

[trevor]

Thanks

[slonezp]

The drag was super nice. However the rest of it felt like a Citica/Curado performance-wise, just lighter. I hated the feeling of the knobs, they felt cheap.

Would I get one at full MSRP? Nope. It's a nice reel but not really worth 2 Curados/Revos/Agrests.

Ardent reels don't have the "expensive" feel of many other brands. Don't discount their quality though. As far as performance I can only vouch for the F500 and it's built like a tank and has never failed me.

[BassHole5]

Ok, two of my good friends are both sponsored by Ardent so I have been able to use the F500, F700, C400, XS600, XS1000 and the Edge Tour.

Pros:

Good pricing if your are on the Pro-Staff

Casts amazingly well!! (Weightless trick worm 50 yards, seriously!!)

Really good Bearings (I believe the XS series has the Abec 5)

The F500/700 are super strong

Cons:

All of them feel like $80 reels in your hand

1 of my 2 friends has sent EVERY single ardent he has ever owned back in because something broke (except for the F series) and my other friend has sent half of his stuff in (and both of them take great care of there stuff)

Very finicky brakeing system

Doesn't feel all that great in your hand

The release button sticks alot

All in all I give these reels a 5/10, not impressed and my friend is trying to sell all his if anyones interested

Now for the Edge, sorry for going off on the whole "review" thing but just wanted to

The Edge feels so much better in your hand and looks ALOT better then the last series of reels, this one actually looks like a "low-profile" reel.

Pros:

Looks much better and feels much better in every way

Still casts far (not as far as XS series because the did decresase there bearing quality)

Pricing isn't bad for some but the Elite series is $329, I think anyone would rather buy a Core or MGX

Cons:

The one I used made ALOT of noise during the cast, he sent it in and got it replaced because Ardent said that it was the first time they had a problem with it (an Ardent breaking, what a surprise)

Was not smooth

Still have to see how these hold up in the long run but Ardent is NOT a reliable company at all! I don't like them, there are much better reels out there for the money but this is just one guys opinion.

[jj'sbassinforfun]

I was eyeing the Ardent Edge Tournament (black and red one). So I am glad you spent the time to write this all down for us. Really hoping it performs well. I really want to have an all American reel in my arsonal.

Wish me luck!

[Hooligan]

In the past, I've had very, very good things to say about Ardent, their primary drawback has been that they've not been a sleek, light reel. They've typicallly been ugly and heavy. They are, however, among the best casting and performing reels I've used. They have a great breaking system, they have excellent materials, and they have very good construction. They interest me greatly with the new designs and I'm anxiously awaiting my reels. From everything I've read and all those I've talked to, the reels are well worth the retail. The only bad I've heard of the new reels is here in this thread.

[zell_pop1]

Ive had my Ardent c400 for 3 years and have had zero mechanical problems, the only thing ever done to it was I sent it to DVT for a cleaning with some other reels. It outcasts my Citica/Curado Es but is not as light.