Pinnacle Optimus Xlt/ Dhc5-701Camcb

[roadwarrior]

Two months ago I acquired the new Pinnacle reel, the Optimus XLT.

I selected a matching rod, the DHC5-701CAMCB which is primarily

designed for jerkbaits and light crankbaits. However, this combination

is much more versatile than that! I would definitely include topwater,

spinnerbaits and any "moving" application, especially small to medium

weight swimbaits.

The Optimus XLT is a work of art. X-Bone metal frame with gold titanium

side covers complimented by gunmetal grey, silver and black. Sporting a

gear ration of 7.3:1, the reel is smooth and fast. Inside we have 11

double-shielded stainless steel bearings. The drive gear is comprised

of duralumin alloy which is 70% lighter and 20% stronger than brass.

Braking consists of tandem cast control, both magnetic and centrifugal

anti-backlash systems with external dial settings. Casting is a dream

and the retreive is exceptional. As an added bonus, the Optimkus XLT

features a "quick Flip" button that allows the spool to be engaged

instantly.

The reel balances perfectly with the DHC5-701CAMCB. This is a match

made in heaven. The beauty of the rod simply completes the

package. The rod is built with a proprietary blank featuring

a beautiful heavy epoxy finish. The rod is split-grip with AAA

grade cork, Fuji real seats and Alconite guides. The guides feature

diamond polished stainless steel frames.

On the water you will find the casting distance superb. The rod is

forgiving yet powerful. My personal comparison of this rig is to

the G.Loomis GLX MBR842C/ Core 50MG. That's been my favorite

for some time, now I have two!

I hope you consider giving the new top end Pinnacle

a try. This is a great rod and reel and a very

reasonable price. I intend to fish this combination

extensively in the months to come and will update

this review later.

Good luck!

[Hooligan]

Thanks for the heads up. I've been eying the Pinnacle since July; don't quite know why I haven't taken the plunge.

[00 mod]

I have also fished this rig, albeit only a couple casts, but could already tell it was VERY nice! And this is coming from 2 die-hard self-admitted Shimano guys!

Jeff

[northern basser]

I've had that reel for about 2 months now and love it.

I've posted more than a few posts stating the competition that exists in this price range. The optimus XLT is definitely towards the top of this.

[roadwarrior]

Agreed!

I hope people will give it a shot. I think they will be pleasantly

surprised by both performance and style. Both the rod and the reel

make a statement. I am very impressed.

Take a look at the new Pinnacle Tournament Series rods & reels:

http://www.pinnaclef...FECTA-RODS.html

http://www.tackletou...treels2010.html

[Jiggen]

As I stated in my review. This rod was as good if not better them some of my $300 rods. Just so much for so little. Great buy for a rod in that price range. Jim

[.ghoti.]

posted on the Pinnacle board also

Just got back from a trip to the Tennessee River, smallmouth fishing with Kent. I had this combo in my hands, and all I can say is WOW. I am impressed. The fit and finish on this rod is as good as you will ever see on a production rod. Right up there with a custom build. It has a little more "bling" than I normally go for, but it's done so well that I actually like it. Very nice trim rings and winding checks, plus the cork on this rod is the best I've seen in years. Don't know where they are getting their cork, but it is top shelf.

I've been in the market for a couple of rods, having two more reels than rods at present. I had just about decided to get one of the new St Croix Rage rods, and one of the Falcon Wendlant rods that TW has on sale for $100.

I changed my mind.

TW has two of these rods on sale; a 6'6" MH-F and a 6'8" M-XF. I'm going for the 6'8" for sure.

I am still trying to make up my mind about either the 7' MH-F or the 7'3" MH-F. I want this for small jigs. The 7' is listed for that app, and the 7'3" is listed as a C-rig rod, but I like the idea of a little more length for pitching small jigs. Maybe one of you Pinnacle guys can help me decide?

[J Francho]

^^^ This, from a guy that is a hard sell!

[.ghoti.]

^^^ This, from a guy that is a hard sell!

Hard sell? Hard headed maybe. :D

I've been on an upgrade program for about three years now, and my reel collection is where I want it to be. Almost. Just need a few parts and some tune up polishing and my reels will be all set.

For rods I've become very partial to St Croix and Setyr. 6 Croixs and 5 Setyrs. All other rods are one-of-kinds. A couple of those I intend to keep. The rest I had planned to replace, over time, with either Croixs or Setyrs. I'm going to give these new Pinnacles a shot, and if they perform over time as I think they will, I'll be adding more to the line-up.

[Boogey Man]

How's the ergonomics of the reel? I've read it about like the current Quantum Pt reels without the ACS "hump". I've been eyeing them myself.

[Pantera61]

This strains the limits of credibility. I'm not a Shimano person by any stretch of the imagination but to consider, basically a Revo knockoff, a challenger to the upper echelon of the Shimano line is absurdity.

[Jiggen]

This strains the limits of credibility. I'm not a Shimano person by any stretch of the imagination but to consider, basically a Revo knockoff, a challenger to the upper echelon of the Shimano line is absurdity.

Revo knockoff??? I don't know where you are getting that from. I am a Shimano Guy and I do have one of the XLT's and in my opinion as far as the price point goes they are much better then some of the Shimano reels I have. Now I am not talking about the Calais or the Core of course. Jim

[northern basser]

The XLT is far from a knockoff of any reel. Its unique reel that easily competes w/ any reel in its price range.

[Pantera61]

Revo knockoff??? I don't know where you are getting that from. I am a Shimano Guy and I do have one of the XLT's and in my opinion as far as the price point goes they are much better then some of the Shimano reels I have. Now I am not talking about the Calais or the Core of course. Jim

I'm going by RW's description of components and features AND by the information supplied on the Pinnacle website.

[Pantera61]

The XLT is far from a knockoff of any reel. Its unique reel that easily competes w/ any reel in its price range.

to you and Jiggen, perhaps "knockoff" isn't the proper word. Clone perhaps? Revo, Lew's, Bass Pro, Pflueger and on and on and on. Revo set the standard 6 years ago and expanded the line and then came the rest. The people who are singing the praises of the Pinnacle were naysayers on the Revo.

[J Francho]

There is NOTHING unique to the Pure Fishing line that is "cloned" in the Pinnacle.

[Jiggen]

There is NOTHING unique to the Pure Fishing line that is "cloned" in the Pinnacle.

??????????????????????

[J Francho]

Meaning just that. They are baitcasters. Period. Nothing in the Pinnacle reels was cloned from the Revos. Well, they stole the idea of using a handle with rotating knobs.

Pantera's claims are based purely on opinion. It's a silly debate. They are nice reels, they work well, and that's that. The rods are even better.

Anyone want to see a steelhead on a Pinnacle spinner?

[Jiggen]

Agreed. Jim

[guitarkid]

I would definately try one out, but the handels are all on the wrong side.

-gk

[Boogey Man]

This strains the limits of credibility. I'm not a Shimano person by any stretch of the imagination but to consider, basically a Revo knockoff, a challenger to the upper echelon of the Shimano line is absurdity.

Can somebody please make a separate sub-forum just for Little Abu Johnny ?