New Carbonlite Reel

[Hi Salenity]

My guy from BPS called me Today to tell me the new CarbonLite hit the shelves Today! I want the 5.4:1 and they didn't get any of them in but I was wondering if anyone has seen or used one yet?

They are 5.9oz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.basspro.c...20501438/274203

[new2BC4bass]

My first thought upon opening your link was, "Transformers". :D

Looks like it should be a very nice reel from reading the specs on it.

EDIT: You've got your very own guy at BPS? Lucky you.

[Hi Salenity]

It has a lot to offer for the price.

[iceintheveins]

Looks like a great reel, but I am even more excited for their spinning reel. The larger model will be great for finesse plastics.

[*Hootie]

I already see people giving negative reviews on this reel before it even hits the stores. Makes me know that a lot of opinions are based on pure stupidity.

[Hi Salenity]

And what about the guy that Bought one last year and fished with it all year?

[Hooligan]

I've had one in my hands for a period of three days now. I'm reasonably impressed with it, really. It's a touch noisy, as are most reels in the weight class. There's nothing to insulate the reel, and you feel everything. The gears mesh well, it's got a good drag, and it is very adjustable in terms of casting. I think a lot of people won't like it because it's a little noisy, but again, pick up a Revo MGX and you're going to get the same result for a lot more money. I am mildly concerned with the bearings, but time will tell on that.

Once you spool the reel, too, a lot of the feel and noise is eliminated. It's got a pretty funky whine on the cast because of the braking system, no loss of points there, either. The adjustments being external on the brakes is ok, I'd prefer the original DBS, but it still works.

I'll give the reel a fair shake, I'm going to fish two of them this year for a while, see how they last and give them some time in the boat. If they pan out, excellent, if not, it's no skin off my back.

[*Hootie]

And what about the guy that Bought one last year and fished with it all year?

Yeah, how did he do that??

[Diggy]

Yeah, how did he do that??

[*Hootie]

Love it!! You guys are just too witty!!

[Jason Penn]

I've had one in my hands for a period of three days now. I'm reasonably impressed with it, really. It's a touch noisy, as are most reels in the weight class. There's nothing to insulate the reel, and you feel everything. The gears mesh well, it's got a good drag, and it is very adjustable in terms of casting. I think a lot of people won't like it because it's a little noisy, but again, pick up a Revo MGX and you're going to get the same result for a lot more money. I am mildly concerned with the bearings, but time will tell on that.

Once you spool the reel, too, a lot of the feel and noise is eliminated. It's got a pretty funky whine on the cast because of the braking system, no loss of points there, either. The adjustments being external on the brakes is ok, I'd prefer the original DBS, but it still works.

I'll give the reel a fair shake, I'm going to fish two of them this year for a while, see how they last and give them some time in the boat. If they pan out, excellent, if not, it's no skin off my back.

thanks for the quick review!!!

i'm pretty fired up about these reels and really hope they don't let me down. i've got the older carbonlite and 3 of the pqt's and have had zero problems with them, so i have pretty high expectations for the new models.

[Goose52]

I've had one in my hands for a period of three days now. ....

Thanks for the review Hooligan. I nearly bought one when they finally showed up on the BPS web site the other day...but I just hate to pay full price for BPS stuff. I think I'll be waiting for the eventual sale.

Please do check back when you've got some more time on the reel.

[Hi Salenity]

I'm going to go look at them Today even though they don't have the one in stock I want. I haven't used a BPS reel before but I like a lot of things about this one not to mention it will be the lowest priced reel I own! On the other hand this one costs around $143 after tax and I can get a Lew's Tournament Pro for $153 And I know that's a great reel but I already have 3 of them and I am not the guy that wants all the same reels so they look pretty all lined up on the deck of the boat.

Hooligan, do you think a clean & lube will quiet them down any? I.m wanting to get one to throw cranks and as such it may be one of the most used reels I own are they quiet/smooth enough for this without being annoying ? One more thing how well do they cast long distances?

[Diggy]

I want on but must wait. I have bought 2 reels and 2 rods since these first showed up online but couldn't be purchased.

[Hooligan]

I think they'll quiet down immensely with a clean and proper lube, that which I've not done yet. They're very smooth, actually. Distance casting- initially I was having some issues getting the reel dialed in. When you do get it dialed in, it will cast a 1/4 ounce squarebill like nobodies business. A 1/2 ounce bait will sail on it.

[Hi Salenity]

I got to play with one. It looked nice BUT, it would get hung up sorta? If you hit the thumb bar then spun the spool once you started reeling it wanted to act like something wasn't all the way in gear. It just felt rough not smooth at all then the next time I thumbed the button them spun the spool then turned the handle it was smooth again .

The guys at the counter thought I was crazy so I handed it to them so they could see how rough it was before they believed me . It did this twice in about 10 times of me playing with it.

On a side note after they called me to come get one they decided they can't sell them until the classic Feb 23?

They said they sold out of a bunch of reels before the classic last year and people were upset that they were out of stock.

[boystcroix]

I have last years model Carbonlite and I like it. I only used it one season so far so time will tell how it holds up, but I have had good experience with most Bass Pro baitcasters. I have a blue Rick Clunn that I've been using on a cranking rod for about 4 or 5 years, this reel gets used hard throughout the year and has yet to fail. Anyhow I just ordered a new Carbonlite a couple days ago, it will be a while till I get to use it but I'll let you know what I think of it.

[Diggy]

I also have the last model and I love it, very smooth. I wish they had more lh versions of the new jm reel. Might have to buy in right. The combos are up on the site on a new page

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Sticky clutch is something I see somewhat often in BPS reels. A good cleaning and lube usually takes care of it. Depending on where the noise is coming from, cleaning may or may not help. Some reels are so over lubed they are actually a little louder after being cleaned and freed up. This is fine with me since I'd rather have the performance but it really bothers some folks.

[NCLifetimer]

Not to hijack, but are the internal brakes adjustable(ie turn some off/on if desired)? I was thinking about picking one up but from the pictures on the website the internal brakes don't look adjustable.

[Shinyboy]

I was in BPS this weekend and picked up 2 new rods. One, a new Carbonlite 6.4:1 with a 7' MH Microguide Carbonlite rod. One word: LIGHT!!!! I mean, so freaking light, i almost couldn't believe what I was feeling (or not feeling for that matter). The reel was smooth in all areas and seems to be built like a tank. Great materials selection and the textured finish makes for a nice feel when palmed. I am stoked to get out and pull in some hogs with it!! I'll post back when I get some time on the water with the new setup.

The other pair I grabbed was an old faithful spinning reel, a Pfleuger Supreme XT, with a 6'6" MH Carbonlite rod. This one was the kicker. I was at the reel counter looking at reels and had done my homework before I came in. BPS will give you the online combo price on any pair as shown online, regardless of whether or not it is shown as a combo in store. This combo was shown for $199 online (not bad for a rod that's normally $99 and a reel that's $159). When I asked the girl at the counter to confirm the combo price she said "No, this is in our computers at $229."

So I said, "You do match the online pricing in store, right?" "Of course", she said.

So great, $200 it is. Well, I get to the counter to pay for everything and another fella rings me up. $159!!! Not sure what happened there, but thanks BPS for making my weekend!!!!!!! Basically got the Carbonlite rod free! Got a chance to throw it a few times in a small pond nearby and man, what a beautiful setup. No complaints from me!!

[endless]

I was at our BassPro yesterday but they didn't have the new Carbonlite spinning reel in. I was ready to check it out and get my wife for Valentines day but since our's don't have any in I'm thinking about picking her up the new Extreme rod and reel. I just can't believe the new Extreme rod goes for $99 now. The new reel felt nice also and I think my wife would love it.

[Jason Penn]

I was in BPS this weekend and picked up 2 new rods. One, a new Carbonlite 6.4:1 with a 7' MH Microguide Carbonlite rod. One word: LIGHT!!!! I mean, so freaking light, i almost couldn't believe what I was feeling (or not feeling for that matter).

i got the same combo yesterday, except i got it in 7:1. i couldn't believe it when i 1st picked it up!

nclifetimer the cent brake is adjustable on the outside. when i 1st messed with the reel i couldn't quite figure it out, but there's 2 external adjustments for the dbs. in the center is cent brakes and the the outside ring of that is for mag.

[Flukeman]

You guy's should have waited. Those reels are going to be on sale in a couple weeks and you can get them down to $89 with a reel trade in. The spinning reel will probably be on sale too.

[Jason Penn]

You guy's should have waited. Those reels are going to be on sale in a couple weeks and you can get them down to $89 with a reel trade in. The spinning reel will probably be on sale too.

i actually got these 2 reels for $80 each and didn't have to trade in anything!