Ardent Reels

Ardent has been the leading designer and manufacturer of freshwater fishing reels and reel care products and accessories since 2003. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the design of every Ardent reel and accessory is the result of input from professional anglers that are members of Team Ardent. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Ardent is proud to be an American owned and operated company. Every Ardent reel is hand assembled and performance tested prior to shipment, and each reel is backed by the industry's best 3-year warranty to ensure years of great performance.

Ardent's Apex series comes in three versions. The Tournament weighs only 6.3 ounces, has 9 ball bearings and a gear ratio of 6.5:1. The Pro weighs 6.3 ounces, has 11 ball bearings and a 7.3:1 gear ratio. Finally the Elite weighs under 6 ounces, has 13 ball bearings and a 6.5:1 gear ratio. Prices range from $100 for the Tournament up to $150 for the Elite. These are by far the best baitcasting reels I have ever used.

Ardent's Horizon series is great for budget minded anglers. With 6.2:1 and 7.0:1 gear ratios to choose from, it should handle any situation. At only $70, it's in a class all by itself. I own several of these fantastic reels and couldn't be happier with them.

Ardent also manufactures two series of spinning reels, with 1000, 2000 and 3000 sizes to choose from. The Forge with a forged aluminum frame & aluminum spool or the Edgewater, with Graphite frame & aluminum spool. You can choose either a Carbon Fiber finish or the ever popular Fishouflage.

Ardent Forge

Ardent Edgewater

Ardent also sells unique NCAA, Military & Fishouflage spinning combos, for those who like a little flair while on the lake.  Along with a full line of Denny Brauer Pro Series rods.

Finally Ardent sells a complete array of reel care products like cleaning kits, line conditioners and Reel Butter grease and oil. Check out all of Ardent's great products at www.ardentreels.com

D.S

Gear Review: Shimano Sienna FD Reel

If you are like me, spending $100 or more on a reel is a bit out of reach.  With 3 children under the age of 5, I'm not left with a lot of money for fishing gear.  I do however, want quality gear and tackle that is affordable.  Sometimes that is difficult to find though.  Until I stumbled upon this reel.  I needed a reel for inshore fishing, that would stand up to the saltwater and wanted smooth operation.  The price was ideal at $30.00, so I bought the 2500 FD.  My first one worked flawlessly, but sank into the Bay on my kayak disaster.  I immediately bought a replacement and a 4000 FD.  It has a graphite frame and aluminum spool that is approved for saltwater use. As you would expect from any Shimano product, it works flawlessly.  The Sienna comes in 500, 1000, 2500 and 4000 sizes for any application.  Works equally well with Mono or Braid too. So if you are looking for an inexpensive, but quality reel, take a look at the Shimano Sienna series. So far it has been the best reel at this price point I have ever used.  It definitely isn't a Stradic or Sustain, but the price is way more affordable than those options, for those of us that are on a budget.  

D.S
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