Ardent Apex Grand |
Over the last couple of weeks I have been using an awesome
reel from Ardent. This is the real deal
when it comes to casting and smooth action.
Here are my initial thoughts on the reel, how I rigged it up, and what I
think of it after use.
Product Specs:
Ardent Apex Grand
- 7.3:1 Gear Ratio
- Helical Aircraft Aluminum Gear
- Dual Breaking System
- 12+1 High-Precision Ball Bearings
- 5.9 Ounces
- Strike SystemÔ Drag System
- Power Carbon Fiber Handle
Easy Adjust Dual Breaking System |
Initial Thoughts:
When I opened the box and held the Ardent Apex Grand my
first thought was that it was LIGHT. Weighing
in at 5.9oz. it is the lightest low profile bait caster that I have used. The next thing that stood out was the large
carbon fiber handle. This handle has
huge cranking abilities.
Large Spool holds plenty of floro |
Rigging the Ardent:
Since it is the winter time, I knew I would need a good
crankbait/jerkbait reel. I spooled the
reel with 12lbs fluorocarbon and put it on my St. Croix 7' Medium/ Heavy crankbait rod. The fast 7.3:1 gear ratio is perfect for
jerkbait fishing and as long as I cranked slowly it was good for my crankbaits.
I was pumped to get this reel out on the water.
Photo By: Rob Choi |
Using the Ardent:
My first trip with this reel was to a small local reservoir
for bass and pickerel. I had my Ardent
rigged with a Spro Little John crankbait in a Spring Craw color. I took a few practice cast at the ramp to
adjust the breaking system. The brake
system is super easy to adjust, and after only a few casts it was ready to
go. The fishing was slow that day, and I
fired off a ton of cast with this reel.
I never heard a single noise, and never got tired from holding it. I caught a few fish with it, including a
chunky bass. The drag was super smooth
when I was fighting the fish. On my next
few trips I was primarily fishing jerk baits.
The quick gear ratio was perfect for picking up the slack line after
each jerk. I caught a few pickerel and small bass on
the jerkbaits, and once again never had an issue.
What I Like:
After using this reel several times and catching some good
fish I can tell you that this reel really impressed me. The thing that stood out the most was how
smooth it is. It is definately the
smoothest reel in my arsenal. I can cast
crankbaits and jerkbaits a mile with this and even under sub-freezing
conditions, there were no issues. The
smooth drag also impressed me. Many crankbaits
have very light-wire hooks that pull easily, so having a smooth drag is very
important. Unfortunately, due to our
winter weather I was unable to test the Ardent Apex Grand in the salt. All indications are that it will make a great
redfish and speckled trout reel for topwater and jig fishing. I do not know how well it will hold up in the
salt but I plan on putting it to the test.
Thanks very much for this great article;this is the stuff that keeps me going through out these day. blog
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