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Megabass Doubles Up the Ancient Dragon God of Water : Orochi XX
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Cranking at a Higher Level, the New G.Loomis GLX
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An Inside Look: The TackleTour Lab - Bring Up 
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Abu Garcia Revo Gen 3 Premier Review
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3 Generations, 2 Brake Systems, 1 Solid Reel : Abu Garcia's Revo STX
We are now in the third generation of Abu's Revo-lution and so far, both the Premier and S models seem to have delivered on expectations. Thanks to recent surveys on our Facebook page and discussion forums, however, it appears consumers' thirst for knowledge and information about the entire Revo lineup has not yet been quenched.
Pushing the Envelope, the Daiwa Steez EX Spinning Reel
The new Steez EX reel marks the first time that Daiwa has employed their proprietary carbon composite Zaion material in their flagship spinning reel, and this coupled with a host of other hi-tech features all adds up to a reel that attempts to push the design and performance envelope further than spinning has gone before.
Finally, Affordable Versatility from Daiwa - The Lexa 100
Daiwa's last attempt at a mid to entry level product in the low profile baitcasting department was the TD Advantage; a reel that faired reasonably well in our tests, but for some reason just never caught on. Well, last Summer, Daiwa debuted their latest offering in this market segment, and here now is our look at the Lexa 100.

Abu Targets Enthusiasts With Their New MGXtreme!
Last year, we reviewed the Revo MGX, a 5.4 ounce low profile baitcaster built mostly for finesse, but that we beat up in the Amazon Rainforest. This year, at the BassMaster Classic, Abu Garcia is set to introduce a new, tuned version of this reel. Here's an inside look at Abu's ne Revo MGXtreme!

The REVOlution Continues, Abu Garcia’s New Gen 3 Premier Baitcaster
Abu Garcia updates their Revo Series for a third time? It seems like just yesterday that the company was tweaking their original design but sure enough rather than resting on their laurels the Abu is looking to capitalize on their momentum with yet another update to their popular line of low profile baitcasters.
A Question of Access in Shimano's New Calcutta
Sometimes, during the course of reviewing a product, there's news and information we want to share during the process. Rather than wait for the entire review to play itself out, we can now share these stories with you through our Product Insights. We hope you enjoy this new series and our debut article on Shimano's new Calcutta.
Does the Quantum's EXO Concept Translate to Spinning?
Earlier this year, we debuted our review of the evolutionary Quantum EXO baitcaster. A reel that we continue to fish and enjoy and one of which I am happy to finally see a left hand retrieve version. But the casting EXO is only part of the story.

Spotlight on the Middle Child, the Shimano Citica G Baitcaster
While the Curado no doubt still garners the lion’s share of attention there is another reel that is looking to step out of the Curado’s shadow, meet the middle child, the Citica G. The Citica G is sandwiched between the Curado and Caenan reels and competes at the highly contested 129 dollar price point.

Ardent's Tour Reel Series Offers an "Edge" for Anglers
Ardent continued their "made in the USA" tradition with the introduction of their Edge reel series a season ago. In addition to sporting a brand new profile this aluminum based series makes use of the company's patent pending DTT (Drag Tracking Technology) which is designed to improve line management. We take a closer look at the Tour model to see just show “sharp” the new Edge really is.

 

A Magnetic Personality, the new “EX”treme Steez Spinning Reel
This coming ICAST Daiwa prepares to introduce a brand new Steez spinning reel which incorporates both a carbon frame material and souped up feature-set to push the envelope in lightweight performance.

Shimano Employs Graphite in the Redesigned Saros Spinning Reel
Shimano will be unveiling a number of new spinning reels this ICAST, mostly a revamp of the middle of their mainstream range, which includes the Symetre and Sahara. Positioned right below the iconic Stradic is the Saros Series and the new FG model is probably the most intriguing spinning reel update for the company this season.

Shimano Breaks the Mold with the Upcoming Calcutta D
Shimano prepares to revamp their popular saltwater series with the new Calcutta D which sports a brand new profile as well as a few unexpected feature additions that are designed to alter the look, feel, and overall performance of the reel.
The Re-REVOlution Begins, First Look at the 2013 Revo Casting Reels
Oh how time flies when you are fishing. It has been six seasons ago since we first news of a new casting reel that was about to REVO-lutionize the low profile market. Looking to build on that solid foundation Abu Garcia is poised to re-REVOlutionize the market yet again with newly redesigned Revo casting reels which will be available Fall 2012.
TT Exclusive: Okuma Unveils Upcoming Helios Spinning Reel at El Salto
It has been less than 24 hours since Zander and Cal have returned from El Salto Mexico where Okuma held an event where they unveiled prototypes of their brand new Helios spinning reel.
Not Built to Suffer Fools Gladly : Daiwa's Z200/Z2020 Platform
Prior to the reel's release in any market, conjecture was that this was going to be Daiwa's Curado 300 killer. Realistically, while the Z200/Z2020 is close in size to the Curado 300, the Z's line capacity would put it in the 200 size class - just like the Pluton.
The Bear brings the Heat, Okuma's Helios Baitcaster
Okuma continues to introduce higher end offerings and the Helios is now the flagship within the company’s freshwater baitcasting line. Making use of a familiar profile the Helios ups the ante for Okuma yet again with improved performance, refinement and lighter ergonomics.
Getting in the Groove with Daiwa's T3 Ballistic
The most controversial and polarizing reel from ICAST 2011? Daiwa's T3 and T3 Ballistic hands down. Judging from responses on our discussion forum and local tackle shops, anglers either appreciated the forward thinking of Daiwa or chastised them for another gimmick and putting something else on a reel that can go wrong.
WTF?!? ... Shimano Sustain with an Edge
This past year, at ICAST 2011, Shimano did right by the Sustain and infused it with a new mystique. Taking the reel back to its roots and borrowing from past and present styling and engineering advances pioneered in the Stella, Shimano totally revamped the Sustain line and capped off the changes by going with a new, stealthy, all black, non-color scheme.
Five Seconds and More with Quantum's EXO PT
Quantum's EXO PT didn't even need that to impress me. The second I saw the reel, I knew I wanted to fish it. Coming from an Architectural background, and maybe even more applicable, an avid hobby-level cyclist, one look at the EXO PT frame, and I knew exactly what Quantum had done.
Is the Revo MGX the New Lightweight King?
Recently on both our discussion forum and Facebook fan page, we published a list of reels in line for a review and asked readers to vote on which reels they'd like to see written up first. Similar to the stir created at ICAST 2011, the winner was a little unexpected - at least to us. Abu Garcia's Revo MGX won both polls running away so here now is our detailed look into the new magnesium baitcaster from Abu.
Living up to the legacy? Shimano’s Curado G
The Curado Series has been a staple among anglers for many generations and has built up quite a following, perhaps even a “legacy.” Any change in a series as popular as this one is going to receive somewhat of a mixed reaction but the move to the Curado G has been met with debate since the reel’s initial unveiling at ICAST 2011.
A Push for True Market Alternatives : The Shift Baitcasting Reel
Last year we looked north of our borders and sampled Rapala Canada’s new Shift bait casting rod and liked it enough to coin a new phrase in “CDM” or Canadian Domestic Market fishing tackle. But as any tackle aficionado would know, in order to be considered a true alternate market for tackle, let alone a manufacturer who caters to this market, there has to be available, reels to go with those fishing rods...

Coming full Circle over a Decade, the Stradic is Back
Exactly ten years ago, to the day, we took a look at the Shimano Stradic FG series of reels which featured striking white paint, and though I was not initially sold on the finish the reel’s performance won me over and it became the first a spinning reel to ever take home a TT Editor’s Choice Award.

Lock and Load with the Daiwa T3 T-Wing System
The Daiwa T3 is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated premium freshwater low profile baitcaster this season and debuted just a few months ago at ICAST. The T3 features a number of innovations including Daiwa’s MagForce 3D cast control system and the very anomalous looking T-Wing design which flips the front of the reel completely open during casting.

The Shimano Caenan, a Mainstream Contender
Two seasons ago Shimano introduced the Caenan, a new reel that featured a number of elements from their previous spinning and baitcast reels, all within a newly designed form factor. Since then the company has now introduced a number of new reels based on the same mold including the Citica and Curado G reels which debuted at the recent ICAST 2011.
TT EXCLUSIVE!! : Daiwa's PX/PXL Type R is Here!
Wouldn't you know it? Just as our review of the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) PX68 goes live, we catch word of some pre-ICAST information about Daiwa USA, and the news is rather significant. The reel we had anticipated for over a year is finally coming to US shores.
Shimano Stella!!!! ... Wait Again? WT-FE?
Shimano’s line of Stella spinning reels rarely ceases to impress. With its shiny, gunmetal blue finish and gold highlights, this reel just exudes “flagship” status. But, and there’s always a “but”, for some reason, the FE interpretation of this reel feels much more understated than the FD version.
The Speed Spool returns – Lew’s Tournament Pro baitcaster
The Speed Spool series returns with four new reels from legendary tackle manufacturer, Lew’s. We take a look at the Tournament Pro. Does this new baitcaster have what it takes to introduce a new generation of anglers to the brand?

 

 
Product Reviewed Date Posted
Daiwa’s Zillion Type-R, Rev up to High Speed
4/17/11
 
Daddy’s Lean and Mean, the Magnesium Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
3/25/11
 
Not just “Smoke” and Mirrors, possibly the best Quantum Baitcaster yet?
3/9/11
 
Making Victory affordable, Skeet Reese’s signature W&M baitcaster
2/20/11
 
The Fast Crowd, High Speed with the Daiwa Aggrest Hyper Speed Baitcaster
1/30/11
 
Judgment Day for the Lethal Calais 200ASV Baitcaster
9/16/09
 
Catching the Wave(Spin) One More Time
10/24/10
 
Still on Fire? Daiwa's new Fuego-A Spinning Reel
10/20/10
 
Will you Twitch or Slide? Pinnacle’s Vision Slyder Baitcaster
9/19/10
 
A Preview of Pinnacle's upcoming Tournament Class Reels
7/5/10
 
Abu Garcia Introduces the Revo Premier Spinning Reel With NanoShield Technology
6/27/10
 
Pflueger goes premium with new Magnesium Patriarch and Supreme XT Spinning Reels
6/15/10
 
A first look at the new Zillion Type R - Separating Fact from Fiction
5/21/10
 
The Stradic FI spinning reel series for the complete range of applications
5/7/10
 
The little reels that could, Accurate Boss Magnum E-Series 197 & 270
4/18/10
 
Not just for Saltwater, the Daiwa Zillion Coastal
4/09/10
 
Okuma introduces their own Green Baitcaster and it is a good one, meet the Serrano
3/13/10
 
Low Speed Cranking Reel Shootout : And the Winner Is...
2/10/10
 
Relevant once again, the new Shimano Stradic CI4
12/06/09
 
2009 High Speed Reel Shootout : And the Winner Is...
10/11/09
 
Low speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 4: Energy PT for Power Cranking
10/4/09
 
Round Reel Toughness, Power, and Capacity in the Low Profile Abu Garcia Revo Toro
9/13/09
 
Low Speed Reel Shootout: Daiwa gets Crazy with the Zillion Cranker
8/30/09
 
2009 Highspeed Reel Shootout : Shimano Reinvents the Chronarch!
8/23/09
 
Low Speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 2: Abu Garcia Revo Winch is all about Muscle
8/17/09
 
PRODUCTTPREVIEW: Shimano debuts Talica II compact leverdrag reel for fly-lining live baits
7/6/09
 
Pre-ICAST Sneak Peek at Penn's New Premium Rugged Saltwater Spinning Reels
6/24/09
 
A pre-ICAST Preview of Daiwa's new TD Zillion Coastal reel and updated Saltist lineup
6/23/09
 
Hot New Reels, Sizes, and PT Technologies from Quantum in 2010
6/21/09
 
2009 Highspeed Reel Shootout : Daiwa's 50th Anniversary Hyperspeed Zillion
6/10/09
 
2009 Highspeed Reel Shootout Part 2: Abu Garcia Revo SX
5/30/09
 
2009 Highspeed Reel Shootout : Quantum Tour Edition PT VI
5/17/09
 
Low Speed Cranking Reel Shootout Part 1: The Lean Green Cranking Machine, meet Shimano’s Curado E5
5/11/09
 
Obsessed with Weight, the new lighter generation of baitcasters
3/18/09
 
Daiwa’s Pluton can be described with one word…. Solid
1/15/09
 
Shimano blends Power with Weight Reduction with the Sophisticated new Chronarch D
12/17/08
 
Shimano's new Citica 200E - Completely Redefined
10/07/08
 
Does the Patriarch have the guts to reign at the top of Pflueger reels?
10/6/08
 
World's first look inside the Team Daiwa Pluton
9/17/08
 
Detailed photos and information on the 2009 Abu Garcia Revo baitcast and spinning reels
7/02/08
 
First look at the newly redesigned lightweight Quantum top-end baitcast reels
6/25/08
 
The introduction of a meaner greener Curado, and an enhanced Citica
6/19/08
 
The Ultra Lightweight Steez series gets a Speed Bump!
6/10/08
 
A Peek at Daiwa's Hyper Speed Zillion, soon to be the world's fastest compact baitcaster
6/09/08
 
An In-Depth Look at a Reel Made Entirely in the USA: The Ardent XS1000
5/27/08
 
Spy photos of a possible new Shimano “Green” Reel
5/02/08
 
The Daiwa Steez is light in Weight but not in Sophistication
4/27/08
 
Pflueger’s “Supreme” Baitcast Offering
4/17/08
 
Performance meets great value with the Quantum Incyte
3/26/08
 
A look inside the design of the Quantum Aruba PTs
3/1/08
 
Don't Judge This Reel By Its Quirky Spool: The WaveSpin Reel
1/22/08
 
The ultimate saltwater low profile baitcast reel, the Abu Garcia Revo Inshore
11/25/07
 
The Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA, A "Supertuned" Remix
11/14/07
 
Sweet to the “Core,” Shimano’s new premium magnesium baitcaster
9/13/06
 
Shoot for the moon, the well machined Daiwa Luna
10/25/07
 
Pinnacle launches new baitcasters at ICAST for the 2008 season
8/29/07
 
Daiwa's 2008 reel lineup brings forth the Megaforce and a new supertuned Advantage
6/17/07
 
Abu Garcia prepares to introduce new additions to their low profile reels lineup
5/30/09
 
Fighting Smallies with Fire, Daiwa Fuego style
5/28/07
 
Go Light, Stay Tough, the Shimano Stradic MgFA
4/23/07
 
Pinnacle is not just about OEM, and launches their new "branded" baitcasting lineup
3/14/08
 
Daiwa's New Workhorse, the TD Zillion: US and Japanese models compared
12/17/08
 
Low Profile Design, Round Reel Muscle, the Shimano Curado 300DSV
1/29/07
 
Penn gets Innovative with the new "Torque"
1/07/06
 
Cabelas turns to a trusted manufacturer partner for their 2007 flagship reels
1/03/06
 
Sustain-able performance over the long haul?
1/01/07
 
BassPro releases a slew of new and revamped reels for 2007
12/29/06
 
Van Staal: The NO LIMITATION spinning reel now with a new bail system and enhancements
11/6/06
 
Daiwa expands their brightly colored lineup with the new Tierra spinning reel
10/29/06
 
Watch out! Make room for the new Abu Garcia Revo STX low profile baitcast reel
9/21/06
 
The world's first digital low profile baitcaster, the Shimano Calais 4x8 DC
9/13/06
 
The best Okuma spinning reel yet, the technologically advanced VSystem
7/17/06
 
Inside the new Shimano Calais DC
8/9/06
 
TackleTour's exclusive Fin-Nor and Quantum '07 ICAST Preview
7/2/06
 
Fish harder and faster with the souped up Shimano Curado 200DHSV
6/12/06
 
TackleTour undercover: New low profile baitcasters and spinning reels from Abu Garcia
5/29/06
 
Bigger and better, the Shimano Citica D edges into previous generation Curado territory
5/18/06
 
The tough task of revamping a legend...the Shimano Curado redefined
4/19/06
 
Hit up multiple species with the redesigned Shimano Cardiff A
4/14/06
 
Burn Baby Burn! The Ultra high speed Tour Edition PT from Quantum
4/11/06
 
Wicked style, the limited edition Daiwa Black Widow II
3/24/06
 
More for the money...the redesigned Cardinal 502ALB spinning reel
2/27/06
 
Preview: Daiwa's Saltiga Blast, A premium spinning reel made more affordable
2/12/06
 
The Sahara 750FB, a quality pint sized spinning reel for under 60 dollars
2/1/06
 

Tech Tackle precision reels and rods are sure to bring a smile to any angler
 
1/1/06

The Quantum Energy PT: See how this refreshing redesigned reel compares
 
11/28/05

Anglers an count on the real value that the Tekota levelwind reels offer
 
11/03/05
Fish an ultralight reel with big guns, the newly redesigned Quantum Xtralite
10/24/05
 

Daiwa Coastal Inshore Special: Engineered for light salt applications and yet still great for bass
 
10/19/05

Plenty of Muscle to take on Big Game, the reasonably priced Shimano Tyrnos
 
10/17/05

Here Comes the Sun again: Daiwa's TD-Sol Spinning Reel
 
9/28/05

The Verdict on refreshing an enduring classic, introducing the Shimano Chronarch B
 
9/19/06
What happens when beauty and brawn come together perfectly, the Calcutta CTE300
9/04/05
 
A sophisticated new Ambassadeur "Record" reel courtesy of Abu Garcia
8/29/05
 
The new Bass Pro Signature Series Flagship, is it worthy of the Johnny Morris name?
8/25/05
 
Revolutionary one handed slack pickup and twitchin' with the Daiwa Viento
8/17/05
 
The Shimano Torsa, a dream come true in terms of versatility for offshore anglers
6/29/05
 
Super high speed gearing in a conventional saltwater package, the Daiwa Sealine X 50SHV
6/16/05
 

New and Improved... Be the first to see new 2006 products by the Zebco/Quantum family
 
6/2/05
What is Shimano S-R Concept?
5/27/05
 
From point A to B for under 40 dollars, the ARB loaded Shimano Sonora
5/22/05
 
The Rhino Tackle Tote serves up instant fishing excitement wherever you go
5/9/05
 
All hail the Pflueger President, a distinguished combination of elegance and value
4/17/05
 
Red Hot styling and the performance to match...the Team Daiwa Fuego
3/21/05
 
Quantum's newly redesigned Accurist 2 baitcast reels shimmer with great value
3/14/05
 
Advancing saltwater big game fishing, the Daiwa Sealine Tournament SLT 30 goes head to head with Humboldt Squid
2/14/05
 
The New Saltist Reels from Daiwa feature "Full-Metal Jacket" construction
2/09/05
 
Shimano updates a favorite among anglers, get ready for the redefined "Calcutta B"
1/27/05
 
The Team Daiwa SOL Radiates Brilliance when finesse fishing light lines with lighter lures
1/11/05
 
The Team Daiwa Advantage gets the Supertuning treatment, and the results are inspiring
11/08/04
 
An inexpensive reel with tremendous quality ... introducing the Quantum Q-Rated Plasma
11/01/04
 
Shimano's new Chronarch 50Mg serves up plenty of performance and surprisingly exceptional value
10/24/04
 
Shimano takes the next step with improved design offerings on some of their most popular reels
9/08/04
 
Okuma introduces an assortment of exciting new products!
9/01/04
 
Quantum's Boca PTs reel employs oversized components to battle saltwater inshore gamefish
8/23/04
 
Baitcast aficionado's will savor Team Daiwa's new 2005 Advantage, Sol, and Fuego reels
8/15/04
 

The feature packed Rapala SX6i serves up plenty of performance and a surprisingly low price
 
7/20/04
Bass Pro Shop's miniature Microlite serves up plenty of performance
6/27/04
 

TackleTour's spy team digs up the latest scoop on what's to come in 2005 for the Zebco Family
 
6/21/0

Clash of the Titans, the Shimano Trinidad and Daiwa Saltiga shootout
 
5/01/04
Quantum unifies conventional and low profile reel design to create the Cabo PT Baitcast
4/11/04
 

Shimano revolutionizes casting with the world's first digital braking reel, the Calcutta 200DC
 
3/28/04
Excellent value for a Performance Baitcasting reel, introducing the Daiwa Procaster
3/25/04
 
Bringing exotic beauty and performance together in the new Quantum Energy PT-XMetal
2/05/04
 
Tiny reel offers full-size performance, the Daiwa Laguna LA500
1/26/04
 
Casting without even touching the line, using Quantum's Hypercast Ultra
1/05/04
 
Balanced features and solid saltwater performance with Shimano's Charter Special 11/24/03
The tough just got tougher, introducing the all new Quantum Cabo PT Trolling Saltwater reel
11/03/03
 
How well does the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 7000C3 hold up to the test of time?
10/06/03
 
Quantum brings Tuning to a new height with the launch of the stunning Energy PTi
9/08/03
 
A palm sized reel for your ultra-light requirements, the TICA Cetus
8/26/03
 
Taking Round Baitcasters to the next level, the Shimano Calcutta TE 200GT
8/11/03
 
Rapala introduces a complete line of new spinning reels (Reel Preview)
8/4/03
 
TICA offers a conventional baitcast reel that gets high marks in performance and value
6/23/03
 
Which Chronarch is the best choice when it comes to features, performance, and price?
6/02/03
 
TICA Libra, a feature packed reel that comes with an affordable price tag
5/08/03
 
Next Gen Spinning Shootout: Shimano Stradic Vs. Daiwa Capricorn
5/05/03
 
Daiwa steps up saltwater super line performance with the incredible new Saltiga
4/2/03
 
Shimano Stradic MgF, a fat free, magnesium hybrid contender
4/22/03
 
The Shimano Sedona 500 FA, an ultralight economical performer
4/14/03
 
What is the Shimano S-Concept?
3/24/03
 
A spincast reel for all ages and levels of experience, the mighty Zebco Omega
1/16/03
 
Daiwa's fresh spinning design is illustrated with the Capricorn
12/29/02
 
An ultralight high performer, the 2003 Quantum Catalyst PTi
10/31/02
 
Introducing the new 2003 Quantum Energy PT reels with different gear ratios for your specific fishing techniques
7/01/02
 
Come take a peek at the new and exciting 2003 Performance Tuned rods and reels by Quantum
7/01/02
 
A unique side casting reel and rod combo from down under
 
5/21/02
A brand new reel with a brand new taste... The Quantum Catalyst PTi
 
5/16/02
Who is the baitcasting king? The ultimate shootout between two incredible reels!
 
5/9/02
The Okuma Fina gets a facelift that's more then just skin deep!
 
4/18/02
Performance Tuned like no other... The "souped" up Quantum Energy PT 
 
3/4/02
Fishing light saltwater tackle with confidence, Shimano Calcutta CT-400
 
2/17/02
Advanced technology in a traditional baitcaster... Daiwa Millionaire CV-X
 
2/13/02
Top Secret! Take the first Look at Daiwa's hot new Super Tuned TD-X models...before they hit the store shelf!
 
2/03/02
The brand new, ultra stylish, Okuma Metaloid
 
1/28/02
Trouble Free Lightweight Fighter...Penn 320 GTi
 
1/20/02
‘Easy Flippin’… with the Shimano “Convertible” Castaic
 
1/14/02
Shimano Crestfire: Is it for you?
 
1/13/02
Shimano Sustain vs. Daiwa TD-S
 
1/2/02
Shimano Stradic
 
10/18/01
Shimano Curado SF
 
6/25/01
Quantum Ultralight Combo
5/19/01
 
Daiwa Spinmatic-X
2/20/01
 


 

 

 

 

 

 
 





 

 



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