|
Performance at a professional Level? Bass Pro Shops' Pro
Qualifier Casting Reel (continued)
  Brakes:
Like all Pro Qualifier reels, the PQX10HD comes standard with the Dual Braking
System. There are both centrifugal and externally-adjustable magnetic brakes to
help prevent dreaded backlashes. The centrifugal brake system consists of six
brake shoes located within a flat disc on the spool side. After these are
tweaked to personal preference, the outer DBS brake dial may be adjusted to
apply added magnetic force to fine-tune spool speed.
The clean design continues on every side of the reel.
|
Performance Ratings for PQX10HD Pro Qualifier Casting
Reel |
|
Retrieve (1-5) |
Drag(1-5) |
Power (1-5) |
Casting Range (1-5)
|
Brakes
(1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating(= Tot/Pos* 10) |
|
4 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
16 |
25 |
6.4 |
Under each handle knob you'll find one bearing and one bushing.
Features:
While I've already mentioned the cast control systems in place, it's necessary
to mention that the cast control knob doesn't click, but the Dual Brake System
dial does. The drag star also clicks for confident adjustments if you are so
brave to actually utilize this lumpy drag system. You'll find one bearing and
one bushing per handle knob, while the levelwind is void of any. A reel cover
and complimentary oil bottle are also nowhere to be found.
There are no bearings to be found on the worm shaft.
|
Features Ratings for PQX10HD Pro Qualifier Casting Reel |
|
External Brake Adjust (1-2) |
Levelwind
Bearing(1-2) |
Knob Bearings(1-3) |
Micro
Clicks (1-3) |
Reel Cover (1-2) |
Oil (1-2) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos* 10) |
|
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
9 |
14 |
6.4 |
The gear box hangs down slightly, however it never bothered me a bit.
Design and
Ergonomics:
This reel is far from being uncomfortable, but its ergonomics are not quite as
good as others. It palms well but is slightly bulkier than average and sits just
a tad higher on the rod than what I'm used to. Weighing in at a measured 8.7
ounces, it also has noticeably more heft than I prefer in a bass reel. The
handle knobs are basic and comfy, yet they could benefit from added size and/or
texture.
|
Design and Ergonomics Ratings for PQX10HD Pro Qualifier
Casting Reel |
|
Handle Length(1-5) |
Knobs(1-5) |
Palming (1-5) |
Overall Weight (1-5) |
Ease of Breakdown (1-5)
|
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos *10) |
|
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
15 |
25 |
6.0 |
The PQX10HD is comfortable to palm, but is a little bulker than other reels.
Application:
The PQX10HD will work to some degree for just about any technique you choose. I
mentioned earlier how there are better reels out there for more demanding
applications like deep cranking and such, but it will certainly get you by. For
true finesse techniques I would advise choosing a more finesse-friendly
offering, while a true big-bait angler would fare best picking a reel with
higher line capacity, beefier handle setup, and a nicer drag system.
|
Application Ratings for PQX10HD Pro Qualifier Casting
Reel |
|
Horizontal (1-5) |
Vertical(1-5) |
Finesse(1-5) |
Big Baits (1-5)
|
Topwater (1-5) |
Total |
Possible |
Rating (=Tot/Pos *10) |
|
5 |
5 |
2 |
3 |
5 |
20 |
25 |
8.0 |
Note the small lube access port adjacent to the reel handle.
Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
|
PQX10HD
Pro
Qualifier
Casting
Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
|
Construction/Quality |
This
reel
seems
well
made
with
only a
couple
minor
imperfections
in out
of the
way
spots. |
8.0 |
|
Performance |
Casting
performance
is okay,
but the
drag
smoothness
is not. |
6.4 |
|
Price |
The
hundred-dollar
price is
competitive,
but
there's
better
overall
performers
out
there
for
around
the same
cost. |
7.0 |
|
Features |
The
PQX10HD
lacks
some of
the
features
I like
in a
reel. |
6.4 |
|
Design
(Ergonomics) |
This
reel is
a little
heavy
and is
not as
compact
as I
prefer. |
6.0 |
|
Application |
If you
want a
finesse
or big
bait
reel
you'll
want to
look
elsewhere,
but this
reel is
capable
for a
lot of
day to
day
general
bass
fishing
duties. |
8.0 |
|
Total
Score
|
6.96 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus
Minus
|
|
+
Pleasing
build
quality |
- Heavy |
|
+ Strong
maximum
drag
setting |
- Drag
lacks
smoothness |
|
+
Handles
most
general
bass
fishing
duties |
- Could
be a bit
more
compact |
|
+
Affordable
price |
|
A healthy Lake Chickamauga largemouth taken while using the PQX10HD.
Conclusion:
I'm no stranger to
tackle from both
Bass Pro Shops and
Cabela's. I have
owned several bass
rods, fly rods, and
casting reels from
both companies in
the past. Some of
these products have
been downright
impressive, while
others have left me
wanting more. After
spending some time
with the Pro
Qualifier PQX10HD, I
can confidently say
it sits somewhere
right in the middle
of that broad range.
Looking for the Bass
Pro Shops Pro
Qualifier
Baitcasters? Try
Bass Pro
|
