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Event Article:
2008 ICAST Coverage |
A Truly Exotic
Saltwater Spinning Reel, the new ZeeBaaS ZX-2
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Date: |
7/19/08 |
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Location: |
Las Vegas,
NV |
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Manufacturer: |
ZeeBaaS |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction:
ZeeBaaS is the
creation of the Robert Koelewyn, the
designer, engineer,
manufacturer of the original Van Staal Saltwater Spinning Reel. This ICAST
Robert unveiled the new ZX2 series spinning reel which is designed to simply to
be the best spinning reel in the world, and is a breakthrough in size, style,
and overall user experience.
Leave all compromise outside this
booth, ZeebaaS is designed to the ultimate saltwater spinning reel
ZeeBaaS is
Dutch for “Ocean Boss” and the company is all about premium performance and
style. The company’s first product was the ZX spinning reel which was already a
truly exotic offering, but the newest product, the ZX2, takes the company’s
design to new heights.
Meet the new ZeebaaS ZX 2, an
exotic premium class reel from the father of Van Staal, Robert Koelewyn
The new
ZX2 picks up right where the ZX left off and is a series of dual function
saltwater spinning reels. There are four main models in the series the ZX 20, ZX
22, ZX 25, and ZX27 with the ability to further customize. The new design is
defined by the ability to modify just about every aspect of the reel. The reel
can be modified for left or right hand use, and the strength to power ratio
(40lb drag versus 20oz weight) is impressive.
The reel is available in different
sized spools
The ZX2
features unmistakable style and meticulous craftsmanship that is the result of
tradition and engineering innovation and Robert’s desire to blend design with
simplicity. This is displayed by how easy it is to break the reel down to it’s
core components. Within two minutes of talking to us Robert was able to break
the reel down into four easy to service parts.
Machined to perfection the ZX2 is
just as much about style is it is about performance
The
attention to detail in the all machined reel is unrivaled, and extra steps are
taken to improve refinement and performance, like using aerospace grade billet
aluminum, 6AL-4V titanium, and 304/316 marine grade stainless steel. These top
end materials and sealed design make this reel fully submersible and salt water
corrosion resistant, a must have feature for surf anglers.
ZeebaaS makes a optional bail
available
Robert
commented “this reel is the smoothest, strongest and most sophisticated reel
we’ve ever designed, and is engineered with user flexibility in mind.” The
ZeeBaaS ZX2 has the ability to accommodate spools from 2.0 to 2.75inches in
diameter, and multiple bail conversions. This allows consumers to pick up one
ZX2 body and use it with different spools for a wider range of applications.
ZeebaaS makes use of a
ceramic/carbon drag system much like the one found in Porsche 911 upgrade
Inside the
reel we saw a surprisingly simple, yet very refined gearing system. The high
efficiency spiral bevel gears are made from hardened stainless steel and were
actually designed using aerospace gear technology.
The reel may look complicated but
is designed for quick and easy servicing
ZeeBaaS
consulted with major aerospace gear manufacturers to help further reduce gear
noise while further increasing the reel’s tolerance for stress. Robert explained
that the ZeeBaaS bevel gears are as much as 15% more efficient than the typical
hypoid gears used by other manufacturers, and this translates to more power.
One twist and you have access to
the master gearing
A good
saltwater reel also needs to have plenty of fish stopping power and the ZeeBaaS
features a patent pending feature that allows anglers to adjust the drag with
their thumb, wheeling the drag knob easily for tighter or loose settings.
ZeebaaS coats major parts like the
shaft with Titanium
Exotic in and out, and a new knife
too 
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