|
Will you Twitch or Slide?
Pinnacle’s Vision Slyder Baitcaster
| Date: |
9/19/10 |
| Tackle type: |
Reel |
| Manufacturer: |
Pinnacle |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 7.33 -
GOOD
Introduction: Pinnacle introduces a baitcaster that features a second
retrieve system, meet the Vision Slyder which is equipped with a “finesse wheel”
on the non-handle sideplate. We take a look at this new reel and compare it with
the nearest competitor the Daiwa Megaforce which is equipped with a “Twitchin
Bar’,” will you choose to twich or slide?
|
Pinnacle Vision Slyder
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
12/120 |
| Gear
Ratio |
7.0:1 |
|
Weight |
8.1
oz |
|
Bearings |
5BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Patent Pending Finesse Wheel, external cast
control system, machined aluminum spool, precision cut brass gears |
| MSRP |
$69.99 |
Pinnacle's answer to Daiwa's Twitchin Bar reels,
the Vision Slyder
Impressions:
Depending on what
region you live and where you shop for your tackle Pinnacle can be a household
name or a company that you may have not heard of. The company's reels are
available at some local retailers and online and while not as well known of a
brand as some of the other reel manufacturers Pinnacle has recently introduced
both more innovative and higher end offerings.
On the non handle side sideplate is a "Finesse
Reel"
The Slyder
is a new reel that is
Pinnacle’s version of Daiwa's
Viento and Megaforce reels, and while it is also designed to pick up line in
small increments without the use of the main handle it does so with a sliding
wheel on the non handle side plate versus a twitching bar mounted in front of
the spool. The thinking behind this design is that it is easier and more natural
to pick up line simply by moving your finger forward while palming the reel
versus positioning your finger on the center of the spool to press the twitching
bar like a button.
The Finesse Wheel can be advanced while palming
the reel
Pinnacle positions the Slyder as a mainstream reel offering and prices it at 69
dollars which is ten dollars more than the Daiwa Megaforce. The reel features
the same fast 7:1 retrieve ratio as the Daiwa offering as well. While we found
the initial Viento rather innovative we have not used the reel that much since
the completion of the review. While the twitching bar feature did function well
and puts a different spin on plastics fishing there is no doubt that the feature
was somewhat gimmicky and as mentioned in the initial review prolonged use
caused my thumb to become tired of depressing the twitching bar.
The Slyder casts pretty well thanks to a magnetic
cast control system
Thus the question, is
there enough demand from consumers for another reel sporting a similar feature?
Pinnacle seems to think so, as well as a number of our readers that have written
in touting the benefits of having the option to fish plastics a slightly
different way with the Viento. It is to these consumers that the Slyder hopes to
attract.
The Slyder waits in the lab for a closer
examination
Real world tests:
To test the Pinnacle Slyder we fished a variety of different baits including
plastics which it was designed for as well as some reaction baits including
crankbaits and ripbaits just to see how well the reel handled faster moving
lures. Our tests were conducted primarily on
Clear Lake and Lake Falcon. We
paired the reel with a number of different rods including the recently reviewed
sticks from Zombie Rods.
Removing the handle and drag star just takes
seconds
Next Section: Before you slide you must cast |
