Introduction: Trika is gearing up to launch their new reel line, beginning with the T100 baitcaster. While this compact baitcaster shares some obvious similarities with another existing CNC reel, it quickly becomes apparent that the T100 delivers a distinct experience. This is due to its unique features, including full ceramic spool bearings and a range of surprising refinements aimed at enhancing long-term performance and durability.

Trika is entering the reel market with the T100 Baitcaster

Trika Rods: Trika is still a relative newcomer to the tackle market, but in just two seasons, the brand has made significant strides and garnered a loyal following with its high-performance rods. We first examined some of Trika's original launch rods back in 2022 and have since reviewed their newer 6X series, noting how each season brings even more refinement to their offerings.

We take a first look at the prototype of the T100, the final version will feature a different color frame, handle, and knob style

Trika takes a unique approach to rod manufacturing, from the way they design and test their products to how they market them. Unlike most companies, Trika focuses on a direct-to-consumer sales model, selling their rods exclusively through their website. This strategy is a key reason why their top-tier 6X rods are aggressively priced at $299, despite their premium quality, and even come with a 1-year satisfaction guarantee.

The T100 prototype paired with a Trika 6X rod

Earlier this season, Trika expanded their lineup with the Trika 3X, a more aggressively priced mainstream series. These rods share many design elements with the original series, including the carbon weave, lightweight split grip, and a lower modulus blank that remains remarkably light and sensitive. Trika has always been a company to make bold claims, and they assert that even cheaper 3X Series is 1.5 times more sensitive than the competition. While quantifying such a claim is challenging, my experience with these rods confirms they are indeed very sensitive, offering crisp handling and performance on par with, or better than, most rods at the same price point.

The T100 is a very compact fully CNC reel but perhaps what is most interesting is under the frame

The 3X Series is so impressive that distinguishing its sensitivity from the higher-end 6X Series is difficult. However, I still prefer the solid sculpted grip of the original and the higher-end blank, which is crafted from Toray T1100g and M40X with a proprietary nano alloy fiber. Both series offer excellent value for the money.

A look at the angular frame and sideplates. The entire reel is constructed from aluminum, including the frame and sideplates

Fast forward to three months ago when the Trika team informed us of their most ambitious launch yet: their very first lineup of reels, starting with a baitcaster called the T100. They provided us with a prototype, which we've been testing extensively over the past few months. Now, as they prepare for mass production and the official launch, here are our thoughts.

The handle and drag star are also aluminum

Trika T100: My initial impression upon receiving the T100 was that its form factor and design were strikingly similar to another really solid reel we're currently reviewing, the Bates Hundo. While they share some similarities in construction and dimensions at first glance, the two reels diverge in frame angles, bearing systems, clutch mechanism, levelwind material, and internal gearing and drag components.

The Trika T100 bears obvious similarities to the Bates Hundo, but the frame is different and also has a dissimilar bearing, spool, cast control, and drag system

It's important to note that the prototype T100 we've been testing is not the final version. Trika has made several refinements for the production model, including a darker anodized finish and redesigned handle and knobs. However, the core components, particularly the high-end full ceramic spool bearings, remain unchanged in the final reel. These ceramic bearings are complemented by 10 stainless steel bearings and one ARB for additional support.

This is what the final mass production reel will look like. Notice the darker frame and different handle knobs

The T100 stands out due to its ceramic bearings, which give it a distinct feel and sound compared to most reels. It's an exceptionally strong caster, and pretty easy to spool when you tie on a 1/2 oz. or heavier bait and have the casting system dialed on the lighter side.

A look under the non-handle sideplate reveals an aluminum spool, inductor, and titanium shaft

Like most reels with ceramic bearings, the T100 emits a distinctive higher-pitched sound due to the bearings, which require minimal lubrication. Unlike many other reels that use hybrid ceramic bearings, Trika's engineers went all in with full-ceramic spool bearings, designing the entire spool and casting system with them in mind.

The cast control system consists of a spool supported by fully ceramic bearings and an externally adjustable magnet system

These bearings feature ZrO2 rings, Si3N4 balls, and PEEK retainers - all high-end, corrosion-resistant materials (except in the presence of hydrochloric or sulfuric acid). Additionally, they aren't subject to the performance-degrading temperature increases that can affect traditional stainless steel bearings.

A closer look at the fully ceramic bearings, both the housing balls and retainer are all made from synthetic corrosion resistant materials

ZrO2, or zirconium dioxide bearings, are known for their exceptional hardness, which ensures that a smooth wear surface remains smooth and delivers consistent performance even without lubrication. The PEEK (polytetrafluoroethylene) cages keep the bearings perfectly aligned and offer advantages over stainless steel or alloy cages due to their matching polymer strength and durability.

A closer look under the microscope reveals how smooth the ceramic bearing is and the lack of any grease

As someone who geeks out over reel bearings, I was impressed by the precision of Trika's full ceramic bearings, which showed no visible lubrication and had extremely tight tolerances. Ultimately, it's all about performance. The technical benefits of these full ceramic bearings include being lighter, harder, smoother, and more water-resistant, with a very low coefficient of friction. They're also much less affected by heat, giving them an advantage over traditional steel and hybrid bearings. Although these ceramic bearings are more expensive, they allow a well-designed spool to start up quickly, cast farther, and also offers greater durability over time.

The magentic cast control makes use of multiple magnets to apply force to the spool

Next: How well does the Trika T100 cast?