A Reel that Fishes Above Its Price Point : ARK Fishing's Gravity 1

Total Score: 7.58 - GOOD

Introduction: On the list of fishing tackle manufacturers dedicated to bringing anglers value driven product, ARK Fishing International has got to be at or near the very top. Since their ICAST 2017 debut, ARK Fishing has been going full tilt building rods with impressive specs well below retail cost of other rods built with comparable blank and component specifications. Then, two years ago, they made an aggressive move into the casting reel market with their Gravity 3, 5, and 7 casting reels. Last year, in a brief departure from their usual focus, ARK Fishing introduced their flagship Gravity 8 casting reel at $279.99. This year, they've refocused on their roots with a new entry level casting reel priced at just $79.99. Here's our look at ARK Fishing International's Gravity 1.

Introducing ARK Fishing International's Gravity 1 casting reel

Impressions: As with most reels at this price point, ARK Fishing International's Gravity 1 (G1), is made with a graphite frame, and a minimal bearing count (4+1). Popping open the sideplate reveals a familiar, simple, yet effective, magnetic braking system, similar to the one found in one of the OG Gravity reels, the G3. Mind you, this is "OG" by ARK Fishing standards because their gravity reels only debuted two years ago.

The Gravity 1 features a black, satin-like finish with an aluminum handle

Taking a look at the G1, we find a reel with a black, satin-like finish, an aluminum handle, with thin, comfortable (non-EVA) knobs, and a stylish dragstar. The reel's spool is solid (no ports) with a through shaft design, and weighing in at sixteen grams (16g). The G1 is, as one might expect for the price point, relatively bare bones, but still not necessarily cheap in feel or appearance.

Brakes are adjustable via this dial on the non-handle sideplate