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Reel Review


 

Going Basic. The Reliable and Affordable Gravity G3 Baitcaster from ARK Fishing

 

Date: 3/28/23
Tackle Type: Reel
Manufacturer: ARK Fishing Intl.
Reviewer: Cal






Total Score: 7.58 - GOOD

Introduction:
Towards the end of 2022, we published our take on ARK Fishing's brand new G7 casting reel. Priced at just under $240, the G7 is poised to command a lot of attention from those seeking a quality alternative to the status quo. Of course, what anglers really want are more affordable options. Good news, because the G7 has a couple of siblings with much better price points. Today, we take a look at the most budget friendly of the group. At $129.99, there's no question ARK Fishing's G3 is more affordable, but how does it perform? Let's take a look.

 

ARK Fishing Gravity G3 Casting Reel Specifications

Line Capacity - Rated 12/100
Line Capacity - Spool Volume 8.9 cm3
Retrieve Ratio
5.4:1
6.4:1
7.1:1
8.1:1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated
13-20
15.5-23.5
17-26
19.5-29.5
Weight 7.2 oz
Spool Weight 15 g
Handle Length 90 mm
Bearings 6
Bearings per Knob 2 bushings
Levelwind Bearings 1 bushing
Rated Max Drag ~14lbs
Origin Made in China
MSRP $129.99


Introducing ARK Fishing International's Gravity G3 casting reel

Impressions: New to the fishing reel market, ARK Fishing follows the familiar trend set by many manufacturers of using the same frame and sideplate design for their catalog of casting reels and putting them together in different ways to meet varying price points. The Gravity G3 is currently at the entry level of ARK's casting reel lineup so while it shares the same size, shape, etc., of the previously reviewed G7, the braking system, bearing count, and handle are different.

 


The G3 is ARK Fishing current entry level casting reel

 

How different? Well, the most obvious component at first inspection is that handle. Where the G7 has swept carbon handle with delicate, rubberized (PVC) knobs, the G3 sports a swept aluminum handle with larger knobs made of EVA foam. The knobs are reminiscent of those formerly used by Abu Garcia a generation or two ago in their Revo casting reels. For the other differences, it's easier to discuss them in context out on the water.


Matched here with a Catalyzer CTL73MHFC

Real World Tests: To help me put the Gravity G3 through our usual paces, I matched it with my ARK Fishing CTL73MHFC Catalyzer for some early season, multi-purpose action. The stick's lighter tip is a good match with jerkbait and small jig duty, just what I needed to be throwing during the G3's test period. With those techniques in mind, I spooled the G3 with some 50lb Daiwa JBraid Grand and installed a leader of 12lb Seaguar AbrazX.


Spooled with 50lb Daiwa J Braid and a leader of 12lb Seaguar AbrazX

Casting: ARK Fishing's brake system in the Gravity G3, while magnet based like its siblings, is not as dynamic as the one installed in the G7 or even G5. It's about as basic a magnetic system you can deploy, but actually quite common in reels at this price point. It's a good, simple, no nonsense option for brake management. In the G3, that means easy and effective presentation of lure weights ranging from three eighths of an ounce on up. The higher you go in lure weight, the less effort is required on your part to get your bait where you want it to go. With the right rod and line combination, you might be able to squeeze out lower than three eighths of an ounce, but that's not really where the strengths of this platform resides.


A look at the reel's basic, yet effective magnetic brake system

It's a basic system that's good at helping you tame your spool in different wind conditions. Really the only disadvantage I've found with brakes like these is at the end of your cast where presentations can sometimes feel choked off. Pitching with this type of braking system is best achieved by backing off the settings a bit so as to keep your bait from rising at the end of your pitch. If you're one to vary your presentation style and the lures with which you fish on a continual basis, note that this is not a set it and forget it type of braking system.


The 90mm handle is capped by these EVA foam knobs

Next Section: Retrieve and Power

 

   

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