The new Bass Pro Signature Series Flagship, is it worthy of
the Johnny Morris name?
Date: |
8/25/05 |
Tackle type: |
Reels |
Manufacturer: |
Bass Pro
Shops |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 7.91
Introduction:
Getting a new BassPro Master Catalog is like getting a gift in the mail. It’s
always enthralling just to see the latest products available for order, and Bass
Pro’s own branded BPS reels have become much more appealing in the last three
seasons. No longer are the BPS solutions merely re-branded OEM reels, the new
offerings are designed specifically to meet Bass Pro specifications and
requirements. We take a look at the flagship BPS baitcaster, the Johnny Morris
Reel, to see just how this sleek new creation stands up to other major
manufacturer’s solutions.
Bass Pro
Shops Johnny Morris Reel
Specifications |
Line Capacity (lb/yds) |
12/140 |
Gear Ratio |
6.3:1 |
Weight |
9.02 oz. |
Bearings |
9BB + 1RB |
Additional Features |
Di-Cast Aluminum frame, anodized frame, anodized spool, forged handle and
drag star, dual braking system |
MSRP |
$159.99 |
Impressions: The
new JMR (Johnny Morris Reel) from Bass Pro is a major departure from the
previous 04’ model. The previous model was larger and bulkier while the new reel
is far sleeker in design. It’s nice to see that Bass pro carried the design down
through its new lineup. With the new Rick Clunn, Extreme Lite, and Pro Qualifier
reels Bass Pro has a complete fresh look to their entire lineup. In the catalog
and on the web the reels come across as very eye-catching, all showcasing higher
bearing counts, and new features like the dual cast control system. So alluring
were these reels that within days of their launch I found myself adding the
flagship Johnny Morris Baitcaster into my cart on basspro.com.
|
The Johnny
Morris reel is sleek and reminds me of a Shimano Calais in finish |
In five working days I
received the JMR packed carefully in a large cardboard box. The first thing I
thought when I pulled the new baitcaster out was how substantial the reel felt,
this is no lightweight. The finish of the reel was stunning and it immediately
reminded me of a Shimano Calais in terms of both finish and weight. The
perforated spool is very nice and features gold anodized touches around the
edges and drilled areas. Something was eerily familiar about this reel, and the
more I looked at it the more I couldn’t help thinking while the basic frame was
certainly unique many of the components seemed recognizable. It was only that I
started spooling the reel up did it hit me. The knobs on the JMR were identical
to the Pflueger President, upon closer instruction we determined the handle and
drag star were as well.
|
Where have
we seen these knobs and handle before? Oh yeah... the Pflueger President |
The Field Tests:
We tested the JMR for five
months fishing a combination of the California Delta and regional lakes. During
our test the reel was completely submerged and we tossed everything from
weightless rigged plastics to oversized crankbaits in our pursuit for
largemouth.
Complete Rig
for Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Reel |
Rod |
Shimano Crucial CRC-C70M |
Reel |
BPS Johnny Morris Reel |
Line(s) |
10, 12lb. Yozuri Hybrid |
|
The palming
side of this anodized reel |
Casting:
The JMR freespools
similarly to the President. When the braking system is set to zero the freespool
seems to spin without end. The most innovative feature on the JMR is the dual
cast control system. Imagine bringing together Shimano’s reliable VBS and
Daiwa’s easy to operate Magforce technology. The JMR uses the combination of
centrifugal weights and an externally adjustable magnetic system to effectively
apply spool control throughout the entire cast. The centrifugal weights handle
the initial rotation while the magnetic system kicks in at the tail end of the
cast.
|
The JMR
features a wide easy to thumb opening |
How well does the system
work? The reel backlashes easily due to spool overrun when all brakes are set to
zero, but turned up to 20% casting is easily brought under control. I prefer to
adjust the centrifugal weights looser than I do with the Shimano VBS, so that I
can still take advantage of a wide range of settings via the external magnetic
control. The centrifugal weights are adjusted by clicking up and down plastic
weight adjusters which are exposed on the magnetic plate on spool. The magnetic
system increases resistance by bringing circular magnets closer to the plate on
the spool.
|
The JMR
seats nicely on just about any rod |
Together we found both
systems offered a wider range of settings than we normally see in most
baitcasters. This system does need to be carefully adjusted to your specific
requirements because it is easy to over and under-tune the settings. Once we had
it dialed in we hit between 110 to 130 feet with 1/2oz plug and a solid cast.
There was a variance in casting distances between casts, and we found the reel
less consistent than a Shimano or Daiwa but nonetheless a very accomplished
caster.
|
Quick and
easy access to the internal centrifugal cast control system with the
takedown sideplate |
Next Section: Retrieve, Drag,
Price & Ratings