Power: Together with that long handle and smooth retrieve, the Novus Pro has sufficient torque (at least in the 7.3:1 retrieve ratio) to pull the majority of baits you'll want to tie onto the end of the line. My biggest test with this reel were some oversized wake baits that tend to present resistance equivalent to deep diving cranks. I had no issue with the Novus Pro serving in this capacity although the majority of our testing was with more traditional sized baits.

Pulling duty on a Denali Kovert Lite stick!

Drag: The Novus Pro from Denali features a typical drag stack with a mix of metal and non-metal washers that together come with a max rating of fifteen and a half pounds (15.5lbs). Fishing with only a 10lb leader, I didn't have my drag set anywhere near maximum but found the drag sufficiently smooth and reliable to tire the fish I did manage to hook enough to be landed.

The drag stack

The non-metal washers are kind of like a fine sandpaper rather than the usual carbon matrix washers found in the majority of today's reels

The non-metal washers are kind of like a fine sandpaper rather than the usual carbon matrix washers found in the majority of today's reels (at least those in a similar price bracket). If you're adept at servicing your own reels, want to squeeze out even more stopping power with this reel, you can try switching out these non-metal washers with those of the carbon matrix variety. An upgrade like this should help with that goal, but it's not a guarantee.

The front edge of the Novus Pro is squared off making the reel feel kind of boxy

Drag star has some character

Design & Ergonomics: The Novus Pro has a comfortable shape and profile with a nice, long handle and knobs that are easy to grasp and hold. Its weight is a little more than what I prefer, but within the realm of average. The benchmark for reels at this price point for me is around six and a half ounces (6.5oz). The Novus Pro tipped our scales at 7.8oz. That's really the upper edge of what I consider average. Cross over eight ounces and for a reel of this size, you're officially heavy in my book.

Knobs are supported by two bearings

Thumbar is a composite material

Price & Applications: Denali's Novus Pro retails for $199.99 and is a good choice in a general application reel. The spool is too deep and casting range not quite low enough for finesse applications, but it is a good candidate for thicker line and big baits if you're a braid to leader type of fisher-person. Otherwise, for everything in between, this reel is a solid choice.

If you're in the market for something new, Denali's Novus Pro casting reel is a very capable little reel

Conclusion: If you're in the market for something new, Denali's Novus Pro casting reel is a very capable candidate to help fill out your arsenal. It's a no brainer if you're already possession of several Denali rods and want to brand match your combos. I found it surprisingly smooth out of the box, l liked the extra line capacity, and found the handle knobs comfortable to grasp. My only gripe, really, is the dual braking system, but that is the case with any reel that is equipped with the same. Otherwise, the Novus Pro is a solid choice for a general application casting reel.

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