The Reel Review (Guest Review)
by Bill Schultz

The reels I’m going to review are the St. Croix Avid, Shimano Stradic, Okuma Inpsira 15 and the Abu Garcia Torno. I included a couple of these in my Tackle and Equipment Review from earlier in the summer, but this review will go into more detail, based on my usage of the products. I’ve had a chance to give all these reels a good test this spring and summer.

“New” Shimano Stradic Reel
I’ve fished the Shimano Stradic for a number of years and was always very happy with both the 1000 and 2000 series reels. This year Shimano has introduced their next level of technology, the S-Concept, in the redesign of the Stradic (ST). The S-Concept philosophy is a system of features offered on select Shimano spinning reels worldwide including the Stella and Sustain series and is based on three major targets in reel design: smooth, silent, and strong.

The S-Concept reels offer a larger spool and smaller body for a lighter, more comfortable fishing experience. These reels feature the S-Arm Cam, which keeps the line in contact with the line roller reducing cuts and tangles. The line is also layered evenly on the spool with Super Slow Oscillation, which reduces gaps when the line wraps on the spool during retrieve, which then reduces friction and hang-ups when the line comes off the spool during the cast. The Stradic S-Concept reel features four ARB anti-rust stainless steel ball-bearings that last more than 10 times longer than standard stainless bearings. Other construction features include a cold-forged aluminum spool, an aluminum frame and graphite sideplates. The S-Concept Maintenance Port allows anglers to easily apply oil or grease into the reels through strategically located access hole.

Additional features include: Super Stopper II, Fluidrive II, Dyan-Balance, bearing -supported Floating Shaft, an improved Power Roller III to reduce line twist, and waterproof drag system.

I’ve had a chance to use both the 1000 and 2500 series and am thoroughly impressed. My first fish on the 2500 was a 20”, 4.8lb. smallie. What a great way to inaugurate a new reel. The new design looks great and I’ve been very impressed with the ease of maintenance with the Maintenance Port. The wood g rip on the handle of the original Stradic has been replaced with a much more comfortable hard rubber grip. I also like how the handle folds down by just depressing a button, no more unscrewing. The drag system is smooth and works great, although most of the tension comes near the end of the tightening process. I’ve always liked the fast retrieve reels by Shimano and these S-Concept Stradics still have a fast 6.0:1 retrieve ratio. The line capacity on the 1000 series is similar to the original Stradic, but the capacity with the 2500 is greater than the 2000 and will now handle 200 yards of 6lb. and up to 120 yards of 10lb., which will please many anglers. The reel also comes in a 4000 and 5000 series. The 1000 and 2500 series sell for $119.99 and the 4000 and 5000 for $139.99.

I matched the 2500 with both a St. Croix 7’ medium action Avid and Legend Elite. I’ve used the 1000 with 6’6” and 7’ St. Croix light and medium-light action Avids and Legend Elites. These combinations have been wonderful to fish with. After using these reels during many days of fishing, in a variety of conditions, I think you’ll agree with me that Shimano took a great reel and made it even better. www.shimano.com

St. Croix Avid Reel
We all know St. Croix produces some of the world’s best rods in Park Falls, WI. Now they’ve put their name on a reel geared for high performance and durability, appropriately called the Avid. This reel features 4 high-quality ball bearings and one roller bearing. The Avid comes in four sizes with a spare graphite spool. The Advanced Ballistic System (ABS) positively controls and smoothes the flow of line off the spool during outcasts by its exclusive back tapered design.

The Avid also features Twistbuster, a unique line roller bearing that winds line onto the spool in a controlled manner. The titanium-plated roller reduces friction and increases durability and the “WET” drag system features Teflon impregnated felt washers for smooth, non-fading drag pressure. This Avid has a machined aluminum handle that’s stronger and lighter than conventional handles and along with infinite anti-reverse, has Gyro Balanced rotors for a smooth wobble free retrieve.

I’ve been fishing a 2000 series Avid spooled with 6lb. and 8lb. Silver Thread Excalibur and first used it during my annual trips to Sturgeon Bay, WI going after big Green Bay smallies. I used the reel on each of the 14 days I fished and found it to be outstanding. I’ve used the reel with my 6’6” and 7’ medium and medium-light rods. The 9.5 oz. 2000 series Avid and light St. Croix rods made for perfectly balanced outfits. The drag was tested a number of times and is smooth, working flawlessly. It becomes tighter very evenly as you tighten it. The Avid has a powerful 4.7:1 retrieve ratio, which makes fighting bigger fish a breeze. The machined aluminum handle has a light feel and is also great looking with a very comfortable hard rubber grip. The 1000 and 2000 series reels retail for $100, with the 2500 at $110 the 3500 at $120. Line capacity for the 2000 is just what I look for at 135 yards of 6lb., 110 yards of 8lb. and 90 yards of 10lb. I think you’re going to like this great looking, high-quality reel as much as I do. www.stcroixrods.com

Abu Garcia Torno Reel
When it comes to baitcasting reels, Abu Garcia is the recognized leader. This year they’ve introduced their new low-profile Törno baitcast reels, designed with state-of-the art Swedish technology and an ergonomic shape for comfort. Three Törno reels are available. All feature instant anti-reverse, aluminum spools, easy-out spool system, comfort thumb bars, star drag, a ceramic insert in the level wind guide and one-piece polymerc body with internal aluminum support. They are equipped with crowned precision cut worm gears and have a line capacity of 105 yards of 10lb. test line. The Törno comes in three models, with the top-of-the-line 3006HS featuring six stainless steel bearings, externally adjusted magnetic brakes and ergonomically designed crank handle grips. It weighs 9.1 ounces and has a gear ratio of 6.3:1.

The Törno 3004 and 3006 also come in the HSI version with the patented InfiniSpool. Törno reels with InfiniSpool give you the smoothest operating spool possible. The free spinning spool gives long smooth casts, even with the lightest jigs.

I’m primarily a spinning reel user, but do love getting out on the water flinging spinnerbaits and crankbaits with a good baitcasting outfit and my Sturgeon Bay trips provide a great opportunity for both. The Törno 3006HSI is a total pleasure to use. I fished it with 10lb. Silver Thread Excalibur matched it with a St. Croix Legend Elite 7’ medium action rod. What a combination, and it casts a mile. I really appreciate the very comfortable low profile that gave me a number of comfortable options for holding the rod and reel. The drag is super smooth and, as with all Abu-Garcia reels, very easy to adjust. The handle grips are very comfortable, made of a hard rubber material. Very helpful, to someone like me who doesn’t use baitcasters as often as other reels, are the extremely easy to adjustments. The mechanical brake and drag like other Abu-Garcia reels is on the handle side of the reel. The MagTrax magnetic spool brake is located on the opposite side of the reel in a half moon shaped dial, which you can easily set from one to ten depending on the desired magnetic force. If you prefer to use the traditional centrifugal spool breaking system you simply move the MagTrax adjustment lever to “off”. The Törno has a powerful retrieve, but has that fast ratio I like at 6.3:1. I’ve also had a chance to fish the equally impressive Törno 3006 HS, and for all you guys who like baitcasters I can highly recommend either of these Törno reels. The Törno 3006HSI retails for $159.95 and the HS version for $129.95. www.abu-garcia.com

Okuma Inspira 15 Reel
One turn of the handle, and you know you have a smooth (as in 11 ball bearing smooth) precise masterpiece of a reel in your hands. Okuma’s new marquee spinning reel series features the new machined aluminum handle that folds down with one simple movement of the locking sleeve, and the new ASB locking bail function which locks the bail open during casting. Complete with all the cutting edge features and quality you have come to expect from Okuma’s spinning reels, the Inspira is destined to become a favorite in every angler’s arsenal. It also features machined aluminum ported spool and spare machined aluminum spool, oil soaked felt and stainless steel drag, waterproof drag, quick set anti-reverse, and machined aluminum one-touch handle.

I’ve spooled this reel with both 4lb. and 6lb. Silver Thread Excalibur and have been totally impressed, using it to catch ton’s of smallies walking and wading rivers in Southwest Wisconsin. I really love this reel and have used it with both the St. Croix 6’6” Avid and Legend Elite light action rods. This is another awesome combination. I’ve especially enjoyed throwing the Rebel Teeny Wee-Crawfish. As many of you know it takes the right combination of rod and reel, with the long cast spool, to get the distance needed with this light lure.

Like the other reels, the Inspira is very attractive and functional. The drag is smooth, and like the St. Croix Avid, tightens very evenly. In the 15 series the Inspira is only 9.5 ounces, which makes for a very well balance combo with my St. Croix rods. Regarding size, it’s slightly smaller than a 1000 series Shimano Stradic or Symetre. I don’t fish 2lb. test line, but found this reel to be great when using 4lb. and 6lb. It holds 110 yards of 4lb. and 70 yards of 6lb. I like this because I change my line regularly and this gives me enough capacity while fishing, but I don’t waste as much line. Okuma makes many great reels and I’ve had the opportunity to fish and review the Epixors and Avengers, both very impressive, but of the group this is my favorite, especially in the 15 series. It retails for $84.99 and also comes in a 20, 30, 40 and 50 series. Along with the Inspira 15 I also used and was very impressed with the new Metaloid 15, which has 10 bearings and retails for $79.99. I can highly recommend either of these dynamite little reels. www.okumafishing.com

For another positive review of the Inspira 15 reel, check out Joe B from Ohio’s post on the Message Forum from last May. I think Joe gave it more of a “torture” test than I did. Even when fishing my equipment hard, I tend to be careful with it.

I can highly recommend all these reels. I hope the information I gave you on these reels is helpful.