(Introduction
to Ardent’s newest line-up)
Ardent got its start in 2003 as a “Made in the USA” leading
designer and manufacturer of freshwater fishing reels, Reel Care products and
accessories. Made by fishermen for fishermen, the design of every Ardent reel
and Ardent accessory has always been a result of input from professional
anglers and other members of Team Ardent. Located in St. Louis, Missouri,
Ardent is proud to be an American owned and operated company. The company was
founded on the principle of creating high performance fishing reels that can
endure the test of time. A daunting task for a US manufacturer to compete with
a myriad of foreign designed and built reels on the market today that was not
without its growing pains.
Close tolerance specifications and new reel engineering
innovations that had their share of initial flaws and the higher cost often
associated with U.S. products, resulted in some less than enthusiastic users of
some of the first few models. Fishermen had also gotten used to the “use and
throw away” reels produced overseas and were not willing to accept regular
preventative maintenance and care. But Ardent had many triumphs including; Best
in show at ICAST, “Drag Tracking Technology” that allows the level wind eyelet
to track in parallel with the line location on the spool as line is being
pulled from the reel in drag mode reducing the chance of line breakage by
eliminating the sharp angles caused by the level wind eyelet being out of sync
with the line location. https://www.youtube.com/embed/6YkFb-GsJyQ?autoplay=1
, a line of specially designed Flip-N-Pitch reels (F-500/F-700, absolute beasts
of flippin’ reels) and the development and marketing of the best reel care
products available today.
In the interest of full disclosure I will tell you I have
been a Pro-staffer with Ardent since their inception and still have, use
regularly, even the initial Ardent prototype reels. I do however perform
regular monthly maintenance, cleaning/lubrication and can attest to the high
quality USA made parts as I have not replaced any gears, bearings or major
components on any of these reels. To this day I will put even the oldest of my
Ardent Reels against any made today, especially in casting distance. In 2008
Alton Jones won the Bassmaster Classic using exclusively Ardent Reels as well.
But fishermen can be unforgiving and some of the initial problems cause several
to look elsewhere.
In the last few year’s Ardent made some changes that warrant
a second look from anyone looking for a high quality reel at an affordable
price. No doubt due to a little “can’t beat ‘em join ’em” coupled with the opportunity
to infuse some of their developed technology lead Ardent to have their reels
produced overseas like the rest of the industry. First out of the chute is the
Apex line that includes; the Apex Elite
with superior on the water performance, Ardent’s extremely light weight high
strength aluminum frame, 12+1 ball bearings that produce top-level smoothness
and casting distance. Apex also has a deep V 6061 T6 machined aluminum spool, a
carbon fiber swept back handle with EVA grips, externally adjustable 270 degree
Mag brake system and is available in 6.5:1 gear ratio in both left and right
hand retrieve. Apex Pro comes in a 7.3:1 gear ratio in right hand retrieve.
I have used both versions of the Apex for over a year now
and highly recommend you give them a look (next article will go into detail of
field testing). At less than $150 (Elite)/$130 (Pro) these reels have
outperformed even reels of twice the price. Of course many fishermen will like
the fact the performance I experienced to date includes no maintenance,
lubrication or cleaning so far. The smaller size and “more modern” look will
appeal to many others as well. The drag system is also far superior to some of
Ardent’s previous offerings and at that price point I plan to replace all my
active reels. All Ardent’s reels are still backed by the longest warranty in
the industry with 3 years of coverage right out of the box. But wait there’s
more!
In May Ardent introduced the Apex Grand which has all the specifications of the Elite plus a dual
braking system with 6 pin internally adjustable centrifugal and an externally
adjustable 270 degree Magnetic brake system. Grand boasts a High Strength
Aluminum frame, 6061 T6 machined aluminum spool, an extra-long carbon fiber
swept handle with EVA grip knobs and on handle swept back forged aluminum star
drag weighing in at a mere 5.9 ozs. The Grand comes in a 7.3:1 gear ratio in
right hand retrieve and is almost half the price of the competitor’s
same/similar models. The pearl white finish will attract the attention of those
who use the new “white” rods but goes just fine with my beautiful blue St.
Croix Legend Tournaments.
Ardent’s “Drag Tracking Technology” system is included on
the new Ardent Magnum Reel which is
a larger version (in appearance) to the Apex. This reel is great for Carolina Rigs,
Swimbait set ups and other applications requiring larger line and/or more line
capacity. Magnum has a cast aluminum frame, 10+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings,
6.5:1 Gear Ratio, .95 mm Extra Long Carbon Fiber Handle, 17.6 pound drag system
(industry average for baitcasters is usually only about 12lbs.), 270 degree magnetic
brake system, and is capable of holding up to 260 yards of 10 lb. mono. This
reel is Saltwater Tested and Approved and also comes out of the box with a 3-Year
Warranty at a MSRP of $149.99.
For those who prefer or make use of spinning equipment
Ardent offers 3 models and has a 4th in development. The Bolt is a light but tough, excellent
spinning reel for all applications and the 6.0:1 HIGH SPEED retrieve will
increase your productivity on the water. One of the features I personally like
is the 6061-T6 double anodized spool that is equipped with a BRAID BAND to allow you to tie braid to
the spool without line slippage. The Ardent Finesse is an excellent choice for the angler looking for a light, reliable
and smooth spinning reel. It also has a 6061-T6 double anodized spool with the BRAID BAND. The Ardent Wire Spinning Reel is my favorite and
is a most innovative spinning reel. The Wire is designed around a high strength
stainless steel double wire frame that give this reel the stability required in
a high quality spinning reel. The reel features a 9+1 ball bearing system for
smooth operation. The reel not only looks great, it performs like no other.
Since the company originated in 2003, Ardent has been
committed to offering the highest quality reel with expert craftsmanship only a
fisherman can appreciate. You owe it to yourself to give Ardent reels another
look for the tools you need to bring your fishing to the next level and
experience better performance and durability. Try Ardent Reel Care products and
accessories as well (more on those offerings next week). Choose Ardent, Rule the Water.
George Kunkle
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