I've been checking out the ardent reels of late. Anyone have one? Good , bad, indifferent?

I have 14 of them and love them. They had some problems with the first ones but that has been worked out and they are a very well made ree. 100% made in the USA. They also have a 3 year warrenty and excellent customer servece. There is a new model out called the edge and it is great all of the Ardent reels will outcast any other.

The ones I've held seem to be really smooth. I really like the made in the USA!

I was up to their plant in Macon Mo. couple of years ago saw all the CNC machines running and as I was being shown around I noticed boxes of bearings said made in USA. Even their caps and tshirts are made in USA.

Do they give open tours to the public?

No I was a good friend of the guy who was the marketing director at the time. But you migh contact them and see if they would.

I think lews is better...Ardents break

At least I am fairly certain if the ARdents break that you can get parts for them.

Not so with certain Silstar/Korean Reels although most Pflueger, Pinnacle and Bass Pro Shops reel parts will match up for some reason.

Too heavy.

Anything breaks these days. You get good ones and bad ones.

I have used Ardents since they came on the market and broke the thumbbar on the first one I had when I stepped on it. I had some thumbbar issues with the first models but never a problem with the modells after that.

I was on there pro staff they did have some good reels for sure. The reason why I am not anymore is the fact I whiched over to left handend before they came out with left hand reels. I also had a hard time for retailers to buy into a reel that guys won't by because it doesn't say shimano up here in Canada its the number one brand to buy because the repair depot is like a hour away or so. I also did find you should clean them and oil the bearings a little better to make they smoother so thats what I found when I had them.

Great reels

I would like to find a retailer in my area who actually carries the models so I can play with them.

BPS in Garland has them.

Hadn't been to the Garland location only Grapevine. They only had the flippin model.

Yesterday when I was there the Garland store had XS1000,XS600 and the flippin reel.

Thanks. Can't go tomorrow, it's our anniversary!

Then again my wife might want me to have a new reel!

Me and my son own eight of them. The f500 \700 are great flipping reels.
They have a 20# or more drag on the f500 \700 for braided line.
Most reels a 6# to 10# drag they are very smooth with an unconetional design.
We have c400 \ xs-600 and xs 1000 reels the come from the factoy pre supertuned with high grade bearings.
I dropped one off the casting deck and bent the handle.
I sent back to the factory and they sent me a new one in 10 days.
They have excellent service.

MADE IN THE USA