I saw a post on the bass forum about the Academy (H20) brand reels and it got some good reviews. The reel is only $50 so I think thats a great price. Has anyone tried these baitcasters? I have used a few H20 lures and they seem to be well made but I would like to hear from someone who has used their reels.

i have 3 of these reels and i love them, i didnt really like anything but quantum till i tried one of these. the price is good too. i had one of the guys at the counter tell me that the same company in japan that makes shimano makes the h2o reels also. dont kno if that is true but it is interesting

Thanks, mind if I asked what rod you paired them with? Looking for something to throw cranks with.

I have two of them as well. Love this reel, it's honestly the best on the market if you look at performance:$ They have several versions, this one is the Mettle that we're talking about. $49 every day price.

A few tips, save your receipt! I've been told that since you cant order parts, they just replace the reel if its with in 12 months of purchase. Second, they go on sale.. mostly for reasons such as: sunshine, wind blowing, the moon phase completion. Prices are 24-29 when that happens.

I have one on a 6'6" Abu Garcia Veritas Medium with Suffix 832 in 30lb with 14lb Suffix Siege mono backing it. First of all, this rod has one of the SHORTEST spit grips I've seen. If you want a really compact grip, I don't know if it can be beat. I've been chunking baits MUCH further with this setup than anything else. 5/8th oz lipless cranks, spinner baits, squarebills mostly. I really really like this combo and it's perfect from the kayak when you cant adjust your foot stance.. because you're on your butt!

The other is on a BPS Enigma 6'6" MH rod with 14lb Suffix Siege mono. The reel crapped out on it and I had a spare Mettle and I mostly chunk T-Rigged worms, small swim jigs with craw trailers, I'm probably going to use this rod for fishing those new bombshell turtles with weighted worm hooks T-Rigged during the early spring.

i use one of mine to throw lipless cranks it is on an all-star im 10 6'6 med/ mod, the other two are on the new style all stars academy carries

I've heard good things about the Mettle.

Good to know. I only have BPS and Quantum reels. And when I see the Mettle reels on sale I take it for granted that cheap price means cheap reel. So, good to know. How much is the IM 10 rod you were mentioning dangolephil? If this is too irrelevant for this thread just drop me a PM...

Well I have the made I Houston one which will be hard to find but academy sells the new china version on Clearance for about 59 dollars I think Still Im10 though

Thanks guys for the info. Sounds like they go on sale often. I think I'll wait another month and keep my eye out in case they go on sale. Of all the reviews of these I have seen on TFF I have yet to see a bad one.

I can't decide which I like more; my curado, or my mettle.

I use these reels every day. I love them and for the price hard to beat. I use All star rods both a MH, and a Med. and the reels seem made to fit using 12# floro and 15 floro line. I have noticed that the level wind, and the thumb bar release needs a bit more oil/lube to keep them smooth.