Ardent reels

How do Ardent reels compare to Shimano reels? Like the apex elite and the citica? And others

I do like Ardent better. They seem to last longer also. They both will throw a mile

Last longer? I'm 48 and still have my first Shimano reel that I bought when I was 11-and it still works like a champ.

Which would be better for flipping

Shimano reels could kick ardent down the street with 2 broken legs....

I have both and do like the Shimano better overall. I don't have an Elite but I do have the Apex Grand which is basically the same reel except they paint it white and has a carbon fiber handle. I will choose my Curado over the Grand. If I had to choose one reel out of my collection though it would be my Revo STX. Abu is my #1 preference in reels and is what I mainly use.

I have used Ardent reels since the first ones the first ones had some problems but their customer service was second to none. I have 5 Elites and 2 Grands and have had no problems with any of them. I still have some of the made in the US reels and also use them with no problems. My Shimano and Diawas stay in the garage collecting dust haven't used them in about 3 or 4 years.

I have a bunch of apex elite. For the money they are outstanding.

Ya IMO nothing will out last the 200e series curados or chonarchs. But man I have sold most of mine for lews and can't be happier

Thanks everyone for the good info!

Ardent vs Shimano? Really? It's like Kia vs Bentley. Not even close.

Give me the entry level Shimano stuff way before the Ardent with the carbon fiber paint over cast aluminum. Haha. They even LOOK junky.

Have you ever used one? Ardent makes a great reel.

I am not as concerned with looks as I am performance and I will take my Ardents over my other ones any day. I still am using some of the Ardent Edge reels and have never had a problem.

I own shimano, ardent, diawa lews and abu

Aredent is the wost of the lot by a ways.

I will NEVER pay for an ardent again. Falls apart, doesnt hold up to wear and tear. Overall cheap design and overprised to boot.

That said my tatula-r suffers from simillar issues. Cheap reel body and grinds like a SOB when you cadt, i even returned the first one i had for another... same issue right out of the box on the 2nd.

Shimano is better, but i still think they have cheapened them up since the E series. They were the best ever made. Look them up on ebay, still selling at or above retail.

Lews is ok... i had a bearing go out about 18 months in, easy fix running great now.

I have NEVER had an issue with a revo... never had them need anything but cleaning. They are getting to be what im moving toward since e series curados are so hard to find...

Ppl will ford chevy you to death. I dont care about brand i care about lifespan and smoothness. My best overall luck has been with old e-series shamono, 2nd best with revo, lews, diawa, then ardent...

Get what you like but on the market right now, i would buy revo

I'm surprised they're still in business

Yes... and no... they dont

I dont have any $300+ reels so i cant talk about steeze, or metaniums or the high high end ardents but i HAVE used them and they wont get another red cent from me

Hahaha. Lots of opinions here. Just try both and go with the one you like. I've had some of both brands that didnt seem to work quite right. It happens. I don't call any of the products junk though.

Definitely shimano

You will get a lot of mixed reviews on Ardent. mostly because they have over 800 pep's on the pro staff and they keep on adding more.

So true. If you ask to be on their pro staff I dont think they will say no.

My personal opinion on the matter is I don't like the Ardents and im not a fan. Ive played with/casted a few and was unimpressed. My friends have had a few and they have had nothing but issues with them. My main reason for not liking them though is the fact they are made in China and their build quality reflects that. Ive cleaned and serviced a lot of different brands of reels and Ardent/Quantum rank at the bottom of my list with build quality and the quality of the components used. Its made in China for a reason.... and its not because China is known for quality....

The upper end Ardent Edge used to be made in America. Since they stopped the Edge line and went to Apex line I don't think any of them are built here anymore. I haven't had any issues with my Ardent's but out of the reels I have my Revo's are my favorite.

I just recently bought a couple Ardent reels and have only used a few times but I am very happy so far.

Pick up a shimano metanium 13 and ardent who !

Still 300+ and over 200 used still...