This is a newer reel I assume as I just recently heard of them while watching the Jimmy Houston Outdoors show. I also saw one on my last trip to academy. They seemed fairly cheaply made, but the idea of the new level-wind made some sense. Do they honestly work?

Lance Vick has been using them for some time. Hopefully he responds. I ordered one through the PAA Affinity program a couple of weeks ago, because I was curious about them too. I'm still getting used to it. Very sensitive reel. You don't need to cast very hard to acheive distance. I tend to overpower it. You not only adust the spool speed with the tension knob and centrifugal brakes, but you can also adjust the height of the levelwind. So, I'm still trying to find the optimal settings.

sounds cool. i really like the idea of the removed wormgear/pawl system. would really love to hear what Mr. Vick has to say.

I have been wanting to hear some feed back as well.

i picked one up at academy, and it felt somewhat cheap. however, i dont go by the displays because they are handled too much.

interesting...

i like mine flips real good

Works good for flippin

have either of you used them for regular casting? have you caught some large fish? do the gears seem solid? holding up well while fighting fish?

I have been with them for two years, reels do exactly what they say. you can cast farther with less effort and pitch a bait like carzy. they will hold up as well I still say the very first reel they sent me is as smooth as a new one. I have caught several over 8lbs and one right at 9 and several catfish and drum in the 20 range.

I am curious as to which reel you handled in academy, they carry 2 models of bait casters the 600 and the 800.

i did not even pay attention to model number, but it seemed like a cheaper version such as each company makes less expensive models. all, i could tell ya was it was red....

let me say, in no way am i "dogging" them. i just wasn't impressed with the first one i handled. however, i am still VERY interested in them.....

Ok the red reel is the 600 and yes it is a inexpensive reel only retails for Luke 59.00 but it performs well. We try to have reels in everyones price range and needs. The 800 is a is a silver reel and twice the price so it will probably feel better to you. The technology is the kicker, almost friction free straight line casting and never have to worry about icing issues but they aren't to big of a problem the further south you go. But I see what you ate speaking about when you say the reel felt kinda cheap but it is a composite frame and is only 59.00 so there is a trade off

no problem....i did not realize they had some high end models out....love the looks of the Hibdon model hopefully i will find some close to get a feel for....thanks for the info....sounds like a product that will grow by word of mouth....