I have 3 premiers and 2 ardents....i actually use the ardents more...they cast farther, are easier to dial in, and i like the new drag system.

I bought an Ardent a couple of years ago, primarily because it is American made. The reel felt good and everything seemed to be fine. The one thing I do not like about the reel is on the left side of the reel I bought, there is a lever to disengage to get to the weights. The position of the lever is such that often I disengage it and the left side of the reel opens exposing the weights. Have to be very careful not to open the side of the reel. Otherwise, it seems to be fine. I doubt that I purchase another one.

Thanks for all of the comments. I have some revo's, and plan on geting an upgrade. They are hard to beat. On another note, Lew's is impressive! Picked one up today, and if I like it, I'm going to grab another. I have heard nothing but good things about these reels. Thanks Paparon for the link...

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewardentxs1000.html

this is an old review on Aredent reels.... but its the same company, maybe the newer ones are better but.....

Go with the REVO one of my favorites.

I use shimano but i have a few ardents and i love them.

/facepalm

The new Lews are just a souped up, old model, BPS Carbonlite, period. Graphite sideplates with the same internal parts as the Revos (which all have metal handle sideplates at the least)

The higher end Revos have a more free spinning spool (talking those with the "infini" spool) and a little better components to the same basic internal parts.

I have bought quite a few lately since the xs series are excellent reels.
They have the weight an feel of a green curado 200b.
The one thing I can say is the ardent come with abec 5 bearings.
They will cast a lite lure with good distance.