16 new reels fish will fear

Quantum Energy

Quantum’s engineers feel they may have given too much away for a reel that sports a $159 price tag. The Energy has 11 ball bearings, a dual cast control system that includes both an internal ACS and an external magnetic adjustment housed in the Energy’s one-piece aluminum frame and gear side cover. Also, a spool click tension knob lets you hear and feel each precise move you make to dial in the spool tension to perfectly suit your casting. A Flippin’ Switch makes for quick hook sets.

Okuma Helios Lowprofile Baitcasting Reel

The new Helios has 9 ball bearings, a super lowprofile, a 7.3:1 gear ratio and weighs a scant 6.3 ounces.

SouthBend Ready2Fish The Original

Ready2Fish is introducing the ultimate start-up kit for learning how to fish. It is a complete combo fishing system that include everything a beginning angler might need. The kit comes with a spinning rod, reel and tacklebox filled with spinnerbaits, grubs, hooks, weights and more. 

Okuma Helios Open-Faced Spinning Reel

This new Helios offering in the open-faced spinning line comes equipped with the same rugged construction as the Helios baitcasters and is offered in four sizes and two gear ratios.

Okuma RTX-30S

This reel features a C-40X carbon frame, sideplate and rotor. It's offered in four sizes and has a gear ratio of 6.0:1. The weights range from 6.6 to 8.6 ounces.

Lew's BB-1

The BB-1 is back and improved with models that feature anti-reverse and those without anti-reverse. The BB-1 sports big capacity, super smooth retrieves and the famous paddle handles. Ten ball bearings keep things smooth under pressure. This incarnation lives up to the "lighter, faster, stronger" mantra it's associated with.

Abu Garcia Revo SX

Advanced performance defines this 9 + 1 bearing Revo. It's available in left- or right-hand retrieve and in 6.4:1 or 7.1:1 gear ratios.

Abu Garcia Revo Premiere

This lightweight, yet super strong casting reel features a X2-Craftic alloy frame, C6 carbon sideplates and 10 stainless steel HPCR ball bearing . It comes in left- and right-hand retrieve models and two gear ratios. The advancements is this reel are so striking it won Best of Show for ICAST 2012.

Abu Garcia Revo SX 40

The Revo SX40 features an 8 stainless steel bearing HPCR ball bearing + 1 roller bearing spinning reel. It's one-piece gear box design allows for more precise gear alignment and smoother operation. It has a 5.8:1 gear ratio and takes up 33 inches of line per turn.

Abu Garcia Revo S40

This member of the Cardinal family sports 3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing and a lightweight graphite body and rotor. It has a 5.1:1 gear ratio and will take up 29 inches of line per turn.

Wright and McGill Sabalos

The Sabalos was chosen as the Best Saltwater Fly FIshing reel at ICAST 2012 thanks to its lightweight and corrosion-resistant design, two properties of its anodized aluminum frame.

Quantum EXOpt

Quantum’s EXO line of reels made a splash at ICAST 2011, and Quantum is looking to do it again with a new line of EXO reels that have more line capacity in the EXOPT 200 and 300 series of baitcasters. They have wider spools, bigger frames, more line capacity, and half of them are left-handed models. The aluminum frame houses a CSCdrag system that will take the heat and operate smoothly based on the carbon, stainless and ceramic disks. Soft, EVA foam handle knobs finish off the package.

Shimano Calcutta D Series

Shimano says that the next generation for Calcutta is about power, rigidity and durability. The S-Concept body results in a reel that feels one size smaller in your hand, plus offers durability from a cold-forged aluminum frame for year-after-year fishing use. Calcutta D reels are loaded with proven Shimano features, including Variable Brake System and E.I. surface treatment for corrosion resistance.

Daiwa Aird

If you've not experienced the smoothness of Daiwa reels, the Aird is a good entry point. The Aird delivers exceptional angler value and a host of Daiwa’s advanced features. The composite frame provides a rigid, lightweight housing and keeps all moving parts in perfect alignment. A nine-ball bearing system (8+1) ensures consistently fluid casts and retrieves, and the MagForce cast control delivers complete cast control.

Daiwa T3 Casting Reel

Weighing in at only 6 1/2 ounces, the Daiwa T3 Casting Reel is packed with Daiwa's most innovative new features including Daiwa's new Nitride Coated T-Wing Casting System for the longest and most accurate casting and the most natural fall from your lures.

Daiwa Lexa

The Lexa's felt-sealed waterproof body and Aluminum Alloy HardBodyz construction help extend its longevity, and its five-bearing system (4BB+1RB) keeps things running smoothly for years to come. Also equipped with Daiwa’s Digigear Digital Gear System for increased power and durability, Daiwa’s Advanced Locomotive Levelwind System ensures even line lay and fewer tangles. Ideal for a range of light line and finesse techniques.