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Best Baitcasters 2018: BPS's Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0

Best Baitcasters 2018: BPS's Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0
The CarbonLite is one of those reels that have good general technology throughout, but the 6-disc carbon fiber drag would be a hit on even more expensive reels.

The CarbonLite is one of those reels that have good general technology throughout, but the 6-disc carbon fiber drag would be a hit on even more expensive reels.

As part of Game & Fish's series of reviews of the best baitcasters 2018, we look at Bass Pro Shops' Johnny Morris Carbonlite 2.0.

By Pete Robbins

The aluminum frame of the CarbonLite allows for an overall light package, with all models weighing in at a mere 6.7 ounces. Stout carbon fiber side plates prevent flex, while keeping all the internals in perfect alignment and sync.

The nearly flex-free chassis will easily tackle a cartwheeling smallmouth or a bulldogging muskie when tasked to do so.

The latest BPS offering is evidence of their commitment to produce some of the most feature-rich casting reels available, while keeping the prices astoundingly low.

Best Baitcasters 2018 Series

New baitcasting reels reviewed by Game & Fish

Click Here: More articles on Fishing Reels from G&F

What distinguishes it?

The sleek silver exterior package hides a carbon-rich platform while 10 bearings make this reel durable and dependable. Available in three retrieve speeds: 6.8:1, 7.5:1 and a blistering fast 8.5:1 that was only a pipe dream a few years ago.

High-end features previously found only in more expensive reels?

As the name suggests, the use of carbon throughout, including in the 6-disc fiber drag and the recurve handle, add substantially to the appeal of this newest version of the Carbon Lite, and the 10 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings make it smooth at any speed. It has both centrifugal and magnetic braking, too. At a list price of $119.99, all of that would've added up to a bargain a decade ago, but today it's a downright steal.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Gear Ratio 6.8:1, 8.3:1
  • Line Capacity  120 yds / 12 lbs
  • Weight   6.7 oz
  • Bearings 9+1
  • Price   $119.99

HIGH-END FEATURES

  • Carbon-rich design
  • One-piece aluminum frame
  • Instant anti-reverse
  • Dual casting controls

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