Skeet Reese Victory Pro Carbon Reels Product Review

During the Bassmaster Classic Expo earlier this year, I had the opportunity to look at all the latest gear the bass world has to offer. One booth caught my eye, The Wright & McGill/Eagle Claw booth. I had the opportunity to talk with their national sales director, Drew McGill.

He had on display the all new Skeet Reese Victory Pro Carbon spinning and casting reels and rods. I looked at them with a little skepticism thinking this was just a cosmetic change from earlier efforts. McGill set me straight on the new reels and rods.

They are all new and are made to the high standards that serious anglers expect. I chose the 2000s spinning reel. Here is the break down on its hardware.

• Lightweight carbon body
• 9+1 Ball bearings (2 ceramic, 7 stainless steel)
• Dynamic balanced rotor
• Titanium coated anti-twist line roller
• Large diameter bail
• Ported aluminum spool with carbon ring
• Ultra cast spool
• Powerful front drag: 14 lbs max drag
• Titanium main shaft
• Lightweight carbon handle with EVA paddles
• Fast, 6.0:1 gear ratio
• Reel weight: Size 20 – 8.10 oz.; Size 30 – 8.30 oz.; Size 40 – 11.60 oz.
• Line retrieve per handle turn: Size 20 – 33.5 inches; Size 30 – 35.5 inches; Size 40 – 37.5 inches

With all that said, I put the 2000s to a test. First it fills light on a rod. Everything felt great from the paddles to its overall functionality. The drag was supreme! Spooled with 6-pound mono, it handled trout and smallmouths in fast water with ease. During the day, the reel was dropped and submerged several times and performed like it should. This reel is a must-have for any angler that needs a high performance spinning reel.

The casting reel chosen for evaluation was the 7.9:1 ratio, The Victory Pro Carbon Casting Reel features include:

• Ultra-light and strong carbon frame and side plates
• 9+1 stainless steel bearings with corrosion resistance
• Unlimited anti-reverse
• Magnetic casting control
• Ultra speed “Triangle” line guide for increased casting distance
• Removable carbon side plate
• Removable, high speed, ported aluminum spool
• Powerful star drag and carbon drag technology: 14 lbs max drag
• 8mm stainless main shaft
• 7075 aluminum main gear for strength and weight reduction
• Extra wide, ported and curved carbon handle
• Comfortable, flat EVA paddles
• Available in a fast 6.4:1 gear ratio or ultra-fast 7.9:1 gear ratio
• Reel weight: 5.5 oz.
• Line Capacity: 135 yds/10 lb mono; 120 yds/12 lb mono; 95 yds/14 lb mono
• Line retrieve per handle turn: 6.4:1 – 26.5 inches; 7.9:1 – 32.5 inches

Just like the spinning reel, the casting model is filled with the best components. First thing that I noticed was the size of the reel. It was just a bit on the large size compared to most compact reels. For folks with large hands this should be a plus. After putting it on several rods and dialing it in, the size was overlooked by its outstanding performance. From tuning to the spool engage button everything was fantastic. Casting, pitching and flipping was top notch. Back lashes always happen to the best of us but were minimal with this reel. This reel operates like a top line reel should without the sticker shock.

I am sold on booth reels and will be making the switch, which is shocking since the late 70s until now I have been with one company for my reel needs. If you are in the market for a new reel, give these a try. You won't be disappointed.

http://www.wright-mcgill.com/skeet-reese-victory-pro-carbon-reels

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