In the event that you've been dangling around any bass forums or regional tackle shops recently, you've probably noticed people talking about the fishing 13 concept reels and regardless of whether they actually meet all that marketing noise. I'll be honest, when 13 Fishing first strike the scene, the lot of old-school anglers looked at them sideways. They were the "new kids" using the flashy designs as well as the "defy limits" branding. Yet after spending several seasons putting these types of reels through their own paces, I've realized there's a lot more beneath the hood than just the cool logo.
The whole "Concept" collection wasn't just constructed to look pretty on a screen shelf. It was designed to solve some of those frustrating little issues we've all dealt with—like bearings gunking up, heavy frames, plus drags that stutter right when you've got a personal best on the line. Let's dive into what can make these reels mark and why they've earned a place on my favorite equipment.
Smashing the Mildew with Bearing Technology
The greatest speaking point whenever the fishing 13 concept series pops up is the "Concept Z. " This was the particular reel that actually put them on the map because it ditched traditional ball bearings completely. Instead, they used what they call CZB (Concept Zero Bearing) technology.
Now, if you're like me, your 1st thought was probably, "Wait, so how exactly does this spin without bearings? " It's basically a high-tech plastic material that functions as a bushing but performs like a high-end bearing. The genius right here is that classes no metal balls to rust or corrode, these items are virtually indestructible in saltwater.
I keep in mind the first time I cast one. It doesn't audio like a regular fishing reel. There's this simple "whirring" noise that takes a minute to get utilized to. It isn't loud, just different. But man, the distance you get is impressive. Because the polymer doesn't require oil within the same way metal bearings perform, the performance remains consistent even with the long day of having splashed with resolution and salt.
The Workhorse Models: A and C
While the Z gets most the headlines regarding being "weird, " the Concept A and Concept G are really the bread and butter of the line. In case you're looking regarding a daily motorist, the Concept A is usually exactly where people start. It's got that low key feel that just fits perfectly in the palm of the hand.
I've used the A for everything through flipping heavy lures into timber to burning crankbaits down a rocky standard bank. It's got this particular "Bulldog" drag program that is surprisingly smooth. You understand how a few reels feel jerky every time a fish makes a hard work under the vessel? This one doesn't. It just peels off line with a steady pressure that gives you a lot of confidence.
The Concept C is basically the particular A's lighter, faster brother. They utilized more carbon fiber and lightweight components to shave away some weight. If you're the kind of person who can make two thousand casts a day, all those few saved ounces really do make a difference within how your hand feels by four: 00 PM. As well as, the white end on the C just looks sharpened. It's one of those reels that makes your setup appear like it belongs within a pro's boat.
Why the Ergonomics Actually Matter
One thing I actually don't think individuals talk about enough is definitely how these fishing reels feel when you're actually fishing. The lot of businesses try to create reels "low account, " but they will still feel large or have sharp edges that dig into your thumb. The fishing 13 concept designers clearly spent a lot of time upon the shape.
The structures are incredibly slim. When you "palm" the reel—basically covering your hand around it while a person work a lure—it feels natural. It's not just regarding comfort; it's about control. When you're trying to feel a tiny tick on a drop shot or a simple change in bottom part composition, having a reel that seems like action associated with your hand will be a major advantage.
They likewise have this "Arrowhead" collection guide. It's shaped a bit in different ways compared to standard circular or oval instructions. The idea is to reduce friction during the particular cast. Does it include ten yards in order to every cast? Maybe not. But it certainly helps the line flow more openly, which means less professional grade backlashes when you're seeking to cast into a stiff wind.
The TrickShop Tradition
We can't discuss these fishing reels and not mention the TrickShop. This is something 13 Fishing did that will almost nobody otherwise was doing at the time. They will made it extremely personalized your reel.
A person can buy various colored handles, celebrity drags, and pulls to make your own reel look exactly how you desire. It's a bit like car culture regarding fishermen. While the purple handle won't necessarily help a person catch more fish, it's fun to have a set up that doesn't appear to be everyone else's. It's that little little bit of personality that will makes the equipment feel like yours.
Handling the Sodium as well as the Grime
I'm primarily the freshwater guy, yet I've taken my Concept reels lower to the coast a few occasions. That's usually exactly where cheap reels proceed to die. Deep sea is brutal; it finds every tiny crevice and begins eating away at the internals.
The fishing 13 concept reels, especially the ones using the CZB technology, handle the salt like champs. The frames are made from materials that don't just flake or corrode the second a drop associated with brine hits all of them. Of course, a person still have to rinse your gear away from after a day on the flats, require reels are built with that environment in mind.
I've discovered that even right after per year of large use, the armor and weapon upgrades stay "crunch-free. " That's usually the particular first thing to go—the gears begin feeling like there's sand in them. However the tolerances upon these reels are usually tight enough that will they stay sealed up pretty well.
Is There a Learning Curve?
Every piece associated with gear has its quirks, and the particular Concept series is definitely no different. The particular braking system on these reels is quite sensitive. In case you're moving through a different brand, you might find yourself over-adjusting in first.
I usually tell people to start with the brakes a little tighter than they think they need. The 6-way centrifugal braking system is usually very effective, yet it responds in order to even small steps. Once you discover that "sweet spot" for the fat of the bait you're throwing, it's a dream. But if you're constantly switching between a light jerkbait plus a heavy swimbait, be ready to spend a 2nd or two tweaking the dial.
Conclusions on the Water
At the end of the day, a reel is a tool. You desire it to be reliable, you want this to be smooth, plus you don't would like to think regarding it while you're fishing. That's the best compliment I can give to the fishing 13 concept series—once I've obtained it dialed in, I completely forget it's there.
It doesn't matter if I'm dragging a Tx rig through a few nasty lily patches or skipping the fluke within pier; the reel simply does its job. It's got enough winching power to haul a fish out of the rubbish, but enough angle to take care of light line once the water will be superior and the bass are now being particular.
If you're on the fence, I'd say begin with a Concept The. It's the most versatile of the bunch and provides you a real taste of what the particular brand is in relation to without going broke. Once you get the feel for just how they handle, you might find yourself taking a look at the Z or maybe the newer TEXAS models pretty rapidly.
Fishing gear is very subjective, and exactly what feels great in my opinion might feel weird to a person. But in conditions of innovation and actually trying to press the forward, 13 Fishing is performing some cool stuff. They aren't just putting a brand new coat of paint upon a thirty-year-old style. They're actually rethinking how a fishing reel should work, plus for most of us out there on the water, that's a win.
Therefore, next time you're looking to upgrade your setup, give one particular of these the spin. Whether you're a weekend soldier or someone which spends every spare second included, the Concept series has something that'll most likely make your time and energy upon the water a bit more enjoyable. Just end up being careful—once you begin customizing associated with TrickShop parts, it is the bit of an addiction. Don't say I didn't alert you!