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P
R O D U C
TT
P R E V I E W |
A Preview of Pinnacle's upcoming Tournament Class Reels
| Date: |
7/5/10 |
|
Tackle Type: |
Reels |
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Manufacturer: |
Pinnacle |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction: This ICAST Pinnacle will be introducing new
"Tournament Class" reels that are designed for anglers looking for
baitcasters and spinning reels that exhibit both superior build quality and a
rich overall feature-set. Leveraging the expertise of their pro-staff these reels
are designed to be the highest end reels that Pinnacle has introduced to date.
Pinnacle is looking to move up in
higher end offerings this ICAST and the Optimus XLT is the new high end
baitcaster from the brand
What
is Tournament Class? To
create tackle worthy of being called “Tournament Class,” Pinnacle made sure its
pro staffers were intimately involved in the process, from the conception stage
to final production of these new reels. Prostaffers including
Paul Elias, Dave Wolak, Grant
Goldbeck and Britt Myers all
worked closely with Pinnacle’s engineers to ensure that every offering was
perfectly designed and equipped for its intended task. “They asked us to
describe the features and qualities we would want in a series of ‘dream’ reels
and rods to handle everything from cranking, to flipping, to finesse spinning,”
said Elias, Bassmaster Classic Champion and the all-time BASS heavyweight catch
record holder. “All I can say is that Pinnacle nailed it. They did an amazing
job bringing this fantasy tackle to life.”
The Optimus XLT features a
titanium deposition coating and a
QuickFlip
Button for flipping and pitching applications
Optimus XLT:
Pinnacle's new top of the line reel will be the Optimus XLT,
this sleek looking reel boasts
ten double-shielded stainless steel bearings, Tandem Cast
Control (a combination of centrifugal and magnetic anti-backlash systems), and a
blazing fast 7.3:1 retrieve. Like all of Tournament Class reels, the Optimus™XLT
features an all-metal construction and Pinnacle’s exclusive
X-Bone™ pattern frame. Similar to the design of a car chassis, the
X-Bone™ pattern frame
equally distributes the amount
of critical stress points. This design helps compensate for
the entire weight load, while also maximizing the rigidity and tensile strength
of the entire framework of the reel. Aluminum metal alloy frame and side covers
also reduce torque, keeping the gears and components in alignment under
heavy loads.
The Optimus XT has the same
bearing count as the XLT and comes in a variety of gear ratios ranging from
6.4:1 to a power 4.7:1
The Optimus XLT also features metal side covers
with a titanium deposition finish like we have seen on previous higher end Quantum and
import Abu Garcia Revo reels.
More than just an aesthetic touch, this treatment
(also standard on the Optimus™ XT and Performa™
XLT, XT models) is highly resistant against nicks and scratches. For reduced
weight and increased strength, all of Pinnacle’s Optimus model baitcasters
feature drive gears, drive shafts and worm gears composed of Duralumin a super
alloy that’s 70 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than brass.
|
Pinnacle Optimus Baitcasters |
|
Optimus XLT |
|
|
Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
Line Capacity |
|
OP10XLTHS |
10+1 |
7.3:1 |
7.6 |
10/140, 12/120 |
|
Optimus XT |
|
|
Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
Line Capacity |
|
OP10XTHS |
10+1 |
6.4:1 |
7.6 |
10/140, 12/120 |
|
OP10XT |
10+1 |
6.4:1 |
7.6 |
10/140, 12/120 |
|
OP10XTSR |
10+1 |
4.7:1 |
7.6 |
10/140, 12/120 |
|
Optimus X |
|
|
Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
Line Capacity |
|
OP10X |
8
+ 1 |
6.4:1 |
7.4 |
10/140, 12/120 |
The Optimus X is a scaled back
model and while it doesn't have all the features and refinement of the XLT and
XT it does share the same basic profile
The long
list of Optimus reel features also includes the industry’s first QuickFlip™
Button for flipping and pitching applications. Ergonomically designed and
strategically positioned for ease-of-use, this button will allow anglers to engage the gears
instantly without turning the handle for lightning-fast hooksets. The Optimus
XLT will retail for $199.99 and the difference between the Optimus XLT and XT
models are the finishes and gear ratios while the Optimus X also has a lower
bearing count.
Next Section: Pinnacle Performa
baitcast and spinning reels
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