Ratings:
(We've
re-calibrated our
ratings standard for
2008 and have
included a key at
the bottom of the
following matrix as
a guide):
Ardent
Edge
Tour
Casting Reel
Ratings
(?/10)
|
Construction/Quality |
Ardent
has come
a long
way and
the
aluminum
based
Edge
Tour
delivers
when it
comes
quality
use of
materials.
this is
a solid
reel
that is
built
like a
tank |
8 |
Performance |
The reel
is a
very
good
caster
and
excels
at long
distance
but is a
little
more
finicky
to dial
in than
some
competing
reels.
There is
a slight
amount
of
backplay
in the
handle
shaft
but
overall
performance
is very
good |
7.5 |
Price |
A little
more
expensive
than
some of
the
competition
but
anglers
that put
a
premium
on "Made
in
America"
will
appreciate
the fact
that
this
reel is
homegrown |
7 |
Features |
When it
comes to
features
even
though
the Edge
Tour is
missing
a drag
clicker
it gets
a
"excellent"
score
with
innovative
additions
like DTT
and the
line
test
indicator |
9 |
Design
(Ergonomics) |
Ergonomically
speaking
the Edge
is not a
super
lightweight
but it
is
respectable
and the
reel's
profile
makes it
easy to
palm and
fish for
extended
periods |
8 |
Application |
The
Edge
Tour is
good for
both
freshwater
and
inshore
applications
but it
is good
to know
that the
company
also
offers
an
inshore
specific
model
for
those
anglers
that
focus on
inshore
species.
Overall
this
reel is
able to
run the
gamut of
bass
applications
and our
high
speed
test
reel was
great
for
working
plastics
when
power
fishing
and
ripping
reaction
lures. |
8 |
Total
Score
|
7.91 |
Ratings
Key:
1 =
terrible
: 2 =
poor : 3
=
lacking
: 4 =
sub par
: 5 =
mediocre
: 6 =
fair : 7
= good :
8 =
great :
9 =
excellent
: 10 =
unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:+
Plus
Minus
|
+
Innovative
features
like DTT |
-
Absence
of
clicking
drag
star |
+
Powerful
gearing
and
smooth retrieve |
-
A "good"
price
but a
little
more
expensive
than
competing
reels |
+
Real
carbon
elements
are
light
and
durable |
|
+
3 Year
Warranty
is
better
than
industry
average |
|
Conclusion:
Ardent has demonstrated time and time again that they can build both reels and
accessories that have innovative features. The Edge Tour makes use of high
quality components and the DTT technology and line test indicator are welcome
additions that add value and create a more differentiated package. This is
certainly not just another “me-too” reel, and anglers will find the Edge Tour
really does deliver when it comes to casting, retrieves and doling out reliable
and consistent drag pressure.
The Ardent Edge Tour
makes use of quality
materials and packs
in innovative
features like DTT
(Drag Tracking
Technology), a
carbon fiber drag
star, and a line
test marker
While there are many hits with the Edge Tour there are also a few misses. The
overall weight of the reel still leaves some room for improvement where many
competing offerings are finding ways to shave an ounce here and there, and the
lack of an audible drag clicker on a reel of this price point is a downer. The
overall construction and design of the Edge Tour is very good and save for these
few refinement gripes the reel offers a compelling package for anglers that are
looking for a solid workhorse reel capable of both freshwater and inshore use.
The
Edge Tour is a quality reel with plenty of features, if it just had that drag
clicker it would be truly great, but in the current form this reel is worthy of
consideration and simply the best Ardent reel we have fished to date
Ardent has come a long way not only with the Tour model but with the entire Edge
Series. These are the best low profile baitcasters from the company yet and with
so many choices to select from there is an Edge for every application and price
point. The Edge Tour model in particular is a good choice for anglers that want
a reel that delivers plenty of features at a reasonable price point. With the
complete Edge lineup Ardent has introduced a “sharp” series that is certainly
worthy of consideration if you are in the market for a reel that stands from the
apart from the field in design, feature-set and even origin.
Looking for the
Ardent Edge Tour Reel?
Try
Tackle Warehouse.