Ardent Introduces a Technique Specific Flip-N-Pitch Reel and a Quick and Easy Culling System
 

Introduction: Ardent reels, known for their U.S. made reels gets innovative this season with the introduction of the unique F500 Flip-N-Pitch casting reel. This reel resembles a formula race car and is built with a singular technique specific purpose. In addition to the F500 the company also branches out into accessories with the clever "SmartCull" Culling System.

Introducing the new Ardent F500 Flip-N-Pitch casting reel

F500 Flip-N-Pitch: The Ardent F500 Flip-N-Pitch resembles a Formula race car's front end with a distinctive pointed nose and a stylishly ported front end. This inventive reel is designed specifically for the technique of flipping and pitching and . The reel has unique features tuned for this specific application.

You won't find a drag star on this reel as the internal drag is permanently set at 22 pounds of pressure

Starting at the front end of the reel, instead of a levelwind guide, the reel has a fixed ceramic line eye where the line emerges. The spool is also customized with a very narrow spool design that is designed to reduce line friction and allow the angler to flip or pitch effortlessly. The spool is so narrow that it makes sense not to have a levelwind that can cause more line friction. This design also makes it possible to just use the line you need, allowing you to change out your high end superlines as needed without waste.

A unique eyelet for effective flipping and pitching. No levelwind is needed

Another interesting design component is the lack of any drag-star on the Ardent F500. When anglers pitch or flip they usually button down the drag for solid hooksets. Ardent has factory preset the drag on the reel to a hefty 22 pounds via their Perma-lock Drag System.

Another innovative feature in this technique specific reel is the extremely narrow spool

The F500 Flip-N-Pitch is constant with Ardent's mission to create a US made reel that is built solid and reliable. The F500 has a frame and side plates that are constructed out of aluminum-alloy. A solid piece of stainless steel is used to fabricate the handle and housed within the reel are five stainless steel bearings and one roller bearing. Like the company's other baitcast reels the F500 makes use of a 6-pin centrifugal brake system. The Ardent F500 Flip-N-Pitch comes with a 3-year warranty and will retail for only $149.99 when it is released in August 2008.

Introducing the SmartCull Professional Culling System

SmartCull Professional Culling System: We were surprised to see that Ardent was branching out into accessory products and the new SmartCull Professional Culling System caught our attention. This professional grade product looks like one of the easiest and quickest culling systems to use during pre-fishing or tournaments.

A 9 inch stainless steel cable and clip is attached to the buoyant ball

The two stage system allows any angler to cull fish by color and weight. There are six buoyant, impact resistant balls in a set that don't require the need to use any accompanying markers or charts. Why six you might ask. Well, if you're culling that means you already have five fish in the livewell. the sixth ball allows you to set the weight of the sixth fish, toss it into the livewell while you find the ball with the fish that weighs the least to cull.

Dials on the ball are used to set the weight of the fish. 15 pounds and 15 ounces is the maximum setting

The SmartCull balls have two dials on each ball that are numbered from 0 to 15, thus you can record up to 15 pounds and 15 ounces. Setting the weights is both very simple and quick which is a good thing since seconds are all you can afford during a tournament. Simply push one half of the ball in and then turn to select the proper number for the weight of the fish and when released it will lock into place. Attached to the ball is a durable stainless steel clip and a nine inch stainless steel cable with a protective rubber coating. The new Ardent SmartCull system is exactly what the moniker implies, a intelligent way to make culling easy.  As an added bonus the system benefits fish as well as it reduces overall stress on the fish due to the promptness of the system. A set of six SmartCull markers will retail for $39.99 and will be available August 2008.

Jake Tippee of Ardent designed the clever SmartCull

Conclusion: Most reels are...well, multipurpose reels. Capable of tossing anything from a spinnerbait to a plastic worm. But that's soon to change with the introduction of a true technique specific reel. Ardent's new F500 Flip-N-Pitch casting reel is exceptionally designed for flipping and pitching in close quarters. The reel has an inventive operational front end and ingenious spool design, and with preset drag at 22lbs this reel is ready to deal. Another exciting new product that deserves much attention is the company's new SmartCull. This system is easy and quick to use and eliminates the use of markers, charts, or digital devices, and at the same time reduces stress on the fish. This is sure to be an exciting year for Ardent as they move forward with new and exciting products, all developed right here in the US.