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Leaner, Meaner, and a whole lot Greener. Meet the 13
Fishing Inception Sport Z Baitcaster
(continued)
  Ergonomics:
Even though the Inception SZ packs in additional features and performance over
the standard reel it manages to weigh in lighter, thanks to use of CZBs. The
standard Inception weighs in at 6.85-6.9oz., depending on retrieve, while the SZ
reels weigh in at 6.7oz., a very reasonable weight for an aluminum framed reel.
The reel is compact enough to be
palmed quite easily
The Inception continues to
exhibit the same basic form factor as other 13 Fishing mainstream reels, and
while the reel is small enough to palm the rear section of the reel is
aggressively angled and some anglers feel that the rear section can be
uncomfortable when palming. The way that I palm the Inception SZ this
characteristic doesn’t personally cause me discomfort, and like most ergonomics
how the reel feels in hand will depend on the individual user.
Changing brake settings requires
flipping open the non-handle side sideplate
The Inception SZ does feel
light and solid in hand and like other current 13 Fishing reels the SZ comes
with the convenient swing down “Beetle Wing” non-handle sideplate to quickly
access the cast control system. Most anglers will simply set and forget their
brake settings, but changes in the field do take a little longer than other
reels which feature external cast controls.
The Inception SZ brings bold
features and styling
One nice addition to the SZ
reel is the integrated hook keeper that is seamlessly integrated into the front
of the reel. As reels become more expensive anglers are less likely to hook
their baits directly on their reels in an effort to avoid scratches, but at this
mainstream pricepoint it is more likely that anglers will even consider taking
advantage of this feature. The “Keep-R” system is easy to use, and helps anglers
stow and deploy lures quickly, regardless of what rod they choose to pair the
reel with.
Plenty of fun factor with this
bright colored combo
Price &
Applications: The 13 Fishing Inception SZ is not just
for bass anglers and the implementation of the “Ocean Armor 2” finish on the
reel, and use of polymers in the construction of the CZBs also help make these
critical components corrosion proof, all of which make the SZ a very viable
option for inshore and near-shore applications.
Retailing for $150 the Inception SZ is just a 30 dollar premium over the
standard Inception, and while there are a lot of characteristics in the reel
that come from the company’s value oriented Origin Series, the SZ also adds some
of the elements of the company’s higher end Concept Z Series to deliver a unique
hybrid “best of both worlds” platform.
The Inception SZ is also fully
Trick Shop compatible so you can change out spools, knobs, and handles to match
your personal styling preferences
Don’t think that this reel
has enough bling (not sure how that is possible), or want to further customize
it to match your rods? 13 Fishing once again provides anglers with some
additional options by making the reel fully “Trick Shop” compatible so you can
really tailor the reel to your personal preferences.
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):
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13 Fishing Inception Sport Z Baitcaster
Ratings
(?/10) |
|
Construction/Quality |
The Inception SZ leverages parts and
features from the rest of the 13 Fishing baitcaster lineup and uses
proven quality materials and technologies throughout |
8 |
|
Performance |
The Inception SZ makes use of a hybrid
bearing design to deliver the performance and characteristics of both a
traditional and CZB based reel. The casting on this reel is very good,
retrieves are smooth, and the drag is powerful |
8.5 |
|
Price |
An excellent price for a reel that breaks
from convention and offers anglers something that really feels
different. Accessing some of 13 Fishing's more advanced features has
never been so affordable |
9 |
|
Features |
Plenty of features at a reel in this price
range including CZB bearings on the spool, arrowhead line guide,
corrosion resistant frame and bearings, and a hard anodized gen 2 worm
gear for added durability |
8.5 |
|
Design (Ergonomics) |
The Inception SZ has a compact profile the
EVA knobs are a nice touch. The inclusion of the Beetle Wing rapid
access sideplate is welcome and the only gripe is the cast control on
these reels are still not accessible via an external knob. The reel's
shape may be a tad aggressive at the rear for some but it is lighter
than the standard Inception |
8.5 |
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Application |
While most anglers will employ the
Inception SZ as a bass reel it is rated for inshore and saltwater use
and the gearing and drag are capable of dealing with larger species. The
added corrosion resistance of key components help make this a good
crossover reel |
9.0 |
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Total Score |
8.58 |
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:
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Plus Minus |
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+ The Inception
SZ brings some of the best features from other 13 Fishing baitcasters,
all in one affordable package |
- Did make more sound over time and CZBs
did require some oil for optimal performance over time |
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+ Strong caster, CZB bearings are
implemented on the spool and also create a unique feel |
- Only one gear ratio option (7.3:1) |
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+ Strong and reliable drag |
- Bright green color is polarizing |
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+ Increased durability with Ocean Armor 2
saltwater protection process, CZBs, and hard anodized Gen 2. worm gear |
|
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+ Aggressive price. A lot of reel for only
$150 dollars |
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Conclusion: Within the 13 Fishing
lineup the Inception SZ is somewhat of a sweet spot, offering anglers the very
most feature-wise, while still remaining quite affordable. I found this reel to
be much more refined than the lower priced Origin reels, and in some ways it
even felt, and performed, similarly to the more expensive Concept Z and BOSS
reels, like when it came to casting feel.
The Inception SZ is a
well-balanced reel offering anglers a compelling price of entry to experience
CZB design and technology, without having to make the plunge of going completely
traditional bearing-less, or having to spend nearly $300 dollars in the process.
The Inception SZ is a great hybrid
baitcaster that offers many of the features and enhanced performance of the
company's higher-end reels in a compact and reasonably priced bright green
package
I feel like the bright green finish was a very
interesting choice by the company, and also a very polarizing one. Of all the
reels that I have tested over the last few seasons the Inception SZ is the one
that drew the most comments from nearby anglers. Responses ranged from “that is
the coolest looking reel ever,” to “that thing is gross,” and one angler even
asked if wearing sunglasses was mandatory when fishing the bright Inception SZ
and Fate rod combo. Love it or hate it I think the color choice was genius. 13
Fishing continues to gain ground in this industry, and they are doing it by
being bold, and by not holding punches the company clearly would rather make a
reel that screams for attention, rather than one that simply blends into the sea
of same-ness. Whether it is the radioactive green finish, or the hybrid bearing
design, the Inception SZ represents a great value for anglers that are not
afraid to stand out in the crowd.
Looking for the 13
Fishing Inception
Sport Z?
Try
Tackle Warehouse
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