Real World Tests: My original intention was to pair the GS7 2500H with one of ARK's Gravity Bass Finesse Series spinning rods, but something before that first trip out with the reel hit me and I decided to change things up. Instead of going with my default, finesse approach with spinning gear, I decided to lean into a more all purpose approach. So instead, I reached for my RFC71MHXS from ARK's elusive Reinforcer line. I say elusive because because it now seems both the casting and spinning rods from this lineup are only available direct from ARK Fishing International.

Retrieve/Start Up Inertia: ARK's GS7 2500H operates smoothly when turning the handle with zero wobble even when spinning and non-fishable speeds. As for startup inertia, it's kind of what you'd expect from a reel at this price point. That is to say, as long as you're not comparing it to upper tier Shimano and Daiwa spinning reels, the GS7 2500H is fine. The handle turns with minimal effort.

Drag consists of a carbon matrix washer 

Drag: The rated drag for ARK's GS7 2500H is eleven pounds (11lbs) provided by a single, carbon matrix disc, so I'd say the reel is tailored more for general application use than finesse although performance was smooth and consistent during my time fishing the reel.

The slender knob is made from TPE

Power: I fished the GS7 2500H through a variety of vertical bait techniques including smaller jigs, drop shot, wacky rigs, and shakey head. None of these techniques required much power in the presentation. On the other hand, I felt I had sufficient leverage when battling my eventual catches, albeit, as much as my finesse braid and modest leaders would allow. The reel's fifty seven millimeter (57mm) handle length felt just right and not once did the reel lock up from insufficient power.

Handle measures 57mm - that's 114 mm in baitcaster language

Bail Operation: When making, and completing a cast, I'm at the point now where I just automatically close the bail by hand. I have to really concentrate to close the bail by turning the handle of the reel. It's just better line management etiquette. Having said that, for the most part, the GS7 2500H's bail snaps back over fine when spinning the handle, but there are occasions, if caught in the wrong position, where more than average effort is required.

Bearing under the line roller

Line Management: An interesting little feature on this reel is a fin installed beneath the spool at the top lip of the rotor to guard against line intrusion during underspin situations. While I didn't experience any underspin situations during my time fishing the GS7 2500H, it's difficult to say whether that's because of the fin or the fact my line was never loose enough for that situation to occur.

Two bearings per knob 

Still, to test, I intentionally let some line loose below the spool and was able to get it past the guard and around the drive shaft, so I'd say it's kind of inconclusive as to whether or not the guard really helps. With spinning reels, I'm afraid nothing really tops paying attention to the tension in your line before closing the bail and beginning your retrieve.

I had zero issues managing my line 

The GS7 2500H has a mid-depth spool 

Design & Ergonomics: I alluded to it earlier, but the GS7 2500H's handle is a comfortable length - 57cm. That's 114cm in baitcasting. The reel's knob is TPE and features a very slip profile. It is super comfortable to grasp. When not in use, you can unwind the handle and it will fold over for easy storage About the only thing really missing is a lever to allow you to reverse wind the reel, but really, no many spinning reels carry that feature anymore. Overall, I had zero issues ergonomically.

CA Delta fish 

Price & Applications: If your spinning line strategy includes thin diameter nylon mono or fluorocarbon, or even better, braid to leader, the GS7 2500H supports a wide variety of techniques. Priced at just $179.99 it is definitely realm of a workhorse spinning reel.

Fun and reliable, like fishing with an old fishing buddy 

Conclusion: The spinning reel market is tough. Until you're ready to step into the enthusiast tier, there's really not much that distinguishes one reel from the next. The differences are all very subtle and usually don't reveal themselves until you are actually using the reel out on the water. The only factors that can be evaluated in a store setting are weight and whether the reel has any unbalanced wobble to it when you spin the handle. ARK Fishing International's GS7 2500H holds steady - literally - in that evaluation and out on the water, that steady, reliable character continues. I liken it to fishing with an old fishing buddy. You don't have to explain anything nor do you need to go out of your way to ensure a fun day out on the water. Put that all together with a very refined appearance and ARK Fishing International's GS7 spinning reel is a solid choice.

Looking for a ARK Fishing Gravity GS7 Spinning Reel?

Try TackleWarehouse