Design & Ergonomics: Of course, it's not all a bed or roses with this reel. There was one little nitpicking point of annoyance for me. Bates Fishing advertises the bearing count on the OG 100 as 10+2+1. Most are aware the "+1" in bearing count specifications refers to the anti-reverse roller bearing nestled within the handle-sideplate to keep the main shaft (and therefore the handle) from spinning backwards. However, that "+2" in the middle of the specification is uncommon. When something like that is presented, there's usually an explanation, but I couldn't find one for the OG 100. Digging a little deeper, I found in Bates's other reels there's a reference to "10 HAC & 2 NMB" bearings. I figured the OG 100 must be the same.

There's a bearing nestled in the frame to help support one side of the pinion gear

Thing is, there's no further explanation of what these acronyms represent or where the two NMBs are located. Given there are only two, my natural assumption is the NMBs are for the spool, but I wanted to be certain. A look at the reel's schematics doesn't help either because 1) there are no schematics in the box and 2) online schematics do not yet include the OG 100. Looking at the schematics for the Hundo as a point of reference, I found bearing locations are not that specific either. In fact the bearing on the actual spool isn't even called out.

And another within the sideplate, under the spool tension knob to support the other side of the pinion

At this point, I did what any responsible outdoor writer would do and sent an email to Bates Fishing, introducing myself and asking them for clarification. I'm happy to report, Bates Fishing was kind enough to respond and confirmed my assumption that the NMB bearings are the two located on either side of the spool - one on the spool shaft, and the other in the non-handle sideplate. These are manufactured by NMB Technologies and are considered among the highest quality stainless steel bearings in the industry. They are designed and built to handle the type of abuse spool bearings often endure.

The levelwind is supported by two bearings..

The remaining 10 HAC bearings are also high quality stainless steel, but from a different source and similar to what's found in other higher end reels. They're tough and smooth, but not necessarily as smooth and perfect as the bearings supporting the spool.

I based that information off of the schematics of other Bates reels because I couldn't get at this c-clip to disassemble the worm drive to investigate bearing placements

Moving on, I already pointed out the OG 100's very comfortable palming profile. Also very comfortable is the reel's flat, normal sized knobs and eighty eight millimeter (88 mm) handle. There's a trend these days for really long handles and oversized knobs. While I do sometimes appreciate larger knobs (like those implemented by Abu Garcia on some of their Revo5 reels), I feel like the trend, in general, is getting out of hand, so I appreciate Bates Fishing's handling of this component on the OG 100. The knobs, in particular, are very comfortable in both shape and grip.

The gear main shaft is ported to save a little weight

The knobs are sized right, comfortable, and bearing supported

Price & Applications: Retailing for $375 Bates Fishing's OG 100 is the only mid to high end, 100 sized round reel available in both left and right hand retrieve I could find on TackleWarehouse. That's right. You can get Shimano's Conquest and Conquest DCs, but not officially in North America. Though at one point the Conquest 200 was available. Daiwa hasn't updated or offered the Millionaire here, or globally for that matter, since the CT SV70 back in 2020. Abu Garcia seems to have discontinued their Morrum and their limited edition Ambassadeur is only offered in right hand retrieve (it's also not a 100 sized reel).

Conclusion: It's not often I fish a reel that's not from what I consider to be the big three (Shimano, Abu Garcia, & Daiwa) and immediately turn around to order another. In fact, this might be the first. Right out of the box, I was impressed by the OG 100's weight, profile, and knobs. To discover the braking system was more dynamic than expected and the reel can present BFS-adjacent lure weights when matched with the right line and rod, was a more than pleasant surprise.

The joy I receive fishing the OG 100 reel approaches that of my beloved Conquest 51

It's a very nice, magnetically controlled braking system to counter the centrifugal and electronic systems of my Shimanos. A counter that's been long overdue in absence of updates by Daiwa to their Millionaire and Ryoga/Pluton platforms.

There are times fishing the OG 100, where I felt like I was using a low profile due to its easy palming and light weight. When a round reel can deliver that feeling, you know the manufacturer did something right

The joy I get fishing the Bates OG 100 reel comes close to that of my beloved Conquest 51. It's not quite the same - Conquest reels are more artistically crafted overall - but what the OG 100 lacks in artistry, it makes up for in ergonomics. There are times when, thanks to its easy palming profile and light weight, I almost forget I’m fishing a round reel and feel like I’m casting a low profile baitcaster instead. When a round reel can pull off that illusion, you know the manufacturer got it right. Bates may have branded this reel the "OG," short for Original Gangster, but after fishing it, I think it earns the title in spirit too. Now the wait begins to see if they’ll scale things up to a 150 or 200 size for bigger baits, but for now, I’ll be happily fishing my two precious little OG 100s.

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