Denali Novus Pro Casting Reel Product Review

Reel Review

Denali's Middle Child, the Novus Pro Casting Reel

Date:	11/27/23
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Denali
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 7.50 - GOOD

Introduction: We've been covering Denali Rods's product since our first introduction to the company at ICAST 2010. What caught our attention back then was their somewhat unique approach to installing a piece of hardwood on each of their rod builds right at the foregrip position. It gave the rods a very unique look and feel. Today, their rods continue to have a somewhat unique look, but the hardwood accents have been phased out. However, they are no longer just about fishing rods. At ICAST 2023, the company rolled out a complete line of fishing reels (2 spinning, 3 casting). Today, we take a look at the middle child in their casting reel lineup, the Novus Pro.

Denali Novus Pro Casting Reel Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	12/150
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	14.9 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	7.3	8.1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	13.5 - 30	15 - 33
Weight	7.8 oz
Spool Weight	21 g
Handle Length	95 mm
Bearings	9+1
Bearings per Knob	2 bearings
Levelwind Bearings	1 bushing
Rated Max Drag	~15.5lbs
Origin	Made in Korea
MSRP	$199.99

Introducing Denali's Novus Pro casting reel

Impressions: In the Denali casting reel hierarchy, Novus Pro is sandwiched right in between the standard Novus and the Novus Elite, so it's a good way to sample what these new reels are all about. The reel is currently only available in right hand retrieve, but there are plans to introduce left handed reels sometime on 2024. Upon first inspection, the Novus Pro is pretty standard fare, but taking a 360 degree view around the reel soon lands you at the reel's face, or front plate. Here, the bottom bar of the reel is flattened and stamped with the manufacturer's name. The flat shape of that front bar with its angular edges serve to give the reel a boxy and slightly more rugged look than your typical casting reel.

The Novus Pro is sandwiched right in between the standard Novus and the Novus Elite

For now, it is only available in right hand retrieve

In hand, or more importantly, mounted on a fishing rod, the reel feels pretty status quo with its aluminum frame and carbon sideplates. I measured it at seven point eight ounces (7.8oz) - right on the verge of what I'd consider heavy for a reel of this size, but not quite. The reel is equipped with a brass gear and long, 95mm handle, and the overall shape is comfortable to palm.

First things first... what's the weight?

Spooled with some Sunline Siglon AMZ Braid with leader and ready to go

Real World Tests: The Novus Pro also comes with a somewhat deeper spool than we're used to seeing these days. Not as deep as the old school reels of years past, but rated at one hundred fifty yards of twelve pound line, this reel has a lot of capacity. As such, I loaded mine with some filler material of left over nylon monofilament before installing a good supply of Sunline's new Siglon AMZ braided line in fifty pound (50lb) test. Staying with Sunline this time, I also installed a leader of ten pound (10lb) Sunline FC Leader securing the two lines together with an Alberto knot.

Brakes are a dual system centrifugal and magnets

Casting: Denali's Novus Pro is a capable reel in both casting and pitching presentations. The reel is equipped with a dual brake system of magnets and centrifugal brakes similar to what has been, and continues to be in some cases, available in competing products. In theory, the magnets have more affect on your cast at the beginning and end of your cast, while the centrifugal brakes have more influence in the middle. As I've noted in previous reviews with reels featuring similar braking systems, while they do work, I find it overkill.

A deeper than normal spool

Spool weight that suggests general application techniques

Otherwise, moving past that detail, I found the Novus Pro very well suited for baits weighing roughly three eighths of an ounce (3/8oz) and up. I say roughly because my general method of testing this is to tie on jigs (without a trailer) rated at various weights to see how the reel performs. This is another way of saying the Novus Pro will handle just about any general application bait and technique though I did like the casting performance a hair better than pitching. For ideal pitching performance with this reel, it's best to back off the magnetic brakes by adjusting the dial on the non-handle sideplate.

Nice, long 95mm handle

Retrieve: Perhaps my favorite characteristic of this reel is the retrieve. Click that handle over to begin and you'll find the Novus Pro is surprisingly smooth. It helps that there are two bearings under each knob on the handle, but even so, the gear mesh and feel is very good on this reel. The 95mm long handle is very generous and the knobs themselves are thin, making them super comfortable to grasp.

Taking a look inside

Brass main gear and pinion

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