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Event Article:
2008 ICAST Coverage |
US Reel puts a new spin on baitcasting with the
no eyelet SuperCaster
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Date: |
7/18/08 |
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Location: |
Las Vegas,
NV |
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Manufacturer: |
U.S. Reels |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction:
US Reel may be best known for their characteristic large diameter spool spinning
reels which increase casting distance and reduce line twist, but this ICAST what
really caught our attention was the introduction of the company's first
baitcaster, the SC1000 which is engineered just as inimitable as the company's
spinning reels.
US Reel introduces their first
baitcaster, the SC1000 and SC1000 Pro
Like the company's spinning reels the new SC1000
(SuperCaster) was designed to address a problem with existing reel design, and
in this case that is the traditional levelwind guide design which becomes an
obstacle to the cast by adding friction from the sides of the eyelet.
A look at the top of the SC1000
Pro. From the top is looks like a normal reel...
In addition traditional eyelets are the cause of
many backlashes when the line to the eyelet is at a sharp angle. This angle
causes the spool to pause as the line catches on other line and then has to
accelerate to catch up. This acceleration can start a backlash if the angler is
not aggressively thumbing the spool.
... but look closely and you will
notice it has no traditional levelwind or eyelet
So what has US Reel done to address the issue?
They have created a reel that has no eyelet at all, allowing the line to leave
the reel straight and virtually friction free regardless of line position.
The SuperCaster lays line back
down on the spool evenly with the innovative ABLe levelwind which is coated with
Titanium
So how does a baitcaster with no eyelet lay down
line evenly on the spool? US Reel has created the "Angled Bar Levelwind" which
is a rotating angled bar that creates a see-saw effect to guide the line side to
side instead of an eyelet. While the rolling motion of the bar levels the line
it does not restrict the line like a traditional eyelet during casting.
The SC1000 is compact due to a
main gear with teeth on the inside
After testing the concept US Reel discovered that
by adjusting the levelwind height the bar was also regulating cast control. This
adjustable bar allows for maximum casting distance when the bar is adjusted at
the lowest setting, but anglers will have to thumb the spool more aggressively
than when the bar is set higher.
Press and turn to adjust the
height of the levelwind, this also acts as a unique cast control system as the
line angle changes
Another interesting aspect of the SC1000's design
is that the reel features a "reverse rotation" spool and the line comes out from
under the spool and up to the bar. This design creates an angle which makes the
adjustable levelwind function, and also reduces backlashes.
A look at the standard SC1000
The SC1000 manages to be compact and comfortable
to palm due to the advanced gear system. Most baitcasters of this size require a
larger downward protruding form factor to house the gearing, but the SuperCaster
is able to achieve a high speed retrieve with a much more compact assembly that
features a unique main gear with the teeth on the inside.
Both reels feature a forged
aluminum spool
The company will introduce two SC1000 reel models
the standard and the Pro. The red reel is the pro version and the main
difference is added refinement with the addition of two bearings, and the
standard has a retrieve ration of 6.6:1 while the Pro is a burner with a 7:1
ratio.
The SuperCaster is able to be
palmed comfortably
Both reels feature a forged aluminum spool and
stainless steel spool shaft. The SC1000 weighs in at 8.3oz and the SC1000 Pro
weighs .2oz more. In terms of pricing the SC1000 will retail for 199.99 while
the Pro version will cost 50 dollars more. US Reel expects the reels to become
available in retail in November this year.
John McClain from US Reels shows
us the new SC1000 Pro, which was without a doubt the most innovative new
baitcaster at the show
US Reel tackles real world performance issues on
existing reels with exclusive mechanical designs and the SC1000 was without a
doubt the most
innovative baitcast reel we saw at the show. The SuperCaster is certainly not a
"me-too" reel, but rather something completely different than what anglers have
ever seen or fished.
