Fin-Nor introduces a value yet high-performing spinning reel... the Sportfisher

 
Sportfisher Spinning: Fin-Nor pulled out all the stops with their Sportfisher series of spinning reels which are very competitively priced between $79.95 to $109.95. The Sportfisher is a reel constructed of an aluminum frame, side cover, and rotor. It is designed with an oversized, sealed Magnum drag for those harsh saltwater environments.

You won't find many graphite components as the frame, sidecover, and rotor are made of aluminum

Four double shielded stainless steel bearings are used for smoothness and durability along with a stainless steel main-shaft. The Fin-Nor spinning reel also has their patented Asymmetric Level Wind system. The reels come in sizes of 50, 60, 70, and 80 with a gear ratio of 4.9:1 and will be available at retailers later this Fall. (Combos are also available)

While competitor uses multi-piece frames, the Fin-Nor Sportfisher conventional reel uses a 1-piece frame design

   
Sportfisher Conventional: Next up is the Sportfisher Conventional star drag reel. This reel is designed to go head to head with Penn's 113 and 114 conventional reels that are amazingly popular among anglers and aboard party boats because they are so robust, feature proven performance, and are relatively low cost.

A great value for only $139.95

The Fin-Nor Sportfisher Conventional is designed with specifications that target their Penn counterparts. With this new reel, Fin-Nor has moved away from their traditional look and feel and given the Sportfisher Conventional a modern design. The reel is made from a strong die-cast aluminum frame with graphite side covers. A solid one-piece stainless steel harness plate is used. To prevent any accidental issues the Sportfisher uses a double pawl and ratchet system for greater security of the anti-reverse. An oversized brass main gear is incorporated into the reel along with a stainless steel pinion. The new Fin-Nor Sportfisher conventional reel comes in size 30 retailing for $119.95 and size 50 for $139.95. Both reels will be available in late Fall.

Here's a table comparing to the popular Penn Senator:

The Fin-Nor Marquesa is designed to compete with the Shimano Torsa series

Marquesa Conventional: Fin-Nor used to be the leader in big game reels but the company has gone through a lot in the last decade and have taken a step back in industry leadership. The company intends to change all that and stands poised to take on the competition with the Fin-Nor Marquesa which targets the Shimano Torsa. The Marquesa is made from a one-piece forged and machined aluminum frame, gear side cover and spool. Six ball bearings and a roller clutch bearing give the reel it's smoothness under load. The drag system consists of a stack of carbon fiber washers providing strong and smooth operation when the fish are making a dash away from the boat. The Marquesa is available in 4 sizes and 6 different models, 4 topless and 2 with top bar and adjustable spool tension clicker. Gear ratio of all size models is a single fast 6.1:1 speed. The Fin-Nor Marquesa will be available late Fall 2009 and will retail for $259.95 to $319.95.

The Marquesa is a stunning conventional reel with open top or cross bar versions
 

Here's a table comparing to the Shimano Torsa:

Bob Bagby shows us the new and exciting premium reels

 
Conclusion: Value products are hitting the market left and right but with Fin-Nor's affordable reels Fin-Nor isn't asking big game anglers to settle. I fact, that is the last thing Fin-Nor wants to do, bring down it's legendary name. Fin-Nor knew that if they couldn't make a great product at a lower cost, they wouldn't even try and introduce it. The team has produced a product they are now excited to introduce in the Sportfisher reels, and is setting their sights directly against the other big saltwater brands. Then there's the Marquesa which is built to go head on with the Shimano Torsa, judging from what we have seen so far get ready for a brawl, Fin-Nor is on the way back!