The Reels We use for Testing at Sunset Outdoors

Bates - The Salty Hundo 100 (2024)

The Bates Salty Hundo 100 is the newest and lightest baitcast reel to be added to the Sunset Outdoors lineup, designed to deliver outstanding performance without compromising on durability. Engineered for precision and efficiency, this reel is perfect for inshore saltwater fishing, offering smooth casting and retrieval with its advanced drag system. The lightweight design reduces fatigue, making it easier to cast all day long, while its corrosion-resistant components ensure it can withstand the harshest marine environments. Whether you're targeting redfish or speckled trout, the Bates Salty Hundo 100 is sure to impress even the most seasoned anglers with its blend of innovation and reliability.

While the original Hundo is certainly saltwater rated and plenty capable in saline rich waters, the Salty Hundo is reengineered and built to endure the harshest marine environments, combining rugged durability with unmatched performance, ensuring you never miss a catch.

Whether you're chasing trophy fish or targeting delicate species, the Bates Salty Hundo delivers unparalleled performance and reliability. Elevate your saltwater game with the precision and craftsmanship of the Salty Hundo—because when it comes to fishing gear, nothing less than perfection will do.

Specifications:

• 100 sized frame

• 7.1:1 & 8.1:1 Gear Ratios

• CNC precision cut 6061-T6 bar stock aluminum one-piece-body

• 10+2+1 bearings

• 28” per crank line pickup (7.1:1) & 32” per crank line pickup (8.1:1)

• Adjustable dual brakes

• 88 mm aluminum crank arm

• Gunmetal grey and nautical blue anodized anti-corrosion finish

• Custom neoprene reel case

• 15 lb Drag

• Weight 5.8 oz

• Mono Line Capacity: 14 lbs / 100 yds, Braided Line Capacity: 30 lbs / 100 yds

Shimano Metanium MGL 150 HG B 7.1:1 (2024)

The Shimano Metanium MGL 150 HG B is engineered to deliver unmatched performance on the water. Its high gear ratio of 7.1:1 ensures rapid line retrieval, making it perfect for techniques that require quick reactions and high-speed retrieves. The Magnumlite Spool (MGL) enhances casting efficiency, allowing you to cover more water with fewer casts.

Constructed with Shimano’s HAGANE body, the Metanium MGL 150 HG B boasts exceptional durability and strength while maintaining a lightweight profile. The MicroModule Gearing and X-Ship Technology ensure smooth and powerful retrieves, even under heavy loads. The SVS Infinity Braking System offers precise control, giving you the confidence to cast accurately and consistently.

Whether you’re targeting bass in freshwater or redfish inshore, the Shimano Metanium MGL 150 HG B is designed to meet the demands of serious anglers. Experience the perfect blend of power, precision, and performance with this state-of-the-art baitcasting reel.

Key Features:

• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1 - Ideal for fast retrieves and handling various fishing techniques.

• MGL Spool: The Magnumlite Spool (MGL) significantly reduces inertia, providing effortless casts and improved control, even with lighter lures.

• HAGANE Body: Built with Shimano’s HAGANE body technology, this reel offers exceptional rigidity and impact resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance.

• MicroModule Gearing: Provides super smooth gear engagement and increased efficiency, delivering a fluid and precise feel with every turn of the handle.

• SVS Infinity Braking System: Offers a wide range of adjustability for precision casting control, allowing you to fine-tune the reel to match your fishing conditions and lure weight.

• X-Ship Technology: Enhances gear durability and improves the reel’s winding power, making it easier to retrieve heavy loads.

• SilentTune: Reduces spool vibration during casting, enhancing casting distance and accuracy.

Specifications:

• Model: Shimano Metanium MGL 150 HG B

• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1

• Retrieve Per Crank: 30 inches

• Max Drag: 11 lbs

• Weight: 6.0 oz

• Bearings: 10+1 (S A-RB + Roller Bearing)

• Line Capacity (lb/yds): 10/120, 12/110, 14/90

Shimano Tranx 150 HG 7.2

The Shimano Tranx 150 HG is engineered to redefine your fishing experience with unparalleled power and durability. Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater applications, this versatile baitcasting reel is designed to handle the toughest conditions and the most demanding anglers.

Key Features:

• Hagane Body: Constructed with Shimano’s Hagane Body technology, the Tranx 150 HG offers exceptional strength and durability while maintaining a lightweight feel, ensuring long-lasting performance.

• CoreProtect Technology: This innovative technology provides superior water resistance without adding extra weight, ensuring smooth operation even in harsh saltwater environments.

• X-Ship Technology: X-Ship provides improved gear durability and eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear, enhancing casting performance and delivering powerful, smooth retrieves.

• High Gear Ratio: With a gear ratio of 7.2:1, the Tranx 150 HG offers fast line retrieval, making it perfect for techniques that require quick lure presentations and rapid response times.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system offers a wide range of drag settings, delivering smooth and consistent drag performance to handle the strongest fish.

• Super Free Spool: This technology eliminates friction on the spool shaft during the cast, resulting in longer and more accurate casts.

• Compact and Ergonomic Design: The Tranx 150 HG’s ergonomic handle and compact design ensure comfort and reduce fatigue during long fishing sessions.

Specifications:

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 7.2:1

• Max Drag: 13 lbs

• Weight: 7.0 oz

• Line Capacity: 12/110 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 5+1

Shimano Vanford VF1000F 5.1:1

Elevate your finesse fishing game with the Shimano Vanford 1000 spinning reel. Designed with precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, the Vanford 1000 delivers unparalleled performance and reliability for discerning anglers.

Key Features:

• Hagane Gear: The Vanford 1000 features Shimano’s Hagane Gear technology, providing unmatched durability, smoothness, and strength for seamless retrieves and powerful hooksets.

• Long Stroke Spool: The Long Stroke Spool design maximizes casting distance and accuracy, allowing you to reach those hard-to-reach fishing spots with ease.

• SilentDrive: This feature eliminates unnecessary play and noise, resulting in a smoother and quieter reel operation, perfect for stealthy approaches and finesse presentations.

• X-Protect: The Vanford 1000 is equipped with X-Protect technology, providing superior water resistance without sacrificing reel performance, ensuring reliable operation in any conditions.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system offers smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control even the most powerful fish with precision.

• MicroModule Gear II: This feature ensures precise gear alignment for enhanced smoothness and durability, providing a silky-smooth retrieve even under heavy loads.

Specifications:

• Model: Vanford 1000

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1

• Max Drag: 7 lbs

• Weight: 5.3 oz

• Line Capacity: 4/100 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 7+1

Shimano Vanford C3000XG 6.4:1

Experience unmatched versatility and performance on the water with the Shimano Vanford 3000 spinning reel. Engineered with precision and packed with advanced features, the Vanford 3000 is designed to meet the demands of serious anglers in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Key Features:

• Hagane Gear: The Vanford 3000 features Shimano’s Hagane Gear technology, providing incredible durability, smoothness, and power for effortless retrieves and solid hooksets.

• Long Stroke Spool: The Long Stroke Spool design maximizes casting distance and accuracy, allowing you to reach distant targets with ease and precision.

• SilentDrive: This feature eliminates unnecessary play and noise, resulting in a smoother and quieter reel operation, perfect for stealthy approaches and finesse presentations.

• X-Protect: Equipped with Shimano’s X-Protect technology, the Vanford 3000 offers superior water resistance, ensuring reliable performance even in harsh saltwater conditions.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system provides smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control hard-fighting fish with confidence.

• MicroModule Gear II: This feature ensures precise gear alignment for enhanced smoothness and durability, delivering a silky-smooth retrieve under any conditions.

Specifications:

• Model: Vanford 3000

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.0:1

• Max Drag: 20 lbs

• Weight: 6.5 oz

• Line Capacity: 8/170 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 7+1

Shimano Stradic C3000XG FM

Prepare to elevate your fishing experience with the Shimano Stradic C3000XG FM spinning reel. Renowned for its precision engineering and cutting-edge technology, the Stradic C3000XG FM delivers unmatched performance and reliability for discerning anglers.

Key Features:

• Hagane Gear: The Stradic C3000XG FM features Shimano’s Hagane Gear technology, providing exceptional strength, smoothness, and durability for effortless retrieves and solid hooksets.

• G-Free Body: The G-Free Body design shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod, reducing fatigue and improving casting comfort, making it ideal for long fishing sessions.

• X-Protect: Equipped with Shimano’s X-Protect technology, the Stradic C3000XG FM offers superior water resistance, ensuring reliable performance in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system delivers smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control powerful fish with precision and confidence.

• MicroModule Gear II: This feature ensures precise gear alignment for enhanced smoothness and durability, providing a silky-smooth retrieve under any conditions.

• SilentDrive: The SilentDrive technology eliminates play and noise, resulting in a smoother and quieter reel operation, perfect for stealthy approaches and finesse presentations.

Specifications:

• Model: Stradic C3000XG FM

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.4:1

• Max Drag: 20 lbs

• Weight: 7.9 oz

• Line Capacity: 8/170 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 6+1

Shimano Stradic 1000HG FM

Experience unmatched finesse and precision with the Shimano Stradic 1000HG FM spinning reel. Crafted with precision engineering and packed with advanced features, the Stradic 1000HG FM is designed to meet the demands of discerning anglers in freshwater and light saltwater applications.

Key Features:

• Hagane Gear: The Stradic 1000HG FM features Shimano’s Hagane Gear technology, providing exceptional strength, smoothness, and durability for seamless retrieves and solid hooksets.

• G-Free Body: The G-Free Body design shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod, reducing fatigue and improving casting comfort for extended fishing sessions.

• X-Protect: Equipped with Shimano’s X-Protect technology, the Stradic 1000HG FM offers superior water resistance, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments and adverse weather conditions.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system delivers smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control light-tackle species with precision and confidence.

• MicroModule Gear II: This feature ensures precise gear alignment for enhanced smoothness and durability, providing a silky-smooth retrieve under any conditions.

• SilentDrive: The SilentDrive technology eliminates play and noise, resulting in a smoother and quieter reel operation, perfect for finesse presentations and stealthy approaches.

Specifications:

• Model: Stradic 1000HG FM

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.0:1

• Max Drag: 7 lbs

• Weight: 6.5 oz

• Line Capacity: 4/140 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 6+1

Shimano Sahara 2500FB

the Shimano Sahara 2500FB spinning reel, a versatile and reliable choice for anglers of all skill levels. Built with Shimano's renowned engineering and quality craftsmanship, the Sahara 2500FB delivers smooth performance and durability at an affordable price.

Key Features:

• Propulsion Line Management System: The Sahara 2500FB features Shimano's Propulsion Line Management System, which provides longer casting distances and prevents backlashes and wind knots.

• Varispeed Oscillation: The Varispeed Oscillation system ensures even line lay and consistent casting performance, perfect for both mono and braided lines.

• G-Free Body Design: The G-Free Body design shifts the reel's center of gravity closer to the rod, reducing fatigue and improving casting comfort during long fishing sessions.

• X-Ship Technology: This feature provides improved gear durability and enhances overall performance by supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, resulting in smoother and more powerful retrieves.

• Power Roller II: The Power Roller II reduces line twists and friction, allowing for smoother line flow during casts and retrieves.

• Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 9.2 ounces, the Sahara 2500FB is lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to use and easy to transport.

Specifications:

• Model: Sahara 2500FB

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 5.0:1

• Max Drag: 9 lbs

• Weight: 9.2 oz

• Line Capacity: 6/200 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 4+1

Shimano Symetre 2500FJ

Experience the perfect balance of performance and affordability with the Shimano Symetre 2500FJ spinning reel. Designed with precision engineering and packed with advanced features, the Symetre 2500FJ delivers smooth, reliable performance for anglers of all skill levels.

Key Features:

• Fluidrive II: The Fluidrive II system provides smooth and consistent drag performance, ensuring reliable control over hard-fighting fish.

• Propulsion Line Management System: Shimano's Propulsion Line Management System enhances casting distance and accuracy while reducing line twists and wind knots.

• Varispeed Oscillation: The Varispeed Oscillation system ensures even line lay and consistent casting performance, perfect for both mono and braided lines.

• G-Free Body Design: The G-Free Body design shifts the reel's center of gravity closer to the rod, reducing fatigue and improving casting comfort during long fishing sessions.

• X-Ship Technology: This feature provides improved gear durability and enhances overall performance by supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, resulting in smoother and more powerful retrieves.

• Super Stopper II: The Super Stopper II anti-reverse roller bearing eliminates back play for instant hook sets, providing maximum control over your catch.

Specifications:

• Model: Symetre 2500FJ

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.0:1

• Max Drag: 7 lbs

• Weight: 8.8 oz

• Line Capacity: 6/200 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 4+1

Abu Garcia Revo Premier (2012ish Model)

the Abu Garcia Revo Premier, a pinnacle of performance and precision in baitcasting reels. Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Revo Premier is the choice of serious anglers seeking uncompromising quality and reliability.

Key Features:

• X2-Craftic Alloy Frame: The Revo Premier features a lightweight yet durable X2-Craftic alloy frame, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance in any environment.

• Carbon Matrix Drag System: The Carbon Matrix drag system delivers smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control the toughest fish with confidence and precision.

• Infini II Spool Design: The Infini II spool design ensures precise casting control and maximum casting distance, perfect for targeting distant or precise targets.

• 9 High-Performance Corrosion-Resistant Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing: The Revo Premier is equipped with 9 high-performance bearings and 1 roller bearing for ultra-smooth operation and increased corrosion resistance.

• D2 Gear Design: The D2 Gear Design provides enhanced gear durability and efficiency, ensuring smooth and reliable retrieves even under heavy loads.

• Dual Brake System (Infini and Magnetic Brake): The dual brake system combines an Infini brake for precise spool control with a magnetic brake for additional casting control, allowing you to fine-tune your casting performance for any fishing situation.

Specifications:

• Model: Revo Premier

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1

• Max Drag: 20 lbs

• Weight: 6.9 oz

• Line Capacity: 12/145 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 9 +1

Abu Garcia Revo SX (2015ish Model)

Experience the perfect blend of performance and affordability with the Abu Garcia Revo SX baitcasting reel. Designed with precision engineering and packed with advanced features, the Revo SX delivers smooth, reliable performance for anglers of all skill levels.

Key Features:

• X2-Craftic Alloy Frame: The Revo SX features a lightweight and durable X2-Craftic alloy frame, providing exceptional strength and corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance.

• Carbon Matrix Drag System: The Carbon Matrix drag system delivers smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control hard-fighting fish with precision and confidence.

• Infini II Spool Design: The Infini II spool design ensures precise casting control and maximum casting distance, perfect for targeting distant or precise targets.

• 10 High-Performance Corrosion-Resistant Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing: The Revo SX is equipped with 10 high-performance bearings and 1 roller bearing for ultra-smooth operation and increased corrosion resistance.

• D2 Gear Design: The D2 Gear Design provides enhanced gear durability and efficiency, ensuring smooth and reliable retrieves even under heavy loads.

• MagTrax Brake System: The MagTrax brake system provides consistent brake pressure throughout the cast, allowing for precise casting control and eliminating backlash.

Specifications:

• Model: Revo SX

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.4:1

• Max Drag: 20 lbs

• Weight: 7.9 oz

• Line Capacity: 12/145 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 10+1

Shimano Curado CU-200 (1990's)

The original Shimano Curado CU-200: The reel that forever changed fishing as we know it today! The Shimano Curado CU-200 is the epitome of performance and reliability in baitcasting reels. Renowned for its durability, smoothness, and precision engineering, the Curado CU-200 is the choice of serious anglers worldwide.

Key Features:

• Hagane Body: The Curado CU-200 features a rigid Hagane body construction, providing exceptional strength and rigidity while minimizing weight for all-day comfort and control.

• X-Ship Technology: This feature enhances gear durability and ensures smooth and powerful retrieves, even under heavy loads, by supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings.

• SVS Infinity Brake System: The SVS Infinity Brake System offers precise casting control with a wide range of lures and fishing conditions, allowing for easy adjustments to match your casting style.

• Super Free Spool: The Super Free Spool design eliminates friction on the spool shaft during the cast, resulting in longer and more accurate casts.

• Cross Carbon Drag: The advanced Cross Carbon Drag system provides smooth and consistent drag performance, allowing you to control even the strongest fish with confidence.

• S3D Spool Design: The S3D Spool Design reduces vibration and improves casting performance by balancing and centering the spool during rotation.

• Compact and Ergonomic Design: The Curado CU-200's compact profile and ergonomic handle provide comfort for all-day fishing and reduce fatigue.

Specifications:

• Model: Curado CU-200

• Retrieve: Right/Left Hand

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1

• Max Drag: 11 lbs

• Weight: 7.4 oz

• Line Capacity: 10/155 (lb/yds)

• Bearings: 5