Details

Published: 19 November 2024

Berkley Report

Berkley Forward Braid

Berkley has introduced its FORWARD Braid, a purpose-built line for use with forward-facing sonar.

FORWARD Braid’s proprietary technology provides the angler with a new tool that overcomes common pain points experienced when using forward-facing sonar – casting distance, sensitivity and sink rate. With Berkley FORWARD Braid anglers now have complete control of how they present their bait to fish.
 
FORWARD Braid’s unique longitudinal construction differs from standard braided line in that it is smooth and round in shape allowing for zero resistance when traveling through the guides of a rod, thus providing the angler with optimal castability. Where traditional braided lines flatten out, FORWARD Braid keeps its shape through the guides giving anglers using forward-facing sonar the ability to cast farther, placing their bait right where they want it at the right time, without any resistance.

Sink rate and sensitivity are also key concerns for many FFS anglers. The smaller diameters offered with FORWARD Braid allow it to cut through the water column faster, getting smaller, finesse-style baits to the fish faster. An additional, unique benefit of FORWARD Braid’s proprietary longitudinal design is that it reduces fiber crossover to increase sensitivity and provide a stronger, more direct signal back to the angler when compared to standard woven braid.
  

Key Features – FORWARD Braid

• The longitudinal construction provides additional advantages compared to conventional braid:

     -   Higher sensitivity due to reducing the fiber crossover which increases the signal back to the angler
     -   Maintains the line’s cross section integrity allowing for longer casts and more longevity over time
     -   Smaller diameters and weight ratios that create less wind resistance when casting a lure
     -   Ability to pack more line onto a reel

• Colors: Lo-vis Green • Crystal • Flame Green
• Spool sizes: 150-yards • 1,500-yards
• Pound tests: 150-yards (4 – 17-pound test) • 1,500-yards (8 – 17-pound test)

Suggested retail is $29.99 to $299.99.

Details

Published: 18 November 2024

Daiwa Report

Daiwa KAGE LT spinning reel

The new Daiwa KAGE LT spinning reel sports rich features, beginning with its extremely lightweight and rigid ZAION body. The woven high-density carbon resin ZAION material is also durable and corrosion resistant to extend the life of the reel.

The KAGE LT’s AIR ROTOR was engineered to be incredibly rigid and with minimal flex, especially at high drag pressures. Critically designed cut-outs reduce the weight of the rotor itself while adding stability and almost eliminating rotor “wobble”. The lighter the rotor, the less force it takes to spin around the reel, making it easier to turn the handle.

The KAGE LT also features a tubular AIR bail, which further reduces weight and offers more rigidity than standard wire, minimizing concerns over flex, bending, or breaking. The thicker material feels better to the fingers when flipping the tubular air bail as well.

A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum TOUGH DIGIGEAR® technology is another hallmark of the KAGE LT. The especially hard and lightweight aluminum is precision machined and digitally cut, making it considerably more resistant to wear than traditional gear materials on the market.

Anglers will also appreciate DAIWA’s brilliant Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) when setting the hook and fighting fish. The smart system applies an increased, instantaneous and calculated resistance during the hookset. After the hook drives home and the fish starts pulling, ATD automatically returns to the selected drag setting.

Where reel meets angler, the KAGE features a machined screw-in handle that connects directly to the main drive gear. The business end of the handle features a premium, compressed cork handle on the smaller 1000-2500 sizes and a larger rubberized T-handle for added grip on the larger 3000-4000 sizes.

THE PERFECT MATCH

Martin said DAIWA has made matching the new KAGE LT to a spinning rod simple. The recently released KAGE Bass and Walleye Series’ balance and fish ideally with premium, yet reasonably priced rods. Key features in both the bass and walleye versions include an Air Sensor Reel Seat, Fuji guides with Alconite rings, DAIWA’s elite SVF Nanoplus carbon resin, and x45 to eliminate blank twist.

The KAGE series is available exclusively at independent dealers. DAIWA strongly supports its vast network of dealers that are the heartbeat of fishing.

FEATURE REVIEW:

ZAION Body

Extremely strong and lighter than aluminum and magnesium, the woven high-density carbon resin ZAION material is durable and corrosion resistant to extend the life of the reel.

AIR Rotor

The smart design lessens weight, provides even rotary balance and stress distribution, and reduces vibrations, all while maintaining strength. Delivers a more precisely balanced reel performance than competitors.

AIR Bail

Innovative bail design features a hollow, tubular stainless steel bail that delivers maximum rigidity and strength with minimum weight. The smooth protrusion-free construction lets the line easily flow to the line roller for trouble free line control.

TOUGH DIGIGEAR

A7075 Aircraft Grade aluminum is forged into bigger gears with larger tooth patterns and perfectly meshed between an ultra-tough drive gear and pinion gears for optimized speed, torque, exactness, smoothness, and durability.

2BB Supported ATD (Advanced Tournament Drag)

The lightweight spool sits atop a pair of BB’s, resulting in a smooth, frictionless payout as the spool engages and rotates. This prevents fish from coming unhooked as drag pressure remains steady.

Machined Aluminum Screw in Handle

Precision tooling renders a smooth and secure fit. The ergonomic design delivers the ultimate in control and comfort with a secure grip.

Suggested retail is $249.99.