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Published: 29 January 2026

Lew’s Report

The latest advancements in fishing technology have arrived with the KVD Elite Series’ innovative new lineup of gear, designed for anglers seeking superior performance on the water.

This series includes the upgraded KVD Elite Casting Reel, Spinning Reel, and Rods, offering anglers precision, reliability, and durability for any fishing scenario.

The KVD Elite Casting Reel now boasts the PARAMAG® RX Braking System, which applies even force across the braking surface, ensuring balanced spool rotation while dramatically minimizing backlashes. With a friction-free operation and no electronic components, the system combines simplicity with cutting-edge technology. The reel’s Speed Gears®, cut on the finest Hamai CNC machines, provide smooth, effortless cranking with reduced weight and wear. Built for endurance, the one-piece aluminum frame delivers exceptional sturdiness and eliminates flex, enabling anglers to rely on its performance regardless of conditions.

The KVD Elite Spinning Reel revolutionizes lightweight design with its C40 carbon frame and rotor, cutting an ounce of weight for enhanced sensitivity and comfort. This model also introduces a shallow anodized spool option in the 300 size, an exclusive feature catering to finesse anglers who value longer, smoother casts without the need for backing. Along with a premium stainless steel 7-bearing system and a hybrid carbon drag system, the reel ensures smooth line retrieval and consistent drag power.

The KVD Elite Rods, built with premium IM8 graphite blanks and FOCAS® technology, deliver exceptional tip strength while maintaining high sensitivity for detecting light bites. Designed with stainless steel guide frames and durable zirconia inserts, these rods reduce wear, enhance line performance, and are available in casting and spinning models. Anglers can enjoy ergonomic high-density EVA split grip handles across the series, while specialized reel seats provide enhanced comfort and control for both casting and spinning setups.

With products that blend expert craftsmanship and ingenuity without compromising simplicity and durability, the KVD Elite Series levels up every angler’s game. Whether it’s the balanced braking of the PARAMAG® RX, the weightless feel of the C40 frame, or the premium design of the IM8 blanks, every feature reflects a commitment to precision and performance.

“My new KVD Elite series rods and reels have the performance and features that take it to a whole new level. No matter the technique or lure, I’ve got the perfect combination to maximize my performance on the water, and all at an unmatched value.”

-Kevin VanDam

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Published: 22 January 2026

Lowrance Report

Lowrance has introduced ActiveTarget® 2 XL, the brand’s most advanced live sonar system to date. Featuring surface-to-surface 180-degree views, this technology delivers unmatched clarity and coverage, giving anglers a complete picture of what’s happening beneath the water in real time.

Building on the award-winning ActiveTarget 2 platform, the new XL transducer sets a new standard for live sonar performance. With ultra-clear resolution and a sweeping 180-degree field of vision – spanning Forward, Down, and Scout modes from a single transducer – ActiveTarget 2 XL ensures no fish or bait goes unseen. The full-screen display captures every detail, from the moment the lure drops to the strike itself, offering anglers unparalleled situational awareness and precision.

Switching views is now easier than ever. The redesigned XL transducer allows anglers to instantly toggle between Forward XL and Down XL views directly from the display, no manual adjustments required. The new bracket, compatible with both shaft and motor mounts*, enables seamless transitions into Scout Mode. Once activated, built-in reference markers guide anglers to the optimal angle for both deep and shallow water, ensuring pinpoint accuracy with every cast.

ActiveTarget 2 XL is a one-time upgrade that unlocks all sonar views from a single transducer, no additional gear needed. Anglers can simply mount the XL transducer and start fishing, using their existing ActiveTarget 2 sonar module to minimize setup and maximize time on the water.

For those seeking total situational awareness, combining two XL systems** introduces an industry-first: 360-degree Scout XL live view around the entire boat. This revolutionary capability allows anglers to identify the perfect casting spot without repositioning. Running multiple transducers also enables simultaneous viewing of Forward XL/Down XL and Scout XL views, eliminating the need to lift the trolling motor at all.

Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 XL transducer upgrade starts at $1,399 USD and is now available.

Key Features

• Best-in-class resolution
• Surface-to-surface 180° live view
• 360° Scout XL live view (requires dual systems and HDS PRO)
• 180 XL Views in Forward, Down and Scout modes from a single transducer
• Switch between Forward XL & Down XL views on your Display
• Improved switching to Scout Mode
• Quick-reference markers for deep and shallow water (Scout Mode)
• Shaft mount or Motor-mount* (*exclusive to Recon™)
• Compatible with existing ActiveTarget 2 sonar module
• Compatible with HDS PRO®, HDS Live®, HDS Carbon® and Elite FS™

*Motor mount exclusive to Recon Trolling Motors 

**Dual sonar modules and transducers required, HDS PRO only

For more information on Lowrance, visit www.lowrance.com.

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Published: 15 January 2026

Sevin Report

When it comes to casting reels, bass and multispecies freshwater anglers prioritize castability, adjustability, smooth operation, comfort, and steadfast reliability. Two years into SEVIIN Reels’ launch, the St. Croix-owned reel brand has added the GX Series.

“For 2026, SEVIIN’s elite-level GX Series is complete with six all-new GX Series Casting reels,” says SEVIIN Product Manager, Robert Woods. “These new aluminum GX casting reels join our premium GX Series spinning reels to give premium-performance anglers the no-compromises reels they want at a competitively favorable price.”

SEVIIN’s all-new GX Series of casting reels consists of six models in three available gear ratios – 6.6:1, 7.3:1, and 8.1:1 – with right-hand and left-hand retrieve configurations.

Woods says GX starts with a slightly narrower and shorter body wrapped around an aluminum 150-size frame. An aluminum gear-side cover plate adds to GX’s supreme durability and rigidity. “These lightweight and totally rigid structural components completely isolate GX’s aluminum drive gear and brass pinion gear,” says Woods. “That means zero flex and zero felt torque, even under the heaviest drag settings and loads. 9+1 stainless steel bearings make GX’s operation feel effortless.”

GX performance continues with SEVIIN’s strong and buttery smooth multi-stack carbon fiber/stainless-steel drag stack, delivering 13 to 21 pounds of lockdown power, depending on model.

SEVIIN’s proven, dual magnetic and centrifugal braking system works with premium Japanese spool bearings and precision spool-tensioner to deliver a dramatic range of adjustability. “Our design ensures maximum casting distance and spool control are obtained in any conditions,” Woods says. “As with our GS Series casting reels, GX’s spool-tension knob is highly adjustable and works with the reel’s magnetic cast control to fine-tune casting performance with any specific combination of lure weight, line type, and wind conditions. But GX’s centrifugal brake adds a third level of adjustment that excels at mitigating backlash at the beginning of the cast – especially when casting in intense winds or skipping or flipping. The centrifugal brake has a simple control dial housed beneath the cover plate – which stays attached – so there are no small parts to adjust and nothing that can fall off of the reel. The result of this three-phase casting adjustability is supreme performance in any conditions, all designed with complete simplicity and ease of use for anglers.”

Other premium, angler-friendly features on new-for-2026 GX Series casting reels include an extra-thick 95mm carbon fiber handle with integrated hook keepers, skeletonized aluminum spools with variable depths optimized by model, and sizzling GX-family aesthetics featuring elegant silver over blue and red anodized accents for a beautiful look on any rod.

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