13 replies to this topic

[roadwarrior]

Stay tuned.

Review coming soon.

GREAT combo!

I promise, you are going to like it!

-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

[northern basser]

I don't have the rod, but I did pick up a Optimus XLT towards the end of the season. So far I'm really impressed with the reel. Its very smooth on the retrieve and the drag is super smooth. Its casts great also.

[Pinnacle1]

Stay tuned.

Review coming soon.

GREAT combo!

I promise, you are going to like it!

-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior

Very cool Kent, can't wait to hear what you think..

Happy Halloween!

[roadwarrior]

Also posted in "Rods & Reels"

Two months ago I acquired the new Pinnacle reel, the Optimus XLT.
I selected a matching rod, the DHC5-701CAMCB which is primarily
designed for jerkbaits and light crankbaits. However, this combination
is much more versatile than that! I would definitely include topwater,
spinnerbaits and any "moving" application, especially small to medium
weight swimbaits.

The Optimus XLT is a work of art. X-Bone metal frame with gold titanium
side covers complimented by gunmetal grey, silver and black. Sporting a
gear ration of 7.3:1, the reel is smooth and fast. Inside we have 11
double-shielded stainless steel bearings. The drive gear is comprised
of duralumin alloy which is 70% lighter and 20% stronger than brass.

Braking consists of tandem cast control, both magnetic and centrifugal
anti-backlash systems with external dial settings. Casting is a dream
and the retreive is exceptional. As an added bonus, the Optimkus XLT
features a "quick Flip" button that allows the spool to be engaged
instantly.

The reel balances perfectly with the DHC5-701CAMCB. This is a match
made in heaven. The beauty of the rod simply completes the
package. The rod is built with a proprietary blank featuring
a beautiful heavy epoxy finish. The rod is split-grip with AAA
grade cork, Fuji real seats and Alconite guides. The guides feature
diamond polished stainless steel frames.

On the water you will find the casting distance superb. The rod is
forgiving yet powerful. My personal comparison of this rig is to
the G.Loomis GLX MBR842C/ Core 50MG. That's been my favorite
for some time, now I have two!

I hope you consider giving the new top end Pinnacle
a try. This is a great rod and reel and a very
reasonable price. I intend to fish this combination
extensively in the months to come and will update
this review later.

Good luck!

[J Francho]

Let's see some fish caught with this combo!

[NateFollmer]

Nice review! Ill have to check this reel out. I have two rods sitting reel-less at the moment.

[00 mod]

Let's see some fish caught with this combo!

Not the best picture as it was raining and taken with a camera phone, but I believe this is one of the fish caught with this combo, 2 Sundays ago.

Jeff

[roadwarrior]

C'mon Man!

That fish was MUCH bigger than that!

[Long Mike]

Christmas is right around the corner. Looks like I'm going to have to write a letter to Santa.

[00 mod]

Horrible photographer for sure!!!

[.ghoti.]

Just got back from a trip to the Tennessee River, smallmouth fishing with Kent. I had this combo in my hands, and all I can say is WOW. I am impressed. The fit and finish on this rod is as good as you will ever see on a production rod. Right up there with a custom build. It has a little more "bling" than I normally go for, but it's done so well that I actually like it. Very nice trim rings and winding checks, plus the cork on this rod is the best I've seen in years. Don't know where they are getting their cork, but it is top shelf.

I've been in the market for a couple of rods, having two more reels than rods at present. I had just about decided to get one of the new St Croix Rage rods, and one of the Falcon Wendlant rods that TW has on sale for $100.

I changed my mind.

TW has two of these rods on sale; a 6'6" MH-F and a 6'8" M-XF. I'm going for the 6'8" for sure.

I am still trying to make up my mind about either the 7' MH-F or the 7'3" MH-F. I want this for small jigs. The 7' is listed for that app, and the 7'3" is listed as a C-rig rod, but I like the idea of a little more length for pitching small jigs. Maybe one of you Pinnacle guys can help me decide?

[roadwarrior]

UPDATE: December 28, 2011

Posted Today, 07:44 AM (Rods, Reels & Line)

I have been very impressed with the Pinnacle baitcasting rig I acquired last fall:
http://www.bassresou...-dhc5-701camcb/

One of these will be my next spinning rod:
http://www.bassresou...lake-champlain/

[scbassin]

Oh no did you turn in your Shimano Patch?

[roadwarrior]

I'm not getting rid of my Shimano reels, Loomis or Avid rods, but the new Pinnacle line-up is another "comparable" alternative.
My initial experience with this new gear has been VERY favorable. I know you love your Shimanos, too. Still, if you want to try
something else, you will not be disappointed. My favorite pie is blueberry, but I also like apple, peach and cherry!