Are they really as good as "they" say? I am an Abu guy but always looking. For the money... is Ardent that good?

Admittedly I've only handled the display models at my local BPS, but they are the worst feeling reels I've ever handled, by far. Rough, geary, with lots of slop in the handle. Total piece of junk, imo.

I'll let you know once I get my Edge tourney. Still BO at TW until the 19th.

I'll let you know once I get my Edge tourney. Still BO at TW until the 19th.

That's the one I was considering.

"For the money", I'd suggest loading up on the clearance revos like lots of folks did with the Curados when those new models came out.

10-4

Already did. lol

Unfortunately, the only Ardent worth owning (Other than the FP7) retails at $329 and weighs nine ounces. Are they all they're cracked up to be? It's the smoothest reel I've ever owned.

Checked out some at a local shop, 2 of the 3 displays you couldn't get the side plate off to adjust the magnets. Andd the one that did come off, you could barely get it back on. Bad batch, maybe, but the wife choose a Lews instead and loves it. I wouldn't buy anything that's not local, a lot easier to deal with someone in person over a reel that isn't functioning correctly.

I have had a C400 for 3 years now with zero problems, although I did send it once to Delaware V.T. for a cleaning. It casts better than my Citicas.

Buddy of mine bought a C400 and another ardent that i'm not sure of the exact model, and both are awaiting repairs with less than a month of use.

Wow... didn't expect some of the "bad experiences" here. Guess I will stick with my Abu Garcias.

I have one of the f700 flip n pitch reels and I couldn't be happier had it for about 2 months and it is flawless the 22lbs drag is perfect and the pitching control is so money. I wouldn't trade it for anything when it comes to pitching. Haven't had any experience with there other reels though so hard to say for me about anything else

I had the F500 and it was a tank, but it weighed like one and sounded like one as well. I decided to stay with my Revos

The wait for the tourney continues. They just pushed it back to 7/1/12. I'm about ready to cancel and move on to something else. I really wanted to try one, But this is ridiculous!

Ya the f700 is on te heavy side but the benefits are worth it IMHO just wish they came in a 7.1. And I never had any problems with reel noise mine is smooth as butter

I've got the XS1000, which isn't a member of the newer "Edge" family, and I love it. I think that there are lots of better reels out there, but I was willing to take a chance and experiment with an American made product. I don't regret it at all, especially since I got it NIB on eBay for $150. I will say, when cleaning it out, I noticed it has a very unique design. The gears on it are absolutely beautiful. They just ooze quality. Other parts of the reel aren't so great, like its drag system. The new Edge reels have carbon fiber washers, though, so that should be fixed. I think it's mostly the little things that seperate Ardent from being a full fledged contender.

I recently bought the Ardent Edge Inshore Pro model this year, I have it on a GL2 for heavy top water. It's a great reel.

That's the one I was considering.

Finally got mine and used it a few times. Solid reel and built like a tank. I am using it for medium cranks on a 7' rod. Its the combo that I'll use the most on the water. So far I like it and would compare it to the revo s. I'm a gear junky and had to have one! Seeing the "made in the USA" has some bonus points IMHO. I'll give it a work out and if it stands up? I'll have no problems adding a few more to the fleet!

If it breaks, I'll post something. But I just got a feeling it aint gonna.

I decided to wait until the new Revo SX comes out. Get one of them and attach it to a Veritas.