Hey Bass Resource,

I seem to read a lot of mixed reviews on these reels, from your experiences with these reels how would you rate their quality overall for general bass fishing? (Multiple kinds of lures)

Solid reel for the $100 that you can get them for. Positives: Magforce 3D is a great braking system and the reel palms very nicely. Negatives: Spool is so-so, handle is awful (short with riveted knobs), and the reel doesn't feel very refined. Some people like 'em, some people don't. I would suggest looking at the T3-1016, which for only like $90 more gets you a 1016 spool (which is awesome) and a much nicer handle, plus a general sense of refinement.

 

At the end of the day, they cast and reel in fish, so you probably would end up being happy with one.

 

Edit: This is assuming you're a lefty. T W still has 6.3:1 LH T3-1016's for $200.

I got one of the 8.1's for $110 and was totally happy throwing stuff 1/4oz and up.  Pitching was a little tricky, but casting was awesome.  I noticed the retrieve was a little rough so I replaced a bushing in the drive shaft with a bearing for like $4 and that smoothed it out dramatically.  I eventually bought a 1016 spool for it because I wanted to throw some lighter stuff and this transformed the reel into a pitching/casting machine.  In retrospect, I would've just got the t3 instead, but if I was just using it for t rigs and jigs 1/4 plus then the ballistic was fine for me.  I love the braking system and the low profile is so comfortable to palm.  Some people don't like the t wing sytem but I actually do.  I like to engage the spool with one hand after casting or pitching.

I have a T3 in 8.1:1. & a T3 Ballistic in 6.3:1. They're both well built and cast great. I've only had them for one season so can't comment on long term durability. Mike from Delaware Valley Tackle said they've got a full floating spool and don't need super tuning like my other bait casters.

Overall I like them a lot, but they're not my arsenal favorites, which happen to be Shimano Cores, pretty stiff competition.