Got a chance to use my Bates EDC reel this weekend. Here are my first impressions.

The reel is small. Super palmable and feels good in the hand. The build quality is top notch.

Glassy smooth and powerful. I have the 6.3:1 gear ratio model. Handles harder pulling crankbaits with ease. Mudhole tackle is the only place I could find that carried and had in stock the 6.3:1 gear ratio EDCs.

Finicky to set up. If you set your spool tension based on the free fall speed of the lure the casting distance is reduced a lot. Best results is to adjust it to minimum or right to the point where there is no side to side play in the spool. The Digital Cast control is very sensitive and easy to over/under adjust.

For the price the features and build quality can't be beat.

It is not the farthest casting reel in its class. The Tatula X cast much further and so does the Kastking AL Ti.

I would recommend it for throwing larger crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and chatterbaits.

If you want an affordable DC reel buy a JDM 2023 Shimano SLX 70 DC. If you need a little larger reel than a 70 buy the Bates EDC.

I've had my eye on that reel for a bit now. Thanks for the review. 👍