The F500's are supposed to be released within the next week or so, according to info I got from Ardent customer service.  I'd be interested to hear any thoughts or reports that anyone who have used them might have on these reels once they become available.

You can pitch and flip with practically any bc reel.

Shimano went that road many moons ago with the Shimano BushMaster 10 offering a flip only reel and the production lasted only a couple of years, imagine how well they sold for the production to last only a couple of years, now if you are a e-bayer you can ocassionaly find them for about 30-50 dollars.

If I were on the look for a flip and pitch reel I would certainly consider getting me a Shimano Castaic instead.

ya like he said any baitcaster will work, but I will say this about Ardent I have a C400 and it is a quality reel, casts lightweight baits very well.

I don't understand why you would buy a reel that can only flip and pitch instead of a reel that can flip and pitch and be used for a bunch of other techniques...