Abu-Garcia EXT Pro, my early b-day present, I've got an awesome wife

[retiredbosn 566]

Recieved my EXT Pro today, although my b-day is another month away I opened it immediately.  First impression was wow, I like the construction, the reel is small about the same height as the BPS David Fritts reel, palm it easily.  Put it on the pole I had waiting for it, spooled it wit some mono I had laying around, 15lb stren original.  Then I took it for a quick test out in the yard, after setting the brakes, I started casting, I figured that I better start easy and gave it just a little flip of the wrist, the casting weight (1/2 oz) went about 60 feet. Much farter than I had anticipated, after getting comfortable with the reel 40 yard casts (measured) were easy, I never tried to cast hard, just a regular cast.  I'm impressed with this reel and can't wait to get it on the water and do a real test on it.  Anyway, I have never been this impressed with a reel right out of the box.  Then again the most expensive reel I own prior to this is an Accurist PT.  Time will tell how well I like it.  

[MALTESE FALCON 4]

That is a sweet reel. I think you'll be very pleased.

Falcon

[Micro 9]

Great!  The EXT Pro is a solid reel.  And it casts light baits very well.  Too bad it was never more popular.  It's a sleeper reel.  

[retiredbosn 566]

Oh forgot to put in the original post that my wife is awesome due to her seeing my post on the EXT and then buying it for me.  She did all of it on her own.