I wrote a favorable review of these reels last year and have been asked several times if I still like them. Here are my thoughts.

I have caught a ton of fish on both of these reels. I used them as my travel reels when I am on the road for work. These reels perform as good today as they did when I bought them. I like these reels but I don't love them. They are fairly smooth, cast well, easily adjusted, and have held up very well even with some light saltwater use. The drag was tested by a big bull redfish and it also performed well.

The reels do have a cheap feel to them. I think its because the frame is composite. They are not neqar as "tight" as higher end reels either.

Overall I think these are a decent buy for the price but I would save up and get an aluminum frame reel for close to the same price. I recently sold both of these reels and put that money to an '09 Energy PT(freakin awesome reel BTW). I was not displeased with the reels but I didn't need them either.

Just thought some might apprecite it. If you are looking at buying one and absolutely can't go any higher, you will be happy with the reel. If you can save another $50 next month, get a Catalyst.

I will post a review of the Energy after I fish it next week. I am going to the lake for 9 straight days of bassin

awesome job.. i too like my code, not a favorite of mine but it works well, i do how ever love my energy. if i had to do it all over again i would just save the money and move up the the energy over the code.

Excellent post hawgchaser - very informative. Thanks for sharing.

Well done.

8-)

I like my code as well...mine is paired with a 6'6''M Pro Qualifier and I consider it my "bank" caster....  

I purchased 4 Codes,all 7.0 and from the start 1 reel seemed rough on the main gear or what I thought was the main drive gear. After I got it off the rod it seemed iot was in the bearings on the spool. I sent it in with the box and they replaced it no charge. I too feel they are worth the money and having never used the 7.0,it is amazing how it helps in bassing. Crowcommander

Both of mine performed as well as the top end models. But they did not have that feel of the top end models. They aren't near as smooth and seemed looser in the handle. However, a good reel with a lot of features for a good price.

Great review hawgchaser!

Quick question for you. Did you happen to remove the Hot Sauce grease and oil or do you like it? Just curious.

Great review hawgchaser!

Quick question for you. Did you happen to remove the Hot Sauce grease and oil or do you like it? Just curious.

I like hot Sauce just fine and use it on my reels. I know some say that there is better out there. I am not a lubricant specialist but it works just as goos as my Ardent.