What does everyone think of Ardent reels?

I think the camo one coming out looks awesome..

I think they are bigger and bulkier than a Revo or Shimano..

They only make RH retrieve, So I would never try one ...

im not too conserned about the size, because I am used to big reels, not to say it is a mute point to me. Im just very excited  to find a reel made in the USA!

Who sells them ? I haven't heard much about them and have never seen them for sale anywhere in my area.

I saw them for the first time last week at my local Gander Mountain store.

The front of the flippin' reel reminds me of a 1951 Studebaker.

Who sells them ? I haven't heard much about them and have never seen them for sale anywhere in my area.

Tackle Warehouse and BPS both sell the Ardents - check your favorite vendors ...

It is a wide reel. My personal preference is for a narrow reel. An Abu 4600 being a large diameter reel that is narrow feels better to me than a really short low profile reel that is wide.

(though I prefer low profile/narrow reels)

Beyond that the main thing I don't like about it is the design and construction. Look up the Tackle Tour review of this reel.

It's the only reel I wouldn't take apart and clean/service. I'm sure with experience working on a few it would be OK, but it's just not like all other reels that have a similar construction.

I read that review but it kind of contradicted itself (the reel is rough but super smooth?). I wasn't really sure what to take from the review. It was probably just my understanding of it, however. I am pretty sure that in that review he said that overall it was a good reel. But again, I probably misunderstood. Im was not really getting what he was trying to say.

I read that review but it kind of contradicted itself (the reel is rough but super smooth?). I wasn't really sure what to take from the review. It was probably just my understanding of it, however. I am pretty sure that in that review he said that overall it was a good reel. But again, I probably misunderstood. Im was not really getting what he was trying to say.

I read the review and what I got out of it was that it was an over priced average reel at best.

I picked up a black one(I don't recall the model)@ the local tackle store and rough is an understatment.  and it's not very aesthetically pleasing on top of that. the reel just feels cheaply made.   and the thing was like $269 if i remember correctly.  I'm all for some american made stuff, but if i'm gonna drop 270 on it, it better perform.  i think it's way overpriced and they are inflating it hoping it will catch the "american made" niche

seems general consensus is overpriced crap?

seems general consensus is overpriced crap?

In this case made in america doesn't mean much.

made in America by illegal labourers, i guess. :'(

Heavy, bulky, ugly, overpriced, limited selection. They seem like they'd last a longs time though, super solid. Im not sure why youd get one besides the american made factor.

i think they are one of he best for flippen frogs

well... what norcalfishguru said ... i aint in a beauty contest on the water. bulky and heavy dont mean much to me. im not a "spoiled bass guy" ;D who finds 10 oz heavy... i find that light  ;D. im pretty much used  to that after fishing saltwater my whole life, and it honestly doesn't bug me to fish a 10 oz reel all day, because thats just what im used to. i also dont think the limited selection personnaly applies to me, because im not left handed or anything, i just need a reel for flippin. He says that they are super solid, but overpriced. id rather have a reel that holds up "forever" that one that is smooth as silk but brakes after a year (heard alot of that). im not a tournament fisherman, and dont need the best gear. so if i sacrifice a little comfort to support America, all for it. (this was not a bash on norcal, if it sounded like it) thanks for all the feedback!

My buddy has the pitching model, and it works great for its purpose. Powerful reel, though a little funny looking.

cool. cause i was psyched to find a pitchin reel made in USA, buthen everyone was like "they suck". but now im happy

I have an Ardent C400, it is a great reel that will outcast my Shimano Citicas(100DSV&200E) and has a more powerful drag as well, however it costs more and is 8.7ozs.

My local tackle shop put them in and couldn't give them away.  They marked em' down and still couldn't move them.  It's a shame that a company in the USA had such a disappointing showing.  I hope Ardent can make a go of it and provide a product that anglers will love.

My local tackle shop put them in and couldn't give them away. They marked em' down and still couldn't move them. It's a shame that a company in the USA had such a disappointing showing. I hope Ardent can make a go of it and provide a product that anglers will love.

I want them to succeed too. They just need to go with a different design. Much narrower, and re-design the handle/crank plate and components. The way the reel goes together is goofy.

So you all think ardent are good quality, just a little bulky and ugly? Ps thanks for all the replies!

I've said before you can hinge decisions off one review.

You can however make decisions on trends in opinion. The biggest majority of reviews on their reels are either negative or neutral.

If everone says they aren't very good, they probably aren't.

To that light, despite my disdain for Shimano, they are obviously a safe choice. Again follow trends of opinion. Too many like them. Not many at all complain about them. (And same could be said for a few other reel builders as well)

The closest way to get a good 'American built reel' is to buy a Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, and modify and upgrade them yourself, or send to a fellow American to 'build'. ;D

I currently have three of them and could not be happier with them. I had five I believe at one time but my 42 year old son has talked me out of a couple of them. The oldest is about four years and have been trouble free except for one knob came off the handle on one and Ardent replaced it without any issues.

Cleaning and maintenance are easier than most reels. They also have a three year warranty.

I have received so much grief on this site for offering my opinion on this reel that I have been reluctant to offer any feedback. But it has been some time.........so...........................Al

To each his own Al, we all have our opinions but they aren't necessarily right or wrong. There are pleeeenty of rod, reel, line, and lure manufacturers to keep most of us happy. Trevor, I say heavy because the Daiwa Steez is nearly half the weight but also twice the price. Looking at another flagship model from a major manufacturer, a Shimano Calais DC incorporates far more technology than Ardent's xs1000, with a price tag to match. I say solid because if i were to drop a steez, i'd probably cry and bubblewrap my entire room to avoid another heartbreak, but with an Ardet i know id be able to shrug it off and know itll live to cast another day. Not to mention other high end reels are outwardly beautiful and to most buyers, looks can be a big factor. That said, if you choose to support our country with what you mount on your rod, I'm all for it