No, I live in Pennsylvania in the fall/winter/spring. I only live in Maryland in the summer when my father is running his charter boat. He stays down some spring and fall, but comes home to us during most of "school season". But thanks for the offer. I'm really into the American made, durable reels. Its really a great story how they employed those people whose jobs were shipped to China! Thanks again for the generous offer.

Trevor do Josh a favor and take him up on the offer and toss it out for him...it's time he upgraded anyways

grow up its just a reel.

grow up its just a reel.

Trevor, Thai was just bustin' on NewAngler a little.  Relax my friend.

SORRY THIA I DIDNT MEAN IT!!! ;D

I am a new member to this site but a LONG time member to several fishing forums.  I see this one is pretty much the same as any other, that being love the one your with (or own at the time).

If you want a story from an Ardent Owner here goes, kick back grab a cold one.   

I have some vintage 1995 Green Curado's that have been re-worked to the point that I've been told they need new gear sets.  I've got some new Citica's and some newer Curado's.  In years past I've owned Diawa and still have some old round ABU reels, though those are used for plug knocker line winders now.

When  my Green Curado's starting going bad I wanted to try something different so about 15 months ago I bought my first Ardent XS1000 from a guy who needed the money.  It was in the box, I didn't ask many questions if you know what I mean.    I read Triton Mikes old review on Ardent before buying and figured one would do for testing.  It lasted maybe three months before I broke it.  They fixed it for free even though I told them I got it used.  The second time it lasted maybe a month.  This time they asked several questions on what was happening as I was not a happy camper.  I took it on a trip to Florida and on the second day it chit the bed.   

By now the folks at Ardent and I are getting pretty close and I am trying to describe what keeps breaking, & my not being happy with the sideplate coming loose under pressure.   I WANT to buy American but for near 300 clams I'm going to buy the best product. 

They sent me the new 2009 improved reel free of charge late last spring, I hooked it on the rod I use the most that time of year and slung traps until my arms hurt with it.  PERFECTION!!!  I was impressed enough I wanted to see if I could help out getting the word out on the improvements and worked out a way to order several more reels to put too use (I needed new ones anyway).  I used two 600's and two 1000's all season and have yet to have one hiccup.  I've had them at my club meetings, a couple of small boat shows etc....  and the ONLY suggested improvement was on the new 2500 spinning reel still did not have the right "feel" for it's price point.  I've only had that one on the water twice, time will tell if I really like it as much as my old Shimano spinning reels.

Once again, I WILL NOT buy an American product for the sake of "Buying American", but if it may help save your or your family members job I'll darn sure buy it when it makes sense.  The Ardent line is new and I feel like they finally have it right.  For the record I still fish with some Shimano's as I have not replaced ALL my reels as of yet.  The Ardents will spoil you when you pick it up and it's not freezing cold yet when you pick up that new Curado your hand feels like you just picked up a block of ice.  Both good reels, it's your money so buy the reel your heart and head tells YOU is best.   

I am a new member to this site but a LONG time member to several fishing forums. I see this one is pretty much the same as any other, that being love the one your with (or own at the time).

If you want a story from an Ardent Owner here goes, kick back grab a cold one.

I have some vintage 1995 Green Curado's that have been re-worked to the point that I've been told they need new gear sets. I've got some new Citica's and some newer Curado's. In years past I've owned Diawa and still have some old round ABU reels, though those are used for plug knocker line winders now.

When my Green Curado's starting going bad I wanted to try something different so about 15 months ago I bought my first Ardent XS1000 from a guy who needed the money. It was in the box, I didn't ask many questions if you know what I mean. I read Triton Mikes old review on Ardent before buying and figured one would do for testing. It lasted maybe three months before I broke it. They fixed it for free even though I told them I got it used. The second time it lasted maybe a month. This time they asked several questions on what was happening as I was not a happy camper. I took it on a trip to Florida and on the second day it stuff the bed.

By now the folks at Ardent and I are getting pretty close and I am trying to describe what keeps breaking, & my not being happy with the sideplate coming loose under pressure. I WANT to buy American but for near 300 clams I'm going to buy the best product.

They sent me the new 2009 improved reel free of charge late last spring, I hooked it on the rod I use the most that time of year and slung traps until my arms hurt with it. PERFECTION!!! I was impressed enough I wanted to see if I could help out getting the word out on the improvements and worked out a way to order several more reels to put too use (I needed new ones anyway). I used two 600's and two 1000's all season and have yet to have one hiccup. I've had them at my club meetings, a couple of small boat shows etc.... and the ONLY suggested improvement was on the new 2500 spinning reel still did not have the right "feel" for it's price point. I've only had that one on the water twice, time will tell if I really like it as much as my old Shimano spinning reels.

Once again, I WILL NOT buy an American product for the sake of "Buying American", but if it may help save your or your family members job I'll darn sure buy it when it makes sense. The Ardent line is new and I feel like they finally have it right. For the record I still fish with some Shimano's as I have not replaced ALL my reels as of yet. The Ardents will spoil you when you pick it up and it's not freezing cold yet when you pick up that new Curado your hand feels like you just picked up a block of ice. Both good reels, it's your money so buy the reel your heart and head tells YOU is best.

Welcome and thanks for your opinion.