Thanks a million for this in depth review and for the complete honest truth. It really helps to weigh all the pros n cons before laying down the Franklins.
You’re welcome Jacob!! The biggest questions I got about it was about the memory of line the lower in the spool. Going straight braid you definitely wouldn’t have that issue. It’s a dope reel
Another Swede here Mr Oklahoma. Won't buy this, use coastal 200 and Curado 201M for my lighter pike fishing. It is a bit more money that either the Curado or Tatula 200 in Sweden, in some places up to 80-100$ more than either the the Tat or Cur 200. Don't think it is worth that much more. If it would be priced competitive like as the SLX here, THEN I might buy but a SLX is half the price of s Curado and ~40% of the A2.. And such, don't compete very well here. Way overpriced. @@OklahomasWorstAngler
The cork knobs get sticky if you leave the reel in the heat of your car in FL. Black flat paint is flaking off. I cast the arrow head line guide through my rod eye yesterday, running a perfect FG knot/ wind on leader through it. Hook keeper is in the perfect spot to snag your braid while in use. Clutch relief click may just be so audible that my subsurface targets get spooked 🤦🏼♀️ Size is comfy, settings are versatile, drag is strong and consistent. Stays dialed in and fine tune settings seldomly require adjustments. Price was reasonable. I'll determine my overall satisfaction after navigating their warranty/ repair process this week.
I have had both and sold my Concept A2 for a Loss and bought another SLX, it’s just a better smoother Reel and I have an Inception SZ that’s an amazing Reel and I actually prefer over the SLX. It’s where you check your drag it’s so smooth reeling to make sure it’s tight lol it’s one of those type of Reels.
Don't own a concept reel and not sure if I ever will. On the spool I have one that is similar size and I put 15lb braid backing on it. Even had to respool this past weekend and was nice to not have to pull 250 yards of line. Keep up the awesome work. 👍👍
The spool diameter thing doesn’t really bother me. After having fished with my Lews BB1 and having put line on it several times I realized that even as a cheap man having good line is the cheapest way to make sure you don’t lose fish. That’s just my opinion but either way. Great review! I appreciate the honesty.
Great video good to see an honest review most people who like something only talk about the positives and the ones who don't like something only talk about every negative.
I see your point. But I thought most of us use backing under braid or flouro? I don’t know anybody that fills a spool with expensive line and expects to use the very bottom of the spool. That line is useless no matter what, hence using cheap crap mono under your expensive braid or flouro..
I've had this reel for about a month now and I love it however I kind of feel a grinding as I retrieve but can't tell for sure. I also don't like the placement of the switch to open the side, I keep touching it as I cast and opening it accidently. But like you said I do love it but wondering if it is really worth what I paid for it. Glad I found your review, I subscribed and I'm in Oklahoma as well. Thanks man
Got to say my Daiwa tatula 150 HS from the start feel in love no problems here with mine. My only dislike is it's very easy for the number knob to back out on you. As far as tweaking mine had none I keep the knob at 8-14 and it cast far and smoothly with no backlashes. I always wanted to try a 13 fishing reel. Looks nice.
That’s awesome you didn’t have the same issues as me 🤣 I’m used to the ease of Shimano. But they don’t have as many brake settings. Like I said though, love my Tatulas
Good review. I have an original Concept A and I needed to replace/upgrade it. My issue with the old reel is the designs I have to encounter when breaking it down to clean it. I have the super small springs and metal piece used as the "clicker" in the drag. I've gotten so used to the ease of break down of Lews, the Fishing 13 reels are a bit more of a pain to deal with. BUT- I still got a Gen 2 Concept A, since I'm hoping some parts are interchangable with the original version, if needed.
Looking to get into fishing again and wanna pick up a baitcaster. This one is on the meateater website thats why I'm here. Is there a baitcaster you recommend for a beginner that I'm not gonna want to upgrade in a year? Looking for a kind of buy once cry once sort of thing.
I was not sold on 13fishing because I didn’t know about them. I like to give correct reviews before judging a fairly new company. I grew up on quantum and shimano and like both of those companies very much. I ended up buy four 13 reels and rods to judge for myself. They are getting better and better every year and have come a long way in just a few short years with their products. I’m still getting use to them and so far I like them. Are they the best, no, not yet anyway. I have the A2, C2, Z, and Z-SLD with two Defy rods an Omen rod and a Muze rod. I think they have a little more backlash in them than most other brands I have but they do cast well and the drag is awesome on them. I am satisfied with them so far.
@@Wanderingsamurai_life this review was a few years ago, and now I can honestly say that it is definitely worth the switch. I own nothing but 13 Fishing rods and reels now. Love their products and they are a great company to deal with should you need anything!
I have the version b4 this one they been great I can’t lie I love my 13 fishing gear. But ur right the spoil gets tiny and I was a guy that never used a backing. With my 13 reels I do now probally 25 yards of old mono then what I throw on the rest. It working out really good.
What if I use a braid to leader set-up? I don't think braid will have that kind of memory. I just ordered this reel, I been catchin muskies and need bigger reel, I hope it delivers.
@@adammitchell3462 braid to leader you’ll be solid! Did you order this reel, the A2 or the 2nd gen A3? I’m guessing you got the A3 especially if we’re talking bigger. Which I’ve had as well and it was one of my favorite swimbait reels, I’m full Okuma on my reels now though
Enjoyed the reel review - I enjoy this kind of content. I ended up getting some new reels for the black friday deals that I am pumped to try out. I looked at a couple 13 Fishing reels, but didn't end up going with one of them.
Love the videos! I'm thinking about getting a new reel. Would you pick a 13 fishing concept a3 reel or a daiwa tatula 300 for casting heavy baits between 2 and 3,5 ounces)? thanks!
Thank you!! So I have the A3 and Lexa WN. If you’re going to be throwing more slow moving baits, I say the A. If it’s gonna be more swimming baits or topwater go with the Daiwa. That’s what I have mine setup for! The pickup per turn is pretty high on the high gear Daiwas
I like the reel review its honest and no bs. You should do an Slx review but man love your videos as I’m an okie that lives down by okc. Keep up the good work.
Looking for a casting reel for 1.5-2 oz swimbaits..would this or a tatula CT or a curado handle a bait that weight without flexing? I've had reels struggle under too much tension in the past
Sorry for the late late response! But out of those 3, I'd go with a Curado 200 all day. Those reels just have beefier and better internals for the 'bigger' baits
Great review however I prefer a higher capacity because I’ve been spooled more than once on a shallow spool reel such as my beloved Shimano Curado E7. One never knows when that big flathead or giant Striper is going to decide to have a snack and eat a small bait lol.
@@steezyboiiii808 no problem dude! That reel has tons of drag power and it fits great in the hand. Two of the most important things to me, for froggin.
Not a chance dude!! It’s just the memory you run into with straight fluorocarbon. A lot of guys have chimed in about braid and I know that won’t be an issue. Just wanted to address the flouro issue 👊🏻
It doesn’t eliminate that the spool is so deep and narrows... unless you’re going to fill the first third with backing. And that’s a waste. And I was specifically talking about flouro 🤷🏻♂️
I only have limited experience with the Revos, but I'll tell you what I do know! I have a Revo premiere (gen 3) for cranks, and Revo Beast X for big swims. The Rev premiere is smooth as silk and the Beast can be a little finicky lol. But if you're around the A2 price point already, I would def recommend the Revo line. Only because I still have the Revos and had no problem parting with my A2 AND A3...
@@OklahomasWorstAngler Price isn’t a issue. I own several revo’s starting with the x all with way to the MGX. Just was wondering about the concept A series.
Also I don't know what all type of fishing you do but that reel is meant for larger game fish then bass to truly test that reel tarpon, snook and ocean trout are keys to the testing it will out perform diawa and Shimano trust me I'm a West coast salmon fisherman 100% would have a 13 fishing a3 over any Shimano and diawa do to handling, performance and strength
You do know I’m talking about the A2… right? Lol I have the A3 gen 2, two Komodo SS and a Revo Beast. Had the Tranx, Curado 301, Lexa’s, Tat 300. I’ve been through em. And just to save myself some time, when I was talking about losing line… it was pointed out as a possible negative for others mainly lol. Can’t fish everything on braid 🤙🏻
Hey boss great video I think it'd be pretty cool if you want to take the time to do it to do a video on the best reels under 60 bucks. I have a couple of suggestions one would be the piscufin , and of course a black max. And the lews classic pro. It'd be interesting to see what you came up with and your thoughts on them. I use some of these reels and I have expensive reels and to be honest with you I have found some cheap reels that are excellent.
I've got a 13 fishing concept a and love it. I use it at the coast fishing for red fish and I use braid and haven't had no problems at all. I run straight braid no backing.
Hey bud..... I fill my spool up about half way to 3/4 full with fly reel backing. Then attach my nice line to it. Yeah yeah there's a knot in there..... Whatever. I'm a man and I don't care. I save shit loads of line for actually using and catching fish and can actually cast the shit. Tape off the fly line backing and have a long tag line coming out. Tie on your nice line. When you end up getting close to the fly line backing.... Put some new line on. The fly line backing will stay there. Keep tight.... Fill the spool and save you money and line and from running into that small ass memoried line. Hope this tip helps
BRO. That is a killer tip and I appreciate it!!! I'm definitely going to do this next time I spool up, because I actually have fly line lol. Thanks again Bryan!
@@OklahomasWorstAngler glad to help brother! It's something like what....? 30 yards of fly line backing will fill the spool up enough. One single wrap with electrical tape leaving a long tag line coming out. BOOM
Nice review man! We do our reviews very similar, I don't go over any specs that can be found online or what's written on the box. I have the A2, but haven't spooled it up yet, but I'm loving the Z2 so far. Have you tried stretching your line to get the memory out? Works pretty good.
That’s a helluva compliment my friend! Thank you! I haven’t tried that actually, great tip! And man... that Z2 is SLICK, I still love the original Z and throw it a ton still. Might have to pick one up! After Christmas lol
@@OklahomasWorstAngler I made a video on it which I'll link below. I hear ya on the original Z...it's an awesome reel, but no doubt you'll dig the Z2 as well. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wyQXH2bQQxI.html
Man I’m trying to decide between the concept a2 the concept c2 or the pews tournament pro. Any suggestions to a fellow okie? Even considered the inception sport z. I’m always in a kayak so I want something that casts well and is durable.
Man between all of those I’d say check out the C2 or get the A2. The C is extremely lightweight and better internals than the A2. I love the A2, but coming from a yak background, the lighter the gear the better. Just less fatigue!
@@OklahomasWorstAngler hey thanks for the suggestion I was leaning towards the 13 due to how simple the layout is on them for making adjustments. Oh btw last I talked to you I was debating the pursuit and the frontier 12. Well I ended up ordering the nucanoe unlimited with the bow mount xi3 with anchor lock. Should be arriving at okc kayak any day now I’m stoked about that as well.
ha,ha,ha,are you even being serious ,your bringing attention to line size at the very bottom of the spool!you mention being mindful of saving money on line because your working fulltime,have kids etc?that has NO bearing on the reel,thats a you thing,why even bring that up,the reel is awesome and you know it so lets be honest on the review,and while we are at it,IF YOU CANT AFFORD FISHING LINE AND HAVE TO BE FRUGAL WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF YOUR TACKLE YOU BETTER PICK A NEW HOBBY OR GET A SECOND JOB!!!!
@@OklahomasWorstAngler realistically once you get that far down how much of it is actually useable once I get to half spool I'm casting my line off I have lews sp, currado dc, 13 tx, and a bass pro Johnny Morris. Serious question.
Yep! I had two of the XCS and I have a regular Soleus. As far as how as how they perform, they’re great! But the XCS has a crazy bearing sound I just hated. Look up my Trash or Pass on the Megabass buzzbait and you’ll hear it
@@loganvick3385 honestly man I’m not sure. I thought it was the braking system, but it’s definitely the bearings. Which ones I don’t know. The rods, 110% solid. Reels, need a little more work
@@OklahomasWorstAngler haha I almost went lews but I joined a group on Facebook for the lews community ands seen more broken rods and reels than I care to explain🤣🤣🤣. So I was like noooope
Well… I think it would have to pertain to where I was hypothetically moving to? Buuuuuuuuut I don’t think I’m goin anywhere 🤙🏻 Good luck finding the pigeon lol
The problem with line curling up is easily remanded by using braid as backing, as several has mentioner. Over here in Europe, northern Europe especially, we only use braid. It got so many advantages, i dont get why you guys over the pond keep using monofilament when it has so many drawbacks.. Braid is superior in all ways except it is more expensive. If you already paid money for a nice reel and rod plus baits, ehy cheap out on the thing connecting your reel and rod with the bait? I really dont get this.. i could never fish with anything else again. Never ever. And my economy is shit and nothing, but i still oay the money for the most important part in fishing, the line.
@@OutofluckpikerMJK idk why you seem to be so upset over some line choices lol. Maybe I’m just reading it wrong. Also, I don’t use mono. I’m a flouro guy. And you’re saying braid is more superior in all ways? Lol that’s a good one. You’ve already stated that you fish for pike, which is awesome! But pike fishing isn’t bass fishing. Different strokes for different folks
@@toddlester8063 well, in the video Alex mentions the side plate being completely removable whereas the side plate on the reel is the beetle style. I was fishing and one random cast the side plate decided it wanted to be free, and launched itself into the lake.
@@OkieOutdoorAdventures Yea, I heard him mention that - I was just trying to give you a hard time about all the hunting you have been doing. Hopefully you are able to order another side plate from Shimano.
@@toddlester8063 oh I know. Just wasn’t sure if you ever saw that video. Sorry if it came off rude. I don’t think I’ll get another DC though I loved it. Alex got me an inception for my birthday and I’d absolutely get a couple more of those.
Cant really compare the SLX to this reel. The SLX is $100 and the A2 is $180. The accurate comparison would be the curado 200k. If its my money spent Im fishing the curado lol.
