Concept Z.....13 Fishing Baitcast Reel... REVIEW

[analfisherman]

 The Concept Z Baitcasting Reel came out at 2017 Icast Show.
REVIEW and thoughts on the Concept Z baitcasting Reel
Concept Z, 13 Fishing Baitcaster uses the CZB Polymer Technology.
CZB Polymer Technology in the Concept Z Baitcaster is American made CZB (concept zero bearing) Polymer Technology deliver quiet, effortless, controlable casting enabling to cast even the lightest baits 50+ yards.

Concept Z.....has;

No Ball Bearings
6.1 OZs.
6.6:1 up to 8.1:
26.1 up to 32 IPT
22-lb. Bulldog drag
Ocean Armor 2 saltwater protection
Japanese Hamai cut gears
$200 reel

UGLY ORANGE COLOR
 

Overview from 13 Fishing
They say:  American made CZB (concept zero bearing) Polymer Technology deliver quiet, effortless, controlable casting enabling to cast even the lightest baits 50+ yards.


OK, no bearings...bushings instead. CZB Polymer Technology


Touted as the Farthest Casting reel EVER.
Hard to Backlash....but not impossible
EFFORTLESS CASTING

Designed originally for Saltwater (22lb. drag) BUT because of it being so 'light' the Freshwater Anglers are using it more than the Salties.
Says it has a 'Deep Spool' BUT it only holds 135 yds. of 12lb. test......probably another reason for the Salties shying away.

Almost ZERO noise when reeling in or casting out.
ALL reviews say it's the smoothest reel they ever handled.

Yet really don't hear much about it.
Maybe it's just to new?
Maybe it's just UGLY?
Maybe 13 Fishing just doesn't sponsor many top pros?
Maybe general public thinks it's just for saltwater?  (Yet I didn't find a SINGLE Video of it being used in anything BUT Freshwater fishing)

So Pro Staff (members);
Anyone try one or use one or own one?

ALL THOUGHTS AND IDEAS WELCOME and WANTED!
(Especially you reel tuning/cleaning/tricking out members)
OH, and the CZBs can be added/swooped with the bearings in any Fishing 13 Concept Reel Line at $11 per....I don't know...DISK/Bushing/

[fishballer06]

ALL reviews say it's the smoothest reel they ever handled.

Yet really don't hear much about it.

Anyone who says that has never used a Metanium MGL...

Maybe it's just too new?

No, it's old technology. Shimano did it back in the 80's, and they still offer a $50 bearing-less reel in Japan.

Maybe it's just UGLY?

Definitely.

Maybe general public thinks it's just for saltwater?

No. They've got Dave LeFebre and their other top pro's pushing it. They're definitely trying to push it for freshwater.

So Pro Staff (members);
Anyone try one or use one or own one?

I have no interest in owning one. However, this guy gives his honest review that clearly shows the demographic that they want to market this reel to.

[analfisherman]

Ya saw it.
He's affiliated with 13 Fishing.

[SFL BassHunter]

Maybe when it comes out in a different color. Like lime green.
Till then no, I won't be getting it. Also I am really happy with my current lineup of 100-150 dollar Tatula CT and SV reels.

[SteelHorseCowboy]

He's affiliated, he's loud, twitchy, I couldn't watch the video.
Also, anytime someone insists they're being honest, especially when their honesty isn't being questioned, is usually a sure sign that they're not.

[Dink Dawg]

I'm not as optimistic as you guys.  CZB Polymar Technology. That's the same stuff on the casters under my couch so it's easy to move.  We have come along way.

[fishballer06]

He's affiliated, he's loud, twitchy, I couldn't watch the video.
Also, anytime someone insists they're being honest, especially when their honesty isn't being questioned, is usually a sure sign that they're not.

He was with Okuma last year and he put out numerous videos touting them as the greatest thing ever. And the year before that I think he was with Lews. So he probably feels the need to defend his self because he's been flip flopping companies so much.

[Kurt L]

There is a brief review just showed up today on Tackle Tour, they liked it! a full review is coming soon they say.

Kurt

[SteveTX]

Just my opinion its a gimmick. But if you put enough sponsors saying its great and enough of the right names touting it it will sell.

Hell look at KastKing reels. In a flooded market of reels including cheap made reels they have managed to sell quite a few with a huge campaign pushing them as great reels.

People are worse than sheep they will follow right along with what ever leadership, authority position, or advertising jerks their leash almost without question. 

[cbburke]

No one is gotta make me switch my Shimano Core 50Mg7/Curado 70's

I'm loving the smaller reels.

[Fun4me]

Here's an opinion. Not exactly glowing. Maybe he got a bad one.

[Smallie_Stalker]

With this exception of the handle it looks and sounds a lot like the cheap reels you can find on flebay from a bunch of Chinese companies. They charge less than $20.

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[Kawidaddy]

Appears that a lot of videos/reviews of this reel are mediocre at best(unless affiliated with 13fishing). I personally couldn't do the whole orange thing anyway. 

[SteveTX]

With this exception of the handle it looks and sounds a lot like the cheap reels you can find on flebay from a bunch of Chinese companies. They charge less than $20.

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Watching the video s long as I can stand it I got the same impression. It didn't sound/appear like a quality reel in more ways than just the sounds he was pointing out. But I have never held one so it's just my opinion based on videos. Not worth much.

[SteelHorseCowboy]

Here's an opinion. Not exactly glowing. Maybe he got a bad one.

Nah, he just ain't sold his loyalty.

[Down4ttown]

Honestly I was intrigued but I will stick with Shimano or Daiwa for my money.


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[LgMouthGambler]

Its nothing but overhyped garbage. I dont see how 13 has all this "our" when their reels are made by Banax. I dont know if they really did come up with the innovative "bushing". But lets be reel, it is what it is, a bushing. So, I guess we are going backwards? Youre better off just putting full ceramics in the reel if you are ok with all that "noise". From every report on the enthusiest side, the tolerance is horrible with this reel overall. Can we say "YouTube" sales? Because thats who they are after, much like many of the other brands out there. Ignorance is bliss.

<")))>{

[zippyduck]

AN LMG RANT. Boy how I missed those.

[Down4ttown]

I watched several reviews from both 13 people and honest customers. I think the idea is great, but not at a 199 price point. If you told me, I could get a saltwater friendly reel with no bearings for around 99 then maybe. But for 199 I can grab another Tat or Curado K


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[LgMouthGambler]

AN LMG RANT. Boy how I missed those.

Lol

<")))>{

[Pferox]

Bushings aren't a new idea, Penn has used brass bushings in many saltwater reels from the past.  Keep them oiled and they are tough workhorses, but not casting stars.

Those reels are great for trolling, and catfishing, but not a bass reel for sure.

[SteelHorseCowboy]

I watched several reviews from both 13 people and honest customers. I think the idea is great, but not at a 199 price point. If you told me, I could get a saltwater friendly reel with no bearings for around 99 then maybe. But for 199 I can grab another Tat or Curado K


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Used Ambassadeur, plastic washers, CorrosionX? Way cheaper than $99.

[Ron Fogelson]

Played with one last week for about an hour skipping casting pitching a jig in my local hang out Bayou Outdoor SuperCenter and liked it. Yep the price point made me snap my head around but was smooth out of the box, easy to set up and was bouncing it off the back wall time and time again with how fast and easy the line came off.  Caught me off guard slinging it with very little effort



How will it hold up? Is the maintenance going to be easier or more in-depth requiring new bushings, how is it going to act with pollen, green slim or the salvania we have and how will it behave in the cold are things I don't know yet.  The fishing13 reels I do have are holding up well and I enjoy them but until they come out with a neon green and a better price pointI'm out

[Down4ttown]

Good review Ron!


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[analfisherman]

Ron thanks for the review!

But someone needs to explian. "WHO decided on the COLOR!"

Someone from the "Village People'?