US Reels Supercaster 230: Enter the Spin Free Zone
Serious anglers like to match their line class and type to the specific fishing conditions, and in many cases, that can mean hauling a variety of gear on any given day of fishing. If you’ve ever wished for a spinner that could handle a wide range of line classes in both monofilament and braid, then you’ll want to check out US Reels’ new SuperCaster. The smaller model can take anywhere from two to 16-lb. test, and the larger model has no problem with any line ranging from six to 30-lbs. Yes, this could create marital strife—you’ll have a harder time explaining to Lovie why you need 10 different rod and reel combos, which of course is absolutely necessary—but since the reel comes with two spools you can have a couple different weights or types ready to go at any time.
The spool on the Supercaster looks huge, and it comes with an arbor to change the effective diameter. After casting jigs and crankbaits while shallow water angling for stripers on at least a dozen occasions, however, I don’t believe that the larger size effects performance in any negative way. If anything it helps increase casting distance (and certainly boosts line capacity) although line does occasionally wrap around the end of the bail as you prepare to cast (the same problem you’ll encounter with many spinners, including the venerable Penn SS series). The drag system is smooth and the anti-reverse is infinite. For a lighter feel go with the (less expensive) XL model, which has some resin parts. I did see some flexing in the body when I kept the bail from moving and forced the handle, so if longevity is your main concern you’ll probably like the SX model, which has an aluminum body.
Price: Ranges form $150 to $180.
The Highs: Huge line capacity, and adapts to highly variable line classes.
The Lows: Line catches on bail occasionally.
Who Wants It: The angler that needs a single reel with multiple spools, to cast very different lines tests.
Contact: www.usreels.com
