PiscifunTorrent Baitcaster Fishing Reel, 18LB Carbon Fiber Drag Baitcasting Reel, Magnetic Braking System Casting Reel, Available in 7.1:1 and 5.3:1

Wanting a first baitcaster, after fishing for the last 10 years with spinning reels only, and not having the funds for an $80+ reel, led me to budget options. After researching many different reels (Abu Garcia BlackMax, KastKing Royale Legend, etc), I decided to purchase this reel along with a Piscifun Torrent 6'6" MH rod. I ordered 10lb Sufix 832 braided line to spool on. I also ordered some PENN reel oil and grease. Upon receiving the rod, reel, PENN products, and line I immediately oiled and greased the reel. While this was a bit tricky (possibly due to it being my first time handling a baitcaster), I eased my way along and eventually was able to grease the main gear and carbon fiber drag washers, as well as oil the bearings and other moving parts. I utilized the mechanism diagram provided with the reel to ensure proper reassembly. The next day I was able to spool the reel with my braided line. After some trial and error I was able to tie an arbor knot to hold the line on the spool, along with some tape on the knot to ensure there isn't any slippage of the line. I then began spooling by holding the line approximately 8 inches away from, but straight in front of, the reel (the reel was connected to the rod, so 8 inches straight down the rod). I believe I failed to hold the line tight enough while spooling, more on that later. I also had some issues with uneven spooling (more line on the left side of the spool than the right). I left the line unevenly spooled, not knowing any better. After tying my 3 foot flourocarbon leader to the end of the braid and my hook/weight to the end of the leader, I walked out to the pond. After some few minutes of trial and error adjusting the spool tension and brakes, I was able to cast fairly well. Over a couple dozen casts I gradually loosened the brakes to gain more distance. All was well, a backlash here and there due to my inexperience. At the end of my fishing day, with no fish caught or hooked, I was very satisfied with this reel. After a few walks down to the pond and fishing for a couple hours each time, I am still satisfied and enjoy fishing with this reel (even though I've yet to catch anything, not the reels fault however). Now about the uneven spooling: It was my fault. Earlier today before heading out to the pond, I decided to re-spool the reel in hopes of solving the unevenness. Thankfully I was successful. I believe the initial unevenness was due to me holding the reel at a slight angle while reeling, I also had the drag loose and the brakes all the way up. The second time re-spooling I made sure to set the drag as tight as possible and the brakes all the way up, as well as hold the reel straight. After spooling, I went out and the first cast the lure went out about 6 feet and stopped dead in its tracks. After inspecting the reel and the spool, I realized the line wasn't spooled very well (too loose you could say). I suppose I didn't hold the line tight enough when I re-spooled, which I thought about while re-spooling funny enough. Right there at the pond I pulled all the line out. After five minutes of pulling, all the line was free from the spool, and I began re-spooling, making sure to set the drag and brakes tight as well as hold the reel straight and keep the line nice and tight. This time I think I got it right. The line is tight and even on the spool, resulting in smooth casts and easier use. Using a spinner bait this time, I had to set the spool tension and brakes different which took some trial and error (due to my inexperience). I remember on a review video I watched before purchasing the reel, there was a complaint about the size of the reel and being unable to palm it comfortably, as well as a complaint about the push button on the bottom of the reel at the brake side (used to remove the side plate). I found the reel to fit very well in my hand, while palming the reel it felt like a good size and I had no issue holding it (my hands are not large at all, approximately 7 1/4 inches from tip of middle finger to bottom of palm). The other complaint was the bottom button dug into the reviewers hand while palming. Thankfully I have had no issue whatsoever with this, it's possible I palm the reel differently than the reviewer did or Piscifun has updated the design since that review was made. You can view the pictures I've posted with my review to see how the reel looks in my hand. Overall, this reel is well made and casts great; however, as I've said, I've yet to reel in a fish (I may update the review later after catching some). If you're looking for a first baitcaster, I'd definitely recommend the Piscifun Torrent.Edit: I have now fished with this reel for just under a month, and I have to say it's great. Having only reeled in 10-15 small bass, I can't speak to it's durability confidently, but it seems to be holding up so far. This has been a great baitcaster to learn on and I'm finally getting the hang of it. Would definitely recommend this reel to anyone looking for a budget baitcaster.Also: I ended up switching from the braid to some Seaguar Invizx 100% fluorocarbon and it has made a world of difference in my ability to cast.

I've only been able to get out and fish with this reel once since I received it. And I have yet to actually fight a fish on it.But I must say that I did load it up with 20 lb braid and try it under some pretty rough conditions and came away impressed.I've owned and used a few casting reels over the years including a couple of Daiwas, Bass Pro, Abu Garcia and a cheap Shakespeare.None of them are as easy to cast as this one is.I was casting a jig into a steadily gusty wind all day with only one minor backlash that I was able to fix in about a minute.And while I didn't actually hook a fish, it was one of those days on the bay when every cast resulted in reeling in a clump of weeds the size of my thigh.It continued to cast and reel perfectly smoothly throughout the day.I'm sure that under these same conditions, if I had been using any of those other reels I would have switched over to a spinning rig to avoid fixing birds nests all day.The Torrent does seem a little small for catching big blues and stripers. But it seems fine for fluke and the smaller blues and stripers I'd normally catch in the area I fished.I don't think it would have any problem at all handling the catfish, bass and pike I'd fish for from my kayak in freshwater.Overall I think this reel is great for anyone who wants to try using a casting reel.It's very user friendly and seems to be more solidly built than reels I've paid 3 times the price.UPDATE : I took the reel out on a party boat the other day.I thought I'd give it a try to see how it felt with a live fish on the other end.I ended up sticking with it all day, catching some nice seabass.The reel performed flawlessly.The drag was perfect for the type of fishing I was doing, and easily and conveniently adjustable whenever I'd end up hooking two fish at once & needed a little extra lifting power.This reel is awesome.

Just received this reel. Gritty out of the box, so tore it down and oiled. Much smoother with sufficient lubrication. Has the 1-10 magnetic control on the left side as expected (this is a right hand reel). Haven't put line on it so cannot attest to how well the magnetic control works. Purchased this reel after a Curado was stolen. Needless to say, this is not a Curado, Revo, Millionaire or any of the big brands, but the price point is much less than the big guys. This reel fits in my medium sized hand very comfortably which would allow holding the reel while retrieving a cast. Problem with the reel is that grasping the reel, cradling it in my hand, on a popping rod, no line, the frame tends to collapse around the spool effecting the retrieve. The handle becomes difficult to turn and pressure is obvious. Can't say what will happen with the retrieve when a large fish in on, but assume the issue has come up and Fiscifan addressed it.There is little information about the reel on amazon or on the Piscifan website. Unfortunately the reel doesn't come with much additional information.