Cadence CB5 Baitcasting Reels Lightweight Graphite Frame Fishing Reels with 8 Corrosion Resistant Bearings Baitcaster Reels Carbon Fiber Drag Baitcast Reels with 6.6:1 Gear Ratio Casting (CB5R-L66)

Update:I found a sliver of plastic inside the reel. It was located between the spool axel and the drive gears and was easily removed with a cotton swab. After that, the reel has been rock solid and no more whine when casting.This is a decent bait casting reel.The good:It has a smoother retrieve than my Abu Garcia or daiwa reels. Magnetic brake is effective and mechanical brake adjusts smoothly. If you rats nest it's your own fault. Drag is smooth and reel fits comfortable in hand.The bad:High pitched buzz when casting for distance. Not when making short casts, but when really zinging it out there it has a weird whine to it. Doesn't seem to affect performance but is rather obnoxious. Hopefully the sound smooths out with extended use and some light oil...

It took me awhile to get used to this reel - as I am a complete baitcaster beginner. But, after watching a few videos and learning how to do the required magnetic break and spool tension tweaking, this reel does the job - just fine! I spooled on some 12lb mono and put it on a 6’6” medium rod - and after a good amount of backyard practice, the bird nests started to dwindle. I have already taken it out on the water and was able to catch a good number of 1-2lb bass! I used a Texas rig, jigs and chatterbaits. The reel was smooth and I found my accuracy was better than I expected. — For the $$ this is an exceptional value! Again, I have nothing to really compare it to, since it is my first reel of this kind - but I know I didn’t spend $100+. And I know I was able to catch fish! Bottom line: This is a MORE than adequate reel for beginners. And I am sure even more experienced baitcaster fisher-folks won’t mind owning and using one too!

After learning on YouTube how to set one up. This being my first bait casting reel. I like set it a little tight till I get the hang of it. But I have not bird nested it since getting the line on tight and correctly 😎. Unlike when I rushed it to try it out and made five casts and yikes what a nest I got I had to cut it all off 😚 I like it now.

So far so good. I have it spooled with 30 lb braid, tied on a crankbaits, and landed 2 small bass in 20 mins. I've only fished on 7.1.1 or higher gear ratio reels, and this 6.4:1 may have slowed the rate of my crank just enough to see bass swim after to just miss on the bait. I'll have to see how it handles heavier LMBass and how the drag holds up on those. For the price point, the Cadence CB5 definitely outclasses any reel within the range. Also, affordability of future reels is a possiblity, giving you multiple options of lures to tie on, throw, without needing to cut off, change lures. If this reel holds up well through the season, I can see myself getting other models of cadence reels.(Update 4-11-19) this reel handled a nice 5.2 pounder with no issues with the drag or reel. I have it spooled on 30 lb braid and a 6'6" Shimano 2-piece rod. Now the only thing left, is the test of longevity.

Used it for a total of around 20 fishing trips. The drag now does nothing. It is tightened all the way and the smallest of trout pulls line out. Shame. I made sure to go the opposite way (loosening the drag) and it does nothing too. No changes are made regardless if I tighten the drag or loosen.UPDATECouple days after I wrote the review, the company contacted me that they wanted to make it right and ended up sending me a new one. I was surprised they would do that as I was a week past the return date. Regardless, I have received the new product and it functions flawlessly.

The product indicate that you can spool a 12 lb mono filament and the reel is somewhat having a hard time,tried again an 8 lb braided line the reel is having a problem . Maybe the reel is only intended to 4-6 lb lines, will wait for the replacement.,this is my first time to give a negative review on a certain product I hate to do this but this is my findings. This photo was taken after the seller replaced the first item and this is a good one no problems spooling up to 12 lb line in photo is a 10 lb mono filament , this one operates very smooth , thank you for sending a replacement .

It's tough to not be biased as this reel was to back up my other more expensive Abu Garcia baitcaster. While this one does not perform at that ones level, it is amazing for its price point. My favorite feature is the spool ejection which allows you to fix accidental bird nests super quick. It may not be a big name or high dollar reel but it is definitely a solid option.

Do not waste your money. Definitely get what you pay for. VERY LITTLE