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I don't know how many of you have had a chance to try Garcia's new Torno reel, but as soon as I get some hours on the one just sent, I will be giving all of you a report.

This is a 6 ball bearing, low profile unit, with a 6.3:1 gear ratio. As a bit of a change to the Garcia line, there is a magnetic adjustment.

I've spooled the reel with 12 pound test Iron Silk, and on a few casts in the backyard it seems like it is going to be a dandy. Of course, the true test will be time on the water.

Already it looks like it has the same long distance casting ability of the old Garcia Ultra Cast, but again, I'll have to get out on the water, as I don't want to send a practice cast through the neighbor's window. Not a good idea to set the hook on your neighbor while he is watching TV, or setting down for a bite to eat in the kitchen.

Will be letting you know the results, and if anyone else has had a chance to try a Torno let us know.
Dan

Dan, just got the Torno. It is the best feeling reel I've ever held, fits just perfectly in the palm of my hand, very comfortable. I have it spooled with 15# Maxima Chameleon line. It certainly is a smooth reel and as you said casts great. I would put it up against some of the more expensive reels we've discussed on Bassin'. It's going to be my new crankbait reel. Of course, as you know, all my reels are crankbait reels. We'll try them out together soon. Johnnie

Johnnie,
Sounds great. Look forward to getting out, but that fast retrieve may burn up those crankbaits - knock the wiggle out of them. I was going to use it for spinnerbaits, but slow rolling would be a creeping of the handles on this baby. Anyway, will be giving them a try, and letting everyone know how we do.
Dan

This is an update on the Torno reel.

After using it for a few weeks I love it. The thing has performed great in all respects. I'll post further updates as the months go by.
Dan

I am glad to see that you two found a great reel. With so many to chose from on the market, it confuse the heck out of people. I know when I switched over to a new company this year, I had to put in hours of homework to figure out which ones would best suit my needs. I went with Shimano but, a friend of mine was telling me about the garcia reels and he said they are excellent reels.

JT Bagwell

JT,
Your friend was correct about the Garcia reels. In my 30 years in this business I've used a lot of different reels, and have been on several staffs. Some have been good and others not so good. Anyway, the "stand by" line of Garcias have been my best work horse. This is the round type (C4, C3, Ultra Cast, Royal Express, etc.), but now I'm thinking this new Torno series could be standing with these others. However, the price will hold a few people back.

At this time I'm using the one Torno, 5 C4s, and one Ultra Cast. I've also got one of Garcia's new spinning reels on a 6'6" medium/light action rod for smaller lures, and it has been working nicely.

Shimano has been good too, although I haven't used any for several years. I was on the staff back in the days of the Brush Buster, Speed Master, and Bantam.
Dan