ICAST 2012 Preview: Reels

Tomorrow, the ICAST 2012 show will officially kick off in Orlando, Florida.

We will be covering all the action of the show live from the floor, but until that coverage begins tomorrow morning, we will give you some previews of what to expect.

First, let’s start by looking at reels.

Understand first, that we will not see a great deal of new technologies or massive upgrades in the reel department. What we will see is existing designs being upgraded and re-worked, largely making the effort to reduce the weight of the reels.

Let’s run down a few of the larger manufactures and what we know for sure we will see from them.

Quantum

Quantum will be debuting the new Energy reel. This is exciting for two reasons.

First, it will have a dual braking system. This is certainly not new technology—but it is new for Quantum as they do not employ this type of breaking system in any other reel in their line.

Secondly, the new energy will also have a “retro” fitting—a return to the flippin’ switch. Anyone who has ever used one of these has to be pretty excited about this!

Quantum will also be showing off the EXO PT series with a left-hand retrieve and larger spool capacities.

Shimano

The Curado and Calais series will largely be getting face lifts.

That’s all we really know at this point, but we will be sure to visit the Shimano booth to find out what’s really going on!

Abu Garcia

Abu Garcia is really doing some work this year.

They have been hard at work completely redesigning the Revo series of reels. This is going to be much more than just a face lift—they are really overhauling the line.

The new reels are lower profile, and look very different. We will have more coming soon on these.

Wave Spin

Wave will be showing off their smooth drag system that is explained as being three times stronger than normal spinning reels, for a price point that falls between $45 and $98.

They will be exhibiting six total reel models this year at ICAST—all guaranteed to be tangle free.

Castalia Outdoors

Castalia will be showing off a new design for 2013, the Magic Flight Spinning Reel.

While we don’t have a ton of information on these just yet, we do know one thing—they are visually striking. Take a look at the picture below to see for yourself.

Castalia Outdoors magic flight spinning reel

Of course, there will be much more to report during and after the show.

Stay tuned for more previews, and be sure to check back with us very often tomorrow for our live posts from the convention center floor.