We ran across a newer company last year that is producing rods and reels in the upper end of the value segment.
Favorite Fishing has a fairly expansive list of skews in both categories but the one that we’re going to focus on today is the Phantom Spinning Reel.
Let’s start by saying that as of this writing, these reels are only available on their website, but tacklewarehouse has begun to stock some of their rods. We’ve also seen a display of their products at Cabelas for those who are within range of one of their stores and would like to get a first hand look at them.
We obtained the PTM2000 spinning reel for our review process. This has 8 bearings + 1 roller bearing, 5.2:1 gear ratio, titanium nitride covered anti-twist line roller and spool lip, stainless steel main shaft, machined metal handle and an EVA knob all for $99.99 retail.
The paint scheme on the Phantom is a clean mixture of red, blue and chrome that comes off well without appearing over done even though the red and blue are on the brighter side of the spectrum.
The line capacity is 6 lb – 260 yds, 10 lb – 175 yds. This reel holds a lot of line bordering on too much for its size depending on your preference. If your intention is to use this for finesse techniques then you should consider a smaller capacity size.
We’ve been fishing with the Phantom for several months now and seem to have found its sweet spot which is less for finesse techniques and more for those applications that require a little heavier line.
For instance, small top-water baits, square-billed crankbaits, some unweighted soft plastics as well as some that are best used with lighter weights. For these lure categories 10lb monofilament works well without overpowering the baits.
In our testing, this reel has performed above average for its price point. It is smooth on the retrieve, casts predictably, handles fish well with a capable drag and doesn’t feel as though it is overtaxed during the fight. We haven’t caught anything over 5 pounds with it yet but those fish that have been close haven’t stressed the reel beyond its abilities.
All of the components are good quality with the fit and finish being impressive for the cost. The bail functions without a hitch, engages easily by hand, which is a habit we got into a long time ago and the knob is comfortable without being abrasive on the hand. If you’re in the habit of cranking on the handle to flip the bail, it handles with an assuring click that doesn’t leave the angler wondering whether or not it’s completely in place.
This reel loads your line smoothly thanks to a bearing supported line roller as well as lays the line on the spool fairly evenly. The interior of the spool is straight as opposed to angled so which can result in a small bulge of line at the top of the spool but nothing that severely impacts the functionality of the reel.
Unfortunately, the actual weight of the Phantom is around 9.1 ounces which is on the heavy side for a reel of this size in today’s world. This can lead to a bit of fatigue over the course of the day when you’re using baits that require input from the angler to impart action.
It can also feel as though you’re using an unbalanced rig due to supporting the weight of the reel with your off hand. We found that we had to make small adjustments in the way we were presenting our baits due to this factor. No, it wasn’t catastrophic by any means but is something to be aware of.
All spinning reels are subject to vibration from the oscillation of spool. Typically, the faster turn the handle, the more of this you will feel. This reel does a good job of minimizing that through the use of the materials in the spool versus the materials used in the frame and gearing. It is noticeable but not obnoxious no matter the speed of your retrieve.
Overall, the Phantom is a capable reel that does have a sweet spot in terms of the applications that it is best suited for due mainly to its weight and large line capacity. For its price point, it is smooth casting and reeling, has a smooth drag system with components that seem to be built to last.
| Favorite Fishing's Phantom Spinning Reel | |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating |    |
| A capable tool | |
See ya’ on the water …
