Kil JM reel testing?

[jig42na]

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Hey kil did you get a chance to test out the JM reel down in Panama? You guys had some some bottom fish that would have been perfect for getting a feel of the reel.
Let us know if there were any good BX2 testing as well.
'Thanks

[kilsong]

Originally Posted by jig42na

Hey kil did you get a chance to test out the JM reel down in Panama? You guys had some some bottom fish that would have been perfect for getting a feel of the reel.
Let us know if there were any good BX2 testing as well.
'Thanks

I used Jigging Master PE4 jigging reels for the whole trip. The size is very similar to Avet SX, but JM reel have 27 lbs max drag and it doesn't show binding problems as you experience with Avet SX or other small lever drag reels.
I fought 5 minutes with a marlin on the reel when a marlin took a small fish which was caught on a jig. The marlin took over 200 yard of line on 18 - 20 lbs drag. When the marlin stoppped to run, I thought I could land the marlin with the reel, but unfortunately the leader line got cut by the bill of the marlin.
I don't think there is any reel in its class for the strength and max power except Everol 6/12. I am going to test the reel more extensively for tuna. I feel I can land any tuna under 100 lbs with the small reel. However the future of the reel is after service as I have no clear idea how to provide after service for the reels.

I didn't have any chance to test BX2 600 though.

[jig42na]

Kil
It looks like they made some changes on the PE4 reel already. It doesn't look like major changes but some minor tweaking. I can't wait to see them and to see what other sizes they come out with.

[ChrisW_]

I spent 5 days at the 3 Kings in March with the AG guys using the PE4 and PE5 reels. I echo what Kil has stated, these reels are the BOMB! Buttery smooth with real drag power, the PE5 is going to be a killer!

The PE4 will soon be styled same as the PE5. There will also be a color range available and they'll be hard to get!

[kilsong]

Originally Posted by jig42na

Kil
It looks like they made some changes on the PE4 reel already. It doesn't look like major changes but some minor tweaking. I can't wait to see them and to see what other sizes they come out with.

Yes. JM PE4 will have longer handle as PE5.
However, I feel the existing bullet shaped handle and length of handle are perfect for tiny PE4 reel.
I compared JM PE4 reel with Blue Heaven L50 reel as they are very similar in many aspects.

Blue Heaven L50 has line capacity of PE6/280m, PE5/350m, PE4/400m. I could spool about 270 - 280 yards of PE5 on JM PE4.
L50's stated max drag is 22 lbs, but it can get more than 22 lbs max drag with tolerable binding as JM PE4 does when I check drags of both reels. I don't think any other lever drag reel in same size has such a high max drag with excellent free spool and tolerable binding as both reels do.
The listed weight of LT50 is 17.5 oz and JM PE4 weighs about 19 oz. But it looks LT50 is heavier.
I feel more comfortable with JM PE4's shorter handle length and bullet shaped handle than LT50's longer handle and round knob handle though LT50's handle looks more stylish and fancy.

I used PE4 reel for cod fishing in NH a few days ago and I fished fluke with PE4 yesterday. The ultimate test of PE4 reel is when I fight a big tuna ove 100 lbs next month.
With 300 yards of Varivas Avani ( 78 lbs of breaking point) on the reel, I have pretty good chance to land 100 plus lbs bluefin with the reel as I can utilize 22- 24 lbs drag on the reel. I love to see how this tiny reel can handle heat and pressure generated by powerful run by a big tuna. if PE4 can handle the pressure and heat, I am sure the reel can be a big hit among jig fishermen as this reel will be the first reel you can use from flounder to tuna.
I am pretty impressed with gradually increased dag curve of PE4 and excellent free spool even on high drag despite of the size of the reel.

[Taz575]

Where can I see the PE5 version??

[kilsong]

Originally Posted by Taz575

Where can I see the PE5 version??

I should get them by September.

[markc]

those things look awesome, what kind of price tag is on them?

[kilsong]

I couldn't go tilefishing today due to unexpected work.
After finishing work, I played with my JM PE4 reel and installed JM Power Handle LT61 and it fit perfectly without any modification. I am going to catch 100 plus bluefin with the reel sooner or later.



Meanwhile, JM introduced new JM PE4 II which has different handle design and it take another month to get them.

[Sea Draggin]

How do they compare to alutecnos 12c? I tried the 12C for the whole weekend during the jigging competition. So far, it is the nicest, smoothest reel I have ever used.....for anything. There is no comparison between the 12c and my beloved Saltigas.