Onto that chunkier feeling (thaN the previous model) drag system – the best thing is that it’s ‘louder’ as in it’ll ‘scream like a banshee’ when called upon to do so something that again, will no doubt put a smile on my face, and that of anyone else considering buying this fantastic lure ‘spinning’ reel. To be fair, you would expect this considering it only weights 213g but what I’m saying is that it doesn’t feel cumbersome or too heavy for the rod(s).įrom a cast and retrieve perspective, the bail arm + line roller mechanism feels very robust, the braid peels off the spool very well indeed and importantly the line lay is what you’d expect it to be – excellent.Īs previously mentioned, the actual reel handle is very nice and alongside the line retrieve ratio, what you’ve got is a piece of kit that feels effortlessly efficient and well put together – and the more I looked at it, the more I started to get used to the orange on grey colour scheme not that it really matters… I’ve used the RZT on three separate lure rods – my Major Craft Skyroad, Slash Lamya Thief and Daiwa Arity (which is slightly shorter than the previous two) and found that it balances extremely well on all of them. With a bit of backing (6lb mono) attached, followed by a whole 200m spool of Varivas Super 8PE, the initial problem of having more line at the top of the spool was easily remedied (by adding one of the washers provided) and soon enough perfect line lay was established and we were in business. It’s probably just me, but once you reach the stage where the spindle is wound in far enough to engage with the inner gearing, the silky smooth rotation puts a grin on my face – you want to go lure fishing with it immediately. Something else that I love about these high end Mitchell spinning reels is the very mechanical, yet sophisticated ‘screw in’ reel handle. Moreover, my Extreme 500 weighs in at an astonishingly low 179g therefore, I was expecting this larger reel to feel considerably heavier – but, I was very happy to discover the RZT 2000 to feel light, but with a definite air of quality about it. The drag system feels a lot more advanced, the handle is larger and gives the reel a more ‘exclusive’ feel. It’s not quite as good looking as the previous model however, two things immediately stand-out once you start to physically handle the reel. Experience and previous use of Cormoran, Okuma, ABU and Shimano reels and current use of a Daiwa Exceller alongside my Mitchell reels.Use of the reel in conjunction with/alongside my Mitchell Mag Pro Extreme 500s.Actual use through some harsh winter/early spring conditions.NOTE: I do not get to play around or test a multitude of expensive fishing reels therefore, this review is based on: Pick Up innovative Halo increases the robustness.
Gasket Nitrile level brake (not sure what that means I’m afraid!).Mitchell Mag Pro RZT (2000) available here I decided to buy this particular reel because I required a spare ‘set up’ for my clients, and because I know that one day, the ‘Extreme 500’ will eventually decide its had enough of being dropped, knocked and showered in sea spray around the south Devon countryside and coastline… One of my beloved Mitchell Mag Pro Extreme 500s – still available on Ebay I have been so happy with my reels that I haven’t felt the need or requirement to purchase anything else but I do keep a very close eye on what other anglers use, and their opinions and suggestions. The only negative thing I can say about them as they are now discontinued however, the replacement model, the RZT is now available – and has been for some time apparently. Anyone who follows my Blog or Facebook pages will know I have a real affinity with the original Mitchell Mag Pro (Extreme) spinning reels – I own two in the 500 size and they have never let me down despite continual use in some pretty harsh conditions.