Overview
Delivering the performance, strength and comfort needed for Elite level fishing, the Ardent Apex Grande Casting Reels were designed with the help of Elite Series pros, including Fred Roumbanis, Cliff Crochet and John Murray, among others. Anchored by a lightweight, high strength aluminum frame, the Apex Grande is loaded with thirteen ball bearings (12+1) for top-level smoothness and functioning.
An advanced dual braking system, consisting of a 6-pin, internally adjustable centrifugal system plus an externally adjustable 270-degree magnetic system, deliver complete cast control for a wide variety of lures and fishing conditions. The deep V6061 T6 machined aluminum spool offers increased line capacity and reduced weight, and a carbon fiber, swept back, extra long handle delivers serious winding leverage. Also equipped with a blazing fast 7.3:1 gear ratio, the Ardent Apex Grande Casting Reels have what it takes to handle big fish and serious competition.
-High Strength Aluminum frame
-6061 T6 Machined Aluminum Spool
-Extra Long Carbon Fiber Swept Handle
-EVA Knobs
-Dual Braking System
-12+1 Ball Bearing
-Swept Back Forged Aluminum Star Drag
Previous Feedback
Comments: The Ardent Apex Grand has become one of my favorite all around Reels. I use it for flipping & pitching, cranking, throwing spinnerbaits and chatterbaits, and swimbaits. It's extremely light and durable and if you ever have an issue Ardent has incredible customer service. I highly recommend this Reel, you won't be disappointed.
From: Mark: Oak Ridge, NJ 11/14/20
Comments: This reel completes your fishing arsenal. It is a very good reel and catches anything. I have caught monster small mouth on this reel and it even managed to pull in a 35 pound catfish. Drag is smooth and casts like a dream. It is expensive but don't worry about breaking it because of the 3-year warranty on the reel. It sits perfectly on normal casting rods and can cast those light lures and has n problem casting an umbrella rig. I have also used it to catch saltwater fish like red drum and have caught big stripes on it. It is THE lightest reel that I have ever picked up to and the colors fit perfectly on any rod. Can't go wrong with this reel. Hope you pick the right one.
From: Unknown: Maryland 09/29/20
Comments: I absolutely love these reels!! I have started switching out all my Shimanos for these. They cast like a dream wether it be a weightless fluke or a 3/4 oz jig. I had one come in with the tensioner knob messed up, called Ardent and they had one shipped to me within 20 min with a return label for the broken one. There customer service is just as good as their reels you won't regret your purchase!
From: Christopher: 9/20/18
Comments: Bought two of these reels one wasn't working correctly out of the box and made lots of noise and wouldn't stop backlashing. My second one only lasted about 6 months before it was doing the same thing and eventually I couldn't hardly cast with it. Never been more disappointed in the overall quality of a reel in my life.
From: Unknown: Canada 1/7/18
Comments: I can't say enough about these Ardent reels the cast like a dream and are so smooth. They have the power to crank in the heaviest of fish and I'm casting farther than I ever have. The warranty is an industry first 3 years. And they mean three years! I have sold all my other reels and have nothing but Ardent. I really can rule the water!
From: John: Sallisaw, OK 12/30/17
Comments: ordered the Apex Elite and had trouble with it, bad squeal on the retrieve drove me crazy but i couldn't get it to stop no matter how much i oiled it. Called Ardent and they offered me credit towards a new reel...figured i may as well try their flagship and ordered the grand...had very low expectations. have used it for a season and i must admit...just a really nice baitcaster...everything you could ask for..decent weight, smooth, good drag, good braking system.....if your considering an Ardent spend the extra money and get the grand
From: Unknown - Pennsylvania 12/3/17
Comments: I use this reel for large mouths and strippers and hybrids the drag is super smooth and it will cast a lipless bait ten miles, smooth on the retrieve as well. It's also sexy as hell I haven't had any problems yet and if last the rest of the summer problem free I'll be buying more
From: Wyatt: Emory, Texas 6/12/17
Comments: After a year of using these I have had to send both back to ardent for repair. Drag slips and casting mechanism problems. It seems that 200 days on the water was too much for the Grand. Good luck.
From: Unknown USA 4/10/17
Comments: Light, smooth, looks amazing and casts a mile. I don't like how tight the spool tensioner knob is though.
From: Keep It Bent 4/7/17
Comments: This is one of the best reels that I have ever owned. When I first got it, I couldn't cast it without a backlash. But after I adjusted the brakes just one setting, I can throw it across the lake. I have also done a lot of flipping, pitching & skipping with this reel & it has performed flawlessly. Great reel! Will be adding more to my arsenal when i can afford to buy some more!
From: Brian: Austin, TX 3/24/16
Comments: This is my go to flippin Reel! I use it with heavy braid & a punch rod, lock the crank the drag down & hang on. I've put it through it's paces & got some huge fish to the boat with it & it's never let me down!
From: Jay: Delta, CA 5/8/15