Overview
Built light and tough, the new Ardent Bolt Spinning Reel is constructed from the finest materials and available at a reasonable price. Featuring a high speed 6.0:1 gear ratio to pick up line in a hurry, it’s perfect for a wide range of spinning and finesse applications. Loaded with 10 ball bearings (9+1) as well, it delivers consistently smooth casts and retrieves, as well as, a sealed multi-stack drag system for serious fish fighting pressure.
Also equipped with an advanced 6061-T6 Double Anodized Aluminum Spool for improved casting, the spool also features Ardent’s Rotor Braid Band that allows you to easily tie braid to the spool without any line slippage. Designed with the help and input of Ardent’s pro staff, including the likes of Denny Brauer, John Murray and Pete Ponds among others, the Ardent Bolt Spinning Reels have what it takes to make the most of every presentation, bite, and hook set.
Backed by 3-year Warranty
Previous Feedback
Comments: Fished with this the past 3 years now. I've mainly used it as a finesse reel with drop shots, but I often use that rig for small texas rigs when I take out my kayak and flip into some gnarly stuff. The reel is noisy compared to many others, which doesn't bother me personally but others may not like that. The drag is reasonably smooth but I don't fish a light enough line where I really rely on the drag heavily. Compared to similarly priced pfluegers/shimanos I would say the drag is noticeably smoother when I've tested it. It is very light and the casting is very good. It is not as smooth as a pflueger or shimano out of the box but the smoothness didn't deteriorate as other reels typically do, so after 1 year of frequent use this becomes equal in my book. I haven't had any issues with this reel in the 3 years I've been fishing with it. For 80$, its a very good value and comparable to the leaders in that price range. Performs very well paired with a nice dropshot rod, not as powerful f
or pulling fish out of brush but few spinning reels are (and I've still done it, so its capable). Also, I had an issue with a different ardent reel and they sent me a free replacement part even though I was just reaching out to buy the part(likely was a user error), so the company has very good service if you do have an issue.
From: Andy - New Jersey 12/27/18
Comments: I am not sure why there are so many great reviews here on tackle warehouse praising the ardent bolt. Yes it's light. Yes it's only 80 bucks. But it just feels cheap, the drag feels sloppy, the crank feels sloppy, and everything is plastic. 80 bucks is right where you start to cross over into real fishing gear, and I'm not to sure I'd by this reel again. Over all I would give it a 5/10. I recently got a shimano Sahara (same price as the ardent bolt) and it feels wayyyy better. The drag on the Sahara is buttery smooth, and it maintains good build quality even though it's lightweight. The ardent bolt is a plastic piece of garbage, don't let people tell you, it works as well as my stradic!
From: Caden 6/25/18
Comments: This reel here, is just my finesse work horse. I have the 30 model. I wanted a big spoiled, for two reason. I throwing straight 8lb Flourocarbin line on it. So if I'm a big old big head, or fighting a muscle crazy smallmouth. That reel will not let me down. 220 yards, of 8lb line, all I need. Smooth drag, and A 6:0.1 gear ratio. You cannot go wrong with this reel.
From: Mr jig - Brooklyn, NY 5/3/18
Comments: My first Ardent reel but it won't be my last. Performs as well or better than some of the high dollar reels that I have purchased in the past. Put a 30 series on an E6X Loomis rod and could not be happier.
From: JW: JAX FL. 12/21/17
Comments: Very sturdy reel, lightweight & smooth with excellent drag & castability. I have a 2000 size matched with 9' Phenix Trifecta.
From: Randy: Huntington Beach, CA 11/2/15
Comments: I used to be a die hard Shimano fan until I started using Ardent reels. I use the bolt on my fluke rod and this reel is awesome. It's by far the smoothest and lightest spinning reel I own and I'll put it against my old ci4 Stradic any day of the week and then some!
From: Neil: Hephzibah, GA 4/14/15
Comments: first off this reel is inexpensive. Second, in comparison to other reels double the price, it out performs greatly. The reel weighs next to nothing. The smoothness & castability of this reel is on point. I currently own two of the 2000 series. I have them paired with denali kovert rods. The best spinning combo I've owned To date.
From: Wes: Minot, ND 4/9/15
Comments: I Love my Ardent Bolt spinning reel! The design is cool and it is light weight and dependable. It operates so smooth you would've thought it costs twice as much! Great reel!
From: Joe: Three Rivers, MI 4/9/15