13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel Review

First Impressions of 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel

The 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel immediately strikes you as a meticulously crafted piece of angling equipment. 13 Fishing has built a reputation for innovative designs, and the Concept C2 appears to uphold that standard with its lightweight construction and promise of corrosion resistance. The features like the Ti-Armor aluminum drive gear and the high-spin spool system pique the interest of any serious angler.

My interest in this reel stemmed from a persistent problem: finding a baitcaster that balances lightweight feel with the power needed for battling larger freshwater species. I’ve often found myself fatigued after long days of casting with heavier reels, and the advertised weight of the Concept C2 offered a potential solution. I needed a reel that could handle both finesse presentations and the occasional heavy cover situation.

Unboxing the Concept C2 was a pleasant experience. The reel felt incredibly light in hand, far lighter than my existing baitcasters from Shimano and Abu Garcia. The white finish is striking and modern, and the overall build quality seems excellent, with tight tolerances and no noticeable play in the components.

When considering a new baitcaster, I also looked at the Daiwa Tatula CT and the Shimano SLX DC. I ultimately chose the 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel because of its focus on lightweight performance and the promise of superior corrosion resistance. The Tatula CT felt a bit bulkier, and the SLX DC, while offering advanced features like a digital control system, seemed overkill for my specific needs.

My first impression was one of cautious excitement. The reel certainly looks and feels impressive, but the true test would be on the water. I was eager to see if the Concept C2 could deliver on its promises of lightweight performance, smooth operation, and rugged durability.

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Real-World Testing: Putting 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel was on a local lake known for its largemouth bass. I paired it with a 7′ medium-heavy rod and spooled it with 12-pound fluorocarbon line. I primarily threw crankbaits and spinnerbaits to get a feel for its casting ability and retrieve smoothness.

The reel performed admirably in these conditions. Casting was effortless, and the line flowed smoothly off the spool. The low gear ratio of 5.6:1 provided ample power for retrieving crankbaits and pulling spinnerbaits through the water, and the retrieve felt surprisingly smooth for a reel in this price range.

I encountered no major issues during this initial outing. However, I did notice that the braking system required some fine-tuning to prevent backlashes, especially when casting into the wind. This was easily rectified after some experimentation.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable performer. I’ve used it in a variety of conditions, from hot summer days to cool, rainy mornings, and it has consistently delivered smooth, consistent performance. The reel’s lightweight design continues to be a major selling point, allowing me to fish comfortably for hours without fatigue.

The reel has held up well to the rigors of regular fishing. I’ve noticed only minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily some minor scratches on the frame. Maintenance has been simple, involving a quick wipe-down after each use and occasional lubrication of the moving parts.

Compared to my previous baitcasting reels, the Concept C2 offers a noticeably smoother and more refined feel. It casts further and more accurately than my older Abu Garcia models, and it is significantly lighter and more comfortable to use than my Shimano baitcasters. This reel has definitely exceeded my initial expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel

Specifications

• Manufacturer: 13 Fishing.
• Reel Type: Baitcasting. This design allows for increased power and control, particularly when using heavier lures.
• Water Type: Freshwater and Saltwater. The reel’s corrosion-resistant components make it suitable for both environments.
• Hand: Right.
• Gear Ratio: 5.6:1. The lower gear ratio provides more power for fighting fish and retrieving lures with greater resistance.
• Bearing Count: 8+1. The bearings ensure smooth and efficient operation of the reel’s moving parts.
• Max Drag: 25 lbs. This drag capacity offers plenty of stopping power for larger fish.
• Recovery: 22.2 inches per turn.
• Mono Capacity: 12lbs/110yds.
• Color: White.
• Weight: 5.82 oz. This incredibly low weight is a key factor in the reel’s appeal, reducing fatigue during long days of fishing.
• Fabric/Material: Aluminum. The aluminum frame and components provide a balance of strength and weight.
• Hi-tech cast iron carbon frame and side plate construction. This ensures a lightweight and corrosion-resistant body.
• High spin spool system. This feature allows for longer and smoother casts.
• Ti-armor aluminum hamai cut drive gear. This provides increased durability and resistance to wear.
• 25 lb bulldog drag system. This system offers smooth and consistent drag pressure for fighting fish.
• 9 bb (2 high spin corrosion resistant bb, 5 stainless bb, 1 dead stop anti-reverse).
• Arrowhead line guide. This helps to reduce friction and improve casting distance.
• Reinforced clutch cam.
• Keepr integrated hook keeper. This provides a convenient place to store your hook when not in use.
• Generation ii hard anodized worm shaft.
• Low-friction 6-way braking system. This system allows for precise control over casting and prevents backlashes.
• Beetle wing rapid access side plate. This makes it easy to access the spool for adjustments or maintenance.
• Trick shop compatible. This allows for further customization of the reel with aftermarket parts.

Performance & Functionality

The 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel excels in its primary function: casting and retrieving lures effectively. The low gear ratio is ideal for crankbaits and other lures that require a slower, more powerful retrieve. The drag system is smooth and consistent, providing ample stopping power for fighting larger fish.

One strength of this reel is its lightweight design, which significantly reduces fatigue during long days of fishing. Another strength is its corrosion resistance, which makes it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater environments. A potential weakness is that the braking system can be a bit finicky and may require some fine-tuning to prevent backlashes.

Overall, the Concept C2 meets and even exceeds my expectations for a baitcasting reel in this price range. It offers a compelling combination of lightweight performance, smooth operation, and rugged durability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Concept C2 features a sleek and modern design. The white finish is eye-catching, and the reel feels well-built and solid in hand. The lightweight aluminum frame contributes to the overall comfort of the reel, making it easy to fish with for extended periods.

The reel is reasonably user-friendly, but it may require some initial experimentation to dial in the braking system. The Beetle Wing Rapid Access Side Plate is a nice touch, making it easy to access the spool for adjustments or maintenance.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel appears to be a durable and long-lasting product. The aluminum frame and corrosion-resistant components should hold up well to the rigors of regular use.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only a quick wipe-down after each use and occasional lubrication of the moving parts.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Concept C2 comes with a standard set of features and does not include any specific accessories in the box. However, the reel is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket parts, including different handles, drag knobs, and spool upgrades. The fact that it’s “Trick Shop compatible” means that anglers can further customize the reel to their specific preferences.

Pros and Cons of 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel

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Who Should Buy 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel?

The 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel is perfect for anglers who are looking for a lightweight and reliable baitcaster for a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing applications. It is particularly well-suited for anglers who enjoy fishing with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and other lures that require a slower, more powerful retrieve. Pro anglers and weekend warriors alike can benefit from this reel’s comfortable design and reliable performance.

This product may not be ideal for anglers who primarily fish with topwater baits or other lures that require a high-speed retrieve. Additionally, anglers who are not comfortable with fine-tuning a baitcaster’s braking system may want to consider a different option.

A must-have accessory for the Concept C2 is a high-quality fishing line. Spooling the reel with a premium fluorocarbon or braid can further enhance its casting distance and sensitivity.

Conclusion on 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel

The 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel is a standout performer in its class. Its lightweight design, smooth operation, and rugged durability make it a compelling option for anglers of all skill levels. 13 Fishing has delivered a reel that not only looks great but also performs admirably on the water.

At $175.49, the Concept C2 offers excellent value for the money. While the braking system may require some initial adjustment, the overall performance and features of this reel justify its price point.

I would definitely recommend the 13 Fishing Concept C2 5.6:1 Baitcast Reel to anyone looking for a lightweight, reliable, and versatile baitcaster. If you are tired of heavy, clunky reels that leave you fatigued after a long day of fishing, then the Concept C2 is definitely worth a look. Go ahead and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.