13 Fishing's Swimbait Reel - The Concept A3

[@Bottt7-j4u]

Bit late to the party here, but i have to say, hats off because that is an excellent review of the product. Every question answered in my book. Keep up the good work👍

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks so much! Glad the video was of value to you in learning about the reel.

[@davidbrookes9424]

I've had my A3 for just over 4 months now and love it.

[@seangoff9578]

I love how your reviews are so objective and you state your opinions as opinions and not facts. Clear speaking, and you don't over explain any subjects. Thanks!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks so much Sean. I'm happy you found the review helpful and you liked my style/format. Its funny, because so many people want me to do reviews, but like 5 minutes long. I like to cover the big stuff, and the little stuff as I never know what a prospective buyer might be looking for or find important. Hence the long reviews. But, I'm with you in that I try not to over explain things....the videos are just long because many times there is a lot to cover. Thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment, have a happy new year, and tight lines.

[@philipdelhagenphilip9786]

I watched your video . I was so impressed that I went and purchased the same reel . Everything you said is right on. Myself I couldn’t be happier with it . Thanks for the video . I hope you keep them coming.

[@AM-we6en]

The first 2 seconds…. Lol fire 🔥! The stare down the path to success is second 2 none! Yes yes yes!

[@sidepot]

I did buy it and I chose it over the established brands which I have owned. This reek is quality and I love being a part of a company that’s building a quality brand. I will take this reel everywhere. From the farm pond, to lakes, to the bay, and to the ocean. This reel rocks! Thanks for the review. You do a great job with detail and your production value is awesome.

[@kidfabulous4729]

I tend to over research an item before I buy it, & I had my eye on this exact real for over a year now...well before I saw this video. But after being able to compare it to all of the other competitors at fleet farm, & watching this video, I finally decided on this exact one. I was on the fence on gear ratio, but decided on the 6.3:1 and it worked great for top raiders (you just have to reel a little faster) but what I like is that when I use a crank bait that has a bit more drag, the slightly slower ratio really shows it’s true benefit. I know that some people back their line with mono, or put on even high weight & fancier brands, but I also decided on “65lb sufix 832 braid”. About 85% of a 150yard spool fits perfectly, and this line is almost half the price as power pro, and stronger. I also wanted to share a useful piece of info, the pole. I have this on an 8ft medium-heavy that can throw 1-4oz baits. I think the reel looks great on anything between 7.5ft - 8.5” long. Btw, why don’t they make that Shimano Curado 300 anymore, that looks like a really cool reel too. Collector someday, if not already. Thanks again for the great video & info. I am really enjoying the musky & large fishing community. 💪🔥

[@dragomitar693]

Hello from Ireland 🇮🇪 , I’m buy the A3 , 8.1:1 , first impression perfect, now put line braid 70 lb and can’t wait testing for big Pike , I’m fan Daiwa but the 13 A3 looks perfect strong 💪, thank you 🙏🏻 for the video perfect education

[@victorxavier9977]

Carl my man happy to see you posting a new video! I hope all is well and that you will be posting more frequently. Great review!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Sup Bro?! Thanks a lot. All is very well, just busy. This one took a while, I really collected a ton of B-roll over the months. I plan to put out others much quicker....not quite as thorough or as much extra footage.

[@user-hl1ul9zg1c]

Thank you, ill buy one now! Standing in a canoe .... very impressive 👏

[@krispyk.1786]

I don’t know if my friends are gonna see this- but this reel is going on clearance at my local shop for sub 150 (truth be told I get an employee bonus discount) but I’m extremely excited to soon get my hands on this as it would be FIRST low profile musky reel

[@shawnn1087]

Carl, glad ur back with new and exciting videos to give us reviews on. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us 💥🎣💥.

[@nikolaidedk]

Thanks for the great review! Always a pleasure. Greetings from Berlin!

[@nikolaiunterwegs]

Die Berliner 🤓

[@REKLUSE53]

I always wanted a baitcaster, Just ordered an A3 tonight after a lot of reading, these seem to be an awesome reel, trouble free, great casting and very smooth.

[@8.21productions9]

wait. as your first baitcaster you ordered a swimbait reel? can I ask why? if you’re unfamiliar with using a baitcaster, getting a swimbait reel isn’t really a good idea. you’ve got way more line you’ll have to deal with when you get a backlash. if you wanted a concept a, you should’ve gotten the 100 size. not the 300 size.

[@REKLUSE53]

@@8.21productions9 Good catch! My bad, mine is just the concept A reel. The A3 is quite a bit larger, mine is very tiny. Same idea in quality, works great.

[@8.21productions9]

@@REKLUSE53 yeah, I feel it. i’ve got the original concept a, and I just ordered the gen2 a3. I expect nothing but quality from it, as i’ve had my original concept a for a few years now and i’ve beat the shit out of it and it’s been tough as nails and caught a lot of big fish with no issues. only thing I don’t like is the gear ratio. my concept a is the 8.1.1, while my a3 is the 5.1.1.

[@TackleAdvisors]

There ya go!!!! That's what I'm talking about......Glad to see ya back!!!

[@justinhernandez8092]

That A3 is legit one of my favorite reels

[@hillbillytarzan]

I have the Z3 and I love it better than any Shimano or Diawa swimbait reel I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few.

[@gbody_eastbay7419]

Great all around reel from salt to fresh water very smooth and durable best bang for your buck i 100 percent recommend this reel comes with a nice torque handle I use mostly

[@dtrn750]

Great review. I saw an A3 at the tackle shop and the owner didn’t know much about it just said it’s corrosion resistant. So I didn’t buy. But after seeing this video I’m heading back tomorrow 👍🏽

[@yakoobjunior9631]

Nice to see you back buddy. Great review on this bad boy 13 Fishing A3. You've convinced me to get one 👍

[@toddbarney9927]

I have one on the way that I was on special for $99. I am excited to try it out and really appreciate your in-depth review.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Wow, you found a great deal! Your welcome Todd, glad you found the video helpful.

[@justinfetty2176]

I found the same deal, that’s why I’m here lol

[@kevindeuschle3413]

Awesome review as always. Nice to see another name in the hat as far as quality reels go. I fish exclusively in the salt and in a commercial environment so putting the hurt on gear comes with the job. Keep doing what you're doing I've enjoyed your content for at least a couple years now.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Kevin....thanks a lot man! I would love to hear YOUR review of the reel if you happen to get one. I'm always curious as to how well 'saltwater rated' reels really hold up in those environments.

[@ftkiefel]

Thanks for your review. have two of those reels and performed a trick shop on one of them. I have been very happy with my purchases. They are as good as the Concept A in my opinion.

[@excel_spreadcheeks]

He's back!!!! Finally!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

I'll BE BACK!......again! haha

[@weouchhere9338]

Hey man I'm happy your posting again, your videos are awesome. Keep up, and good luck fishing!

[@jimboslice1655]

Welcome back brotha. We've been waiting for ya.

[@christopherpettersen2359]

Great detailed review. Been looking to put together a good swimbait rod and reel system this season. Definitely gave me something to think about. Glad to see your still on the water and making vidoes.

[@noahhill2701]

OH MY LORD the only fishing KZbinr that pronounced centrifical right you eared a subscriber 👍

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Ha ha....I knew paying attention in English was gonna pay off one day!

[@noahhill2701]

KeepinItReelFishing I'm a mechanic and use the word centrifical a lot referring to clutches and such and everytime I hear someone say ( SENTRI FUGAL) it bugs the hell outta me 😂😂 keep up the awesome vids

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Yup. I feel your pain brotha. One of those words that its becoming the norm to say the wrong way.

[@jorgesanjines2302]

Once againg very good review.thank you I do like that reel actually, I bought it.

[@mcaetano2000]

Nice to see a new video from you! Make a new swimbait series! I LOVE swimbait fishing for trophy bass, or fishing for trophy bass with jigs, 7" senkos, big worms...

[@Narrahd]

I love 13 fishing ❤

[@angleratlarge6787]

Your back! Great to see that.

[@benzerzanek5837]

Great to see more vids from you! I can't wait to see the video on the mattlures strong gill. I saw you post on Badlands, sorry for your loss bud. I lost my first deps 175 on my tenth cast. Hope you find it! if you haven't already! Keep up the great videos!

[@khalification87]

Absolutely outstanding review! Subbed specifically because of this video. Will refer to your reviews all the time now. Thank you!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks Alex! Glad you liked it and appreciate the comment man.

[@Jmf_tattoo]

Really awesome review man. Always super thorough and in depth. 👍🏼 loved it

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks so much James. Between your review and mine I think people can really get a great idea of whether this reel suits their needs. I'm just realizing I totally forgot to talk about gear ratios! Oh-well....I'm glad you covered it.

[@bigkahunainbama8184]

nice to see you back!

[@kylepaine9752]

Hey bro another great video. By the way finally got the mattlures hardgill in the slow sink version. All I got to say is wow it is amazing! Thanks for talking me into buying it a video or two ago. It's truly a piece of art.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Kyle. Awesome man! I'm glad you got one. I try not to be a salesman for any product, but some things are just so amazing I really recommend them to people. I was just fishing the new, yet to be released Magnum Strong Gill last night (its a Hardgill.....on steroids!). Matt's gills are almost always on one of my rods the entire year and I'm happy when other people can experience them and see how they are not only beautiful, but extremely effective.

[@kylepaine9752]

KeepinItReelFishing wow that's awesome. I can't wait for the strong shad and the new magnum hardgill to be released. By this point I'm gonna buy anything that man puts on the market lol

[@dacongj]

Great review. Very informative. Thank you! I picked one up today.

[@tomweaver4908]

Thank you for your quick response, I'll take a hard look at it.

[@TeamRippnLipz1]

Curado 300 was released in 2008? That’s pretty incredible to say it matches up to a 2017 with close to well kinda similar price points for there times.. The 13 Fishing reel does look nice. Great review

[@methods1977]

Thanks for the review. I was curious about this company

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

what is amazing to me the new reel coming out next year you can already buy the bearings it has for almost any reel on market now

[@trevorsinclair9967]

12lb test is a pretty standard size that many people use for fishing so i think that they use 12lb as a reference for how much fishing line it can hold bc pretty much everybody has seen and used 12lb test therefore having an idea for the diameter in which they can use as a reference point for bigger diameter lines

[@kevinGvue]

awesome reel review! "keepin reel" and keep the vids coming!

[@weouchhere9338]

Yah man your back! Digging it!

[@josephkoziol5421]

Thanks for the insights on this reel.

[@ExecutiveEDC]

So far I've bought sportspal canoe and 13 fishing A3 ha! Great channel

[@TackleAdvisors]

I'm very intrigued by your comment about it being smaller than the citrix. I'm curious if it's slimmed down in the sideplate due to it not having the non dsg. As it's definitely born in the same factory as okuma using many of the same lego parts

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey man....I've seen your videos and I know you have a great working knowledge of a lot of reel nuance. I had read a few threads over on TackleTour a while back where people were trying to determine the manufacturer of 13 reels. I seem to recall the 'evidence' showed that the reel was made by a larger, wholesale manufacturer....but that 13 was unique in that their was not a 'catalog' reel. Instead they created and owned the tooling, but capitalized on the existing manufacturing of whoever this larger manufacturer was. I can see that it would make sense for some pieces to be off-the-shelf and not worth designing brand new. I haven't dug that deep, but I'm wondering can you tell me what parts are the 'smoking guns' and if you know any particulars about 13 and their manufacturing?

[@TackleAdvisors]

Thanks man! I was hoping to see you post up some new content. Not many of us out there put the time in that it takes to do full in depth gear reviews with real information. Looking at the images on their site. And comparing them to the citrix reels and komodo reels I had aparte. The handle side of the frame and all it's contents looks remarkably similar to the citrix. The spool and brake looks similar as well. Seeing how many saltwater companies tried to say they had their own "tooling" and weren't clones.....and the crazy amounts of research that went into disproving that. I'm surprised nobody really did any true digging with 13. One company even went as far as taking video in a machine shop to show he and his friend turning parts (ancient mariner...google "spyron Alexakis stripers online" for a good read...... Between 4 threads I think I had to edit or hide 40 posts for threatening bodily harm then ultimately banned him....Alan Hawk did a number on a few cloners....Yet in the fw bass world it doesn't seem to get much attention. MY plate is pretty full. But I plan on picking up a 13 and okuma and trying to play musical parts out of sheer curiosity. I've only owned 1 13 product so I haven't mentioned anything other than the similaritites to Okuma. And it may be a bad example as it may be a defect Creed K. But I will be including them in some of my future reviews. Where about in NJ are you...I'm up in Bridgewater?

[@jamessmith-bf2bx]

Tackle Advisors v

[@HHCustomBaits]

Excellent review loaded with helpful information.

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Thanks Corey....glad you found it helpful.

[@rudygarcia127]

Waiting on my 13a...got a great price on all my concepts!

[@bcm1892]

Great review, I like your honesty

[@Tracks777]

Keep it up!

[@CaptainShane]

Fantastic unbiased review! I thank you. Your newest subscriber😉

[@Tracks777]

I enjoyed your video :) Keep it up!

[@alexfrench4558]

Good to see another video

[@michaelwiza]

Amazing review. Nice work!

[@Michaelb2127]

Awesome video

[@logicalrationalfishing7481]

Good video, everyone who is an equipment enthusiast should be watching your channel. I have been fishing hard 3 years, and with an engineer in family and my own careering leaning that way, I've never heard you say something that isn't spot on. Would like to know what rod and lure weights you were throwing/using for comparisons though. Also like to see the opposite of this and go to the finesse end of baitcasting. I recently bought a new Zillion SV TW and am amazed. Some say 13's higher end reels cast light, would love to see them match up to the cheaper Tatula SV or even the Chronarch MGL... Thanks for the always great content...

[@toddbloxham6041]

Nice job Carl!

[@hammerrough4204]

Love 13 reels quality for a great price

[@JeanAmaya]

Hi.. Got 2 questions... its the same weight of the brand new Concept A3 Gen 2 ???... and... which is the rod recomended for this reel? (casting all day long)....

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey....got 2 answers for ya. Weight looks to be nearly identical at 10.3 for the Gen 2 vs 10.5 for Gen 1. Regarding the second question, I would strongly advise you choose your rod based on the primary lures you plan to use with it. Because this is a 300 size reel (large-ish), people typically use a heavier rod. But, whether a rod rated for 1/2oz to 3oz or one rated from 3oz to 8oz is entirely dependent on the lures you plan to use regularly. Also, I know it may seem odd, but don't feel the need use a rod and reel from the same manufacturer. If you find a good rod, at a good price from another brand its a smarter move to get that then use a 13 Fishing Rod that maybe isn't the best match for what you are doing. If 13 happens to make the right rod for what you are doing, than thats great too.

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

4:58 is the best. Nice cat! (fish)

[@jongkang1614]

Awesome vid with excellent information! Just subbed

[@lonestarswimbait9068]

very informative. and I myself wouldn't pick it over shimano, well because they just last and like you said we are still yet to put some years on anything 13. thanks and hope you found that mag gill 😟

[@sergiovillagomez4229]

apexx bassin I’ve got 3 years behind my 13 Concept A still as smooth as the day I got it. Awesome reel. I love mine.

[@drumandball]

Looks sick. I'll probably save the money and get the Abu Garcia toro though.

[@Rascallucci]

Long time no see. LOL. Great review as usual! Just a couple of points if I may. I do agree it is smaller than the Okuma Komodo SS, but having said that the A3 also has a smaller line capacity. No deal breaker there. Other than that, I am not entirely sure what the Japanese Hamai Gears actually mean? Well, the reel is made in Korea, unless they are saying they are using the same machines as the Japanese to cut the gears perhaps? Personally, I do have a Tailwalk Elan Wide Power Plus which as you know is probably made in the same factory in Korea, that is why I have my doubts that it really casts that well. My experience with the Tailwalk is that it casts OK, but definitely not to the level of the Shimanos and Daiwas which could well be attributed to the moving levelwind during casting? At $240 it is not cheap, I think prior to the launch of the Shimano Tranx 300/301, most people including myself would have given the A3 a try too. But, from what I have heard, the Shimano Tranx 300/301 is supposed to cast better than any other heavy drag high line capacity low profiles out there right now. Just my two cents.

[@hamsandwhich3378]

Would you buy this over the tranx 300? I noticed the new a3s have a little different looks

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Ham - I have no experience with the newer Tranx series, so.....no idea. Yes, I saw they restyled the new ones a bit too. Realistically either the 13 Fishing or Shimano will serve you just fine.

[@jbambulo]

They say this is rated for 30+lbs drag, but when i fully apply the drag, i can pull the drag with my hand. Seems similar to my smaller reels with less drag. Is this reel really rated at 30lbs of drag?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hmm. While I never did it, if I put on gloves and pulled a plastic line (mono, copoly, or fluoro) I think most of us could pull line on a locked out 30lb drag if we really tried. Having said that, I'm guessing you feel that you can pull it out easier than expected. In that case the possibilities are the drag is over lubricated and/or defective is some way. I have both the A3 and Z3 and both of mine are darn tight. So, perhaps something on your particular reel.

[@dlewisfl]

Good review ... would like to see/hear something about how it handles when you have a big fish hooked. Also, those hooks on your shirt look real lol

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Me too Dan! Unfortunately even though I was chuckin some of my biggest lures with this rig, I never got into a real big fish. Strangely I have gotten only modest size fish on my giant Deps 250 (which it what I have been using on this set-up like 80% of the time)

[@stevetucker7230]

A really good review...

[@pappasqually9140]

I thought the trebles on your hoodie were real 🤣

[@hzh8793]

Green eyes cool

[@MardukFIN]

I have same reel. It's very nice. I like it more than Komodo or Prorex 300.

[@raymosworld_8062]

I love them.

[@garretthall2651]

great video! can you also make a video on the LDC swimbait rod?

[@richgoyke9335]

GREAT REVIEW!

[@johansonp7]

I think what would be the difference is how it performs in salt water conditions.

[@davidsoden493]

Great review. Got all the points across which I had questions myself about this. You are spot on closing out on saying that we should be questioning the usefulness of the reel for daily fishing needs rather than brand comparisons, which is easily done. Penn, Daiwa, Shimano, 13 Fishing, who cares once it gets the job done. Anyway, I am looking to get this (Concept A3) for inshore and sea kayak, the extra drag is making it attractive but six months later from this review would you still recommend personally? Would be pairing on a 6 - 7 foot (12-20lb) rod. Thanks for the videos too and have subscribed and enjoyed many of your videos. Cheers Dave

[@christiancolabelli]

Hey man! It's so inspiring to watch your videos also being a serious bass angler from NJ. I just discovered your channel two weeks ago and I'm going through every video. I've been bass fishing for most of my life and I'm where you were in 2015: trying to seriously devote myself to swimbaiting. I noticed you're using a White Label Lowdowncustoms XH in this vid. I'm trying to narrow down my next rod purchase and LDC is on my radar. What are your thoughts? I hope you see this and really appreciate your insight! Anyways thanks a million for all the info and unbiased reviews. cheers!

[@gtb2710]

Great Review

[@gorewhore1000]

Does anyone have problems with the drag? It's almost non existent until it gets used a little. Everytime even after cleaning the grease out of the drag

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

i have a lot of wrist action i snap the rod to get them extra long cast

[@randyprovost8426]

Update video? 5 years later?

[@KarolKrasickiKK]

will you do a one year later video on this ?

[@judgetoogood1033]

I have a Shimano Scorpion MD oh 8.3 to 1 from Japan. Cost me 200 dollars from Japan, the yen is way dow, almost half price. Have you tested this reel.

[@ryanpruef6405]

Hey Carl, is there any possibility of doing a swimbait review of the Jackall Gantia 180? Looks like a great lure but there's no informative videos on it. Just wondering your take on it. Thanks man appreciate it, hope all is well.

[@redfishross]

My A3 is less than a year old and the drag nut stripped out , so when you try and tighten the drag it just spins and never tightens. Also bought the Z reel by 13 fishing and it has slop in the handle and is noisy. I’m done with this company.

[@vire559]

So it use Dial Centrifugal brake instead Pinion Centrifugal brake like Shimano.

[@RyanMcIntyre]

Are we just not going to talk about the sound cutting out for almost 5 minutes?

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

man i have thrown some backlashes with this reel when i first got it trying to throw it with no brake lmao

[@tomweaver4908]

Very good review. I know you are using it for freshwater fishing. Is it, in your opinion, a bit overkill for northern pike? What species do you target with it? This reel was highly recommended to me by everyone. Thank you!

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hi Tom - I think its right in line with what you want if your targeting pike. I use it on bass, but I don't use it because I need it for the fish, its because I need the big spool for when I use 25lb test, which in turn I need/like to use on my 5oz+ lures. I think most pike anglers are probably using a 300 size reel, but in reality I never heard of a pike actually "breaking" a smaller 200 size reel.

[@piotrpaprot625]

What is that rod man? Looks good. I'm trying to get some decent baitcaster rod for heavy swimbaits. Any recommendations? Reel looks good! Is the level wind syncronized in that reel?

[@tokiwartooth2661]

Best reviews

[@jackofalltrades5904]

So after all these years how is the concept a3 holding up for you?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Sorry for the delay. Actually, I haven't fished it since the end of 2019. I have a slew of reels and each year I cycle some in and out as I feel like using them. However, through the 2017, 2018, and 2019 years I experienced no issues and it performs super smooth.

[@jackofalltrades5904]

@@KeepinItReelFishing yeah it's fine, I decided to grab the gen 2 of the concept a3,it a good reel so far.i wasn't sure if you would still be using the reel with how many videos of reels you post.lol..but if you are interested in selling your concept a3 or any other reel I will take it buy them off you.im not left handed but my son lost 3 fingers and is a lefty now, no biggie if you don't want to get rid of anything just figured I'd ask.

[@mychalboose5470]

I love this reel, but for the life of me can't decide between it and the shimano Calcutta 400B. Any weight or thought on that compare?

[@jeisonhansson]

Anyone that can say if this reel is better than the Shimamo tranx 300?

[@raziel5280]

Hello, how feel your reel now?

[@KeepinItReelFishing]

Hey Joaquin - no change....still feels the same. Works fine and feels smooth. Its a good one.

[@angeldlamuerte5840]

Daiwa coastal vs 13 fishing a3 ?

[@Larseyful]

Nice and honest review! How much does the spool weighs? My lexa 300 and tatula hd 200 starts to wear out, so im looking at this reel or the tranx 300 as a replacement...

[@golforfishing]

Larsey Olsen, it's been 10 months since you commented, so what did you end up getting as a replacement? I also have a Lexa 300, how would I know it's wearing out? Are you just talking about the noise and grinding feel?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

FOR ME IN SALTWATER, the game ended with the first Daiwa Ryoga. IN MY OPINION, nothing can compare. Shimano started the icons, with icons meaning. for feature recognition. Looks to be their entry into the shimano tranx, - daiwa lexa shelf space. they can rate all they want for saltwater, lowpro reels are just high maintenance in saltwater, and 30 pounds of drag.......dont believe it!!