Product Review - The new Eagle Claw Inline Ice Reel

A few weeks back a new reel popped up on the market. Rumor had it; it was a lightweight Multiplier reel, Was low cost, and limited. Limited meaning each store that got them had 6. By the time I heard about it the local store was out. I was bummed but put out the word amongst the many Iceheads I hang out with or talk to that I wanted to get my hands on one. The next day I got word that Eagle claw was clearing out units without box’s at half off retail. Again, they only had three hundred so time was crucial. I didn’t get around to calling till the next morning, the conversation went as follows….
Rep: Thanks for calling Eagle Claw, How can I help you?
Me: I need a few of those inline ice reels
Rep: let me look and see if there is any left.
5 Minutes later-
Rep: I have two, no more, no less
Me: I’ll take em!

Fast forward a few days I open the door to find my new Shiny reels in the mailbox. First impression was that It was a well put together reel compared to other eagle claw stuff. Step two was to change the retrieve over to how I reel. I looked in the bag, no instructions. I had known from previous reels that there had to be a one way bearing in the reel.  I set out to find it starting on the outside of the reel and working my way in. Within 5 minutes I was able to have them both reversed, Super simple. More later…..
Now onto the review.

Let’s start with the Pros –

Large rubber handles
•   This is great for guys who wear gloves, or guys with cold hands. Not necessarily hard to grab small handles with cold hands but
larger is better.
•   Also a double handle like most baitcasters.

2.6:1 Retrieve rate
•   This is most likely the #1 reason most people sought out to get this reel.
•   This feature aids in fishing deep water for gamefish, but also aids in the ability to stop jig spin.

Free Spool
•   Awesome feature that gives the angler the option to let a jig drop down the hole without having to peel line off by hand.
•   Simple to use, just push button in and line goes out, No flipping a bail open
•   Adjustable for light and heavy jigs

Cons

Weight
•   Although light weight the reel is balanced off center and tends to pull the line to one side where it will pile on the spool.
•   Feels “weird” in the hand, almost like the rod wants to twist
Feeling in hand
•   The way the spool is set up when pencil gripping the spool side of the reel rubs on the heal of your hand when reeling.
•   Might be better if the spool wasn’t ribbed on the edge, this would allow the spool to glide across the skin much like a normal fly reel does.

Drag
•   Not easy to set
•   Takes extra pressure to get the drag to work
•   Not a wide adjustment range

Reel foot length
•   Could be longer for the best feel

Conclusion:
If one is looking for a low price solution to the normal 1:1 retrieve ratio, this reel may be it. No real info has been provided on whether or not they will have more next year, or even later this year.

To change the reel from right to left or vise versa one must take these steps

1. Remove free spool knob and spring
2. Remove retaining screw and retaining plate from reel handle
3. Remove reel handle nut
4. Remove drag knob and two spring washers
5. Remove bearing and one way bearing, turn one way bearing 180 degrees
6. Replace, and re assemble.