Brutalade TR series of spin reels is an enduring brand favourite that is best compared to a work use utes, Japanese of-course — tough as, take ’em anywhere, mistreat them, and yet they kept coming back for more. The new ones are a whole lot prettier, with increased creature comforts for improved fishing performance, but at the heart remain a gutsy, no-nonsense reel.

 

Heading the list of features is Core Protect and Hagana Gear The former sees a larger zinc alloy drive gear and a double bearing supported pinion gear increase performance under load, while the latter means sealing gaskets have been placed in locations where water could otherwise enter the reel body, delivering a water resistant barrier for the harshest fishing conditions.

 

Depending on the reel model, the Cross Carbon drag can be cranked up from 14 to 21 kilos, which is precisely what hard-core bluewater anglers want when fishing braided super lines. The machined aluminium handle and the 10+1 bearings making winding effortless — even under heavy load. Accurate distance casting, even with big, bulky lures and baits, is achievable thanks to the Air Spool lip design of the restless aluminium spool, which also helps prevents wind knots from forming and ensures the line leaves the spool in smaller loops with less guide slap.