The Apex Elite gives you superior on the water performance. Ardent’s extremely light weight high strength aluminum frame provides you the comfort and strength needed for Elite level fishing. 12+1 ball bearing produces top-level smoothness and casting distance. Featuring a deep V6061 T6 machined aluminum spool, a carbon fiber swept back handle with EVA grip knobs and externally adjustable 270 degree magnetic brake system. Available in 6.5:1 gear ratio in both right and left hand retrieve and a 7.3:1 gear ratio in right hand retreive.
One of the best reels I have ever used. Smooth, light and casts a mile. No BS!Joe Loreti
One of the lightest and longest throwing reels that I have used. Would recommend anyone to buy Apex elite
Troy
I've been using the Apex Elite for several years now and can highly recommend them to anyone needing a smooth and strong reel. Easy to maintain and hard to wear out. Try one and you will buy more.don
Absolutely one of the smoothest casting reels I've ever used. I've turned a lot of guys on to these reels , the very first time they tried mine. They are a really well built, long lasting reel. I've still got one I've had for 6 years now and still casts smooth!! Awesome reel!!!
john f causey
Good reel very impressed. Plan on buying 4 more would recommend highlyBrandon gillen
I have fished with many different reels over the years and the Apex Elite is by far my favorite reel. Smooth as silk and can launch a bait a country mile.
Jimmy
Great reel, smooth, casts well and looks great. I now have four Ardent reels and can tell you that this is a great company. Between the product value and customer service this is a company you should try.George
Great reel! Use it on my ice rods and summer rods! Smooth casting, great drag. Very light weight, durable.
Mike
These are just some of the best reels I've ever used. I have all 3 speeds. Light weight and Durable. And the Casting distance wow. I also love the price. #TeamArdent #RuleTheWater.
The Apex Elite is always my go to, when fishing the US Open as a AAA angler on Lake Mead I needed to make the longest cast possible with my swim bait in there ultra clear water, and the Apex Elite got it done.
Mark Zacher
I've been using the Elite all season and I am very happy with the performance. Solid reliability, no mechanical issues at all. Only gripe I have is the raised magnetic brake. I unintentionally move it from time to time during use. I can usually tell when it's moved by the sound of the line peeling off the reel, but when I don't I can get some backlashes. Otherwise it's flawless!!Don Allen
Very smooth reel and you can cast a mile, I use 15lb floro fishing rattle traps. I will be getting another one in 7.3:1.
Alexande
This is my favorite reel on the market, it is lighter than any reel I own and feels the best in my hand. It cast further than any shimano i’ve ever thrown and i’ve thrown a metanium dc and i’d say the elite cast further. It is an all around great reel that comes for a great price. I own two at the moment looking to order more soon.Landon.Kuckens
Very nice reel, smooth, cast well, easy to dial in. Just ordered another one!
Christopher
Great reel at a great price. These reels are light, strong, and cast a mile. I pair mine with light fluorocarbon or mono for crank baits and swim baits. The 5.3:1 left handed model is my go to for these techniques. You can't go wrong with this one.Daniel Charland
Very nice reels casted very well smooth retrieve can’t go wrong with this reel
Noah
These are awesome. Smooth, lightweight, 13 bearings, The worst part about these reels is how many I want to buy versus how many my bank account says I can. These are worth every dollar spent on them.Jeffrey Book
I absolutely love this reel. Been using it for the last 6 months and it's been amazing. It's held up to some large bass and it's casted like a dream. Cannot wait to order a few more for my other rods.
Dustin Taylor
These was my first Ardent Reels I used. And the only reels I'll use! Been fishing these reels since 2015! Have stood up through Battle after Battle! You cannot go wrong with these reels. I'm so sorry they discontinued the 5:3.1. I have 3, all for just Cranking and Chatterbaits.Christopher Russell
This is the lightest and smoothest reel I've ever used. Very easy to set up and casts like a dream. Caught lots of pike and good sized bass on it. Highly recommend !!!
Peter Reginella
One of the best reels I have ever used. I have a $700.00 Quantum and so far the Apex Elite blows it awayPete Balishin
Very sleak.. and smooth it feels very nice in your hand .. and Always rulethewater. With this one. I LOVE it
Mark perry
I just purchased 6 of these reels after using a friends. I replaced all my Abu Garcia REVOs. These reels are the most smooth and can cast a country mile. Used them in a tournament last weekend and not one issue or problem. Once you get them set up right, you will NOT get a backlash. Highly recommend any of Ardents reels.Timm Cantwell
I now have 4 of these reels. I have two for over a year with no change in the action of the reel. It is a smooth casting reel and I enjoy the retrieve especially with a Lunker on the line. I purchased 2 more this year. It is a good performing reel.
Jay Stiklickas
Jay Stiklickas
Amazing reels! Smooth as silk, cast a mile. The drag system is very stout and will stop a hawg in its tracks. Excellent brakes get it dialed in it will not back lash on you! My go to tournament reel!Dan
The 5.3:1 elite has now become my favorite cranking reel by far.
Brian Higginbotham
Great reel for the money. It's smooth and casts extremely well. I have several of these and they get worked every time out. You definitely will not be disappointed.Christopher Allen
I own two Ardent Apex Elite reels and Three of the Ardent Edge rods. They all fish great for me, but my reveiw today is for the GREAT customer service that I have ALWAYS received from these folks. You can't go wrong with their products, they have always went above and beyond to make sure I'm happy.
Thanks Ardent !!
Daryl Wideman
Instantly fell in love. Smooth and casts farther than a road trip.Mike M
Overall, for the money I'd give it 6 stars if I could. You wont be disappointed.
Incredible reels that cast a mile and are smooth as can be. Great price and great quality = great time on the water!!
Bama_bass addict
The 5:3:1 has been a great deep cranking reel for me. I also use the 6:5:1 for my chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. The Apex Elite really shines with its ability to make long casts which is essential for using reaction baits. Great reel!Taylor Rains
This reel is why I became an Ardent product fan. Smooth casting and tough as nails. The workhorse of the Ardent line!!
Kip Standley
The Apex Elite is a great reel. Very smooth and easy to cast. The external breaking system makes it easy to adjust. The handles are comfortable and the reel fits nicely in my hands. I would highly recommend this reelJared LeBlue
Awesome reel, mine just all the sudden got an awful grinding noise. Sent it back hoping for quality customer service. Would highly recommend this reel though.
Jacob Heater
Lightweight, smooth casting and reeling, and balances well on my Denny Brauer Football jig rod. It makes for a very good all around reel.Brandon Cantril
This is a awesome reel fits great in your hand and has a smooth retrieve
This reel is super smooth and fits in your hand perfectly. I love the high gear ratio for flipping or dragging on the bottom. The carbon fiber handle is awesome and you find another real with a carbon fiber handle for this priceLucas Tindall
This is my all around reel. It has the smooth 12 and 1 bearings allowing for long cast and easy retrieve.
I can Brun a spinner bait on top with the fast 7.1 to 1 are slow it down to bump a worm along the bottom. I would recommend this reel to anyone for an all around reel.
Todd Grubbs
Really excellent reels. I love these reels for their price, they are exellent performers. These reels are actually almost too light, to the point where rods feel somewhat top heavy. Definitely worth the buy!Michael J Iannuzzi
I bought three of these reels to upgrade the reels that i had been using. They are very smooth and cast effortlessly. i'll be buying more of these reels.
Received my new Elite this week. Went and fished a local night tournament tonight. I have the reel on a Denny Breuer signature rod. Absolutely AMAZING combo. This reel will cast a mile. Light, smooth and flawless. I highly recommend trying them.tracy
Been using these reels for a couple of years now, and all I can say is wow. They are well worth the money. Haven't had any issues with them and they perform flawlessly.
Dave Spence
Great reel great service and customer serviceMerle
These things will cast crankbaits for a mile with little to no effort at all. Ardent sure has made casting alot easier. Awesome reel!!!
Scott Piatt
Have been a outstanding reel for the past seasons. Durable, smooth, lightweight, and mile long casting. Another outstanding product from Ardent.Mitchell Decker
smooth, light weight and durable. could not ask for anything better! A great all around reel for any application.
pshaffer
super reels i just wish they made one in 8 to 1 ratiokenneth bucy
Awesome reel. I have begun swapping out all the reels in my box for these the Magnum, and the Grand. Casts well, smooth retrieve, durable, smooth drag, very light weight. don't know what more I could ask for.
Garrett
This is hands down one of the finest reels I have personally used. Extremely light weight and has a very small compact profile which I love. This reel casts great and is super smooth on the retrieve. I use this reel for a ton of different applications and really put it through some tough conditions and the durability is just outstanding. Combine all these qualities at the price point if this reel with the added backing if the best warranty in the business and it just can't be beat!RobY_Nepabassin
This is a great reel for bass fishing. I started using these reels in 2017 and I absolutely love them. I caught more big bass than I had even caught before I started using these reels!!!
Garrett Mckenzie