Review Of Pinnacle Primmus Xi Hs Hand-Tuned 2024
WdyCrankbait reply :
Hey everyone,
I was loaned a Pnnacle Primmus Xi-HS Hand-Tuned reel to try out and the following is my thoughts/opinions review I wanted to share.
Quick Bio on the reel
weight = 5.9oz
11 bearings, 10 + 1 roller bearing
six-pin cent. brake
10# @ 120 yards is the line rating
For the people that really dont feel like reading all of this, here is my brief subnopsis. Great little reel! Really, not much, if anything wrong with it, or I did not like about it. About the size of a Shimano Curado 50E reel, feels very solid, I know it has the potential to cast a mile, but doing this review a nasty cold front is moving through VA and the winds are gusting! Get curious about these reels.
Ok, longer review time. First, let me emphasize what reels I have to compare this to, Lew's Tournament Lite SS, and Shimano Curado 50E. (I have many others, but I am restricting my comparison to those two because of similar qualities, size, weight, applications.) Second, I have to state my Lew's is my baby so, in real terms, that will be the yardstick. The Lew's is lighter, casts further then the 50E so, with the Pinnacle seeming to be more direct competition considering the specs and size. Both Lew's and Pinnacle are under 6.0 ounces. The 50E is about 6.9 ounces and from my initial tests, both Lew's and Pinnacle will outcast it, and also gives me more accuracy casting.
I am going to try and keep this review to comparison of attributes of the reels and not really performance based (unless the difference is drastic and something I notice immediately). I feel because I have had the 50E and Lew's for awhile, naturally I can get more performance out of it vs. fishing a new reel in 10-20 mph wind with gusts to 30 mph.
For my field testing, I fished with a Yamamoto Flappin hog with a 3/16 oz bullet weight, KVD 1.5, and weightless 5" senko. We all have KVD 1.5s, and use weightless senkos. The rod used is a Powell Endurance 723, Medium-heavy.
Ok, now for the meat and potatoes, the Pinnacle does feel very solid in my hands! Certainly more then my Lew's (and I love my Lew's) and actually just as solid, if not more then a 50E. (Yes, I know that is blasphemy to some Shimano people.) Compared to the Lew's, the Pinnacle definitely gives me more confidence to use the reel with the feel of it. My Lew's has the new C45 side plate material. Yes, it does make the light, I am sure it allows for that hollow feel, and echoing sound in the reel when using it. (But, no problems with the Lew's to date, owned it since mid-September and caught a 4.5lb on it, and hooked and lost another big fish. I think it is a new attribute to reels that use this type of material to get used to.) The Pinnacle definitely has more torque when reeling in a KVD 1.5 squarebill, I have to work harder when using the Lew's (ugh, my poor beloved Lew's). I believe that has to do with the handle length (will be addressed later). Both Lew's and Pinnacle reels have a clicking drag and tension knob. The Pinnacle is an INCREDIBLY smooth reel. The handle is very well connected to the reel. No play in the handle, forward and back, or in and out. (and this reel has been used by someone that fishes a lot.) Casting was great with the Pinnacle, but limited, with all the wind blowing, gusting, it made it a little difficult to get confident with a new reel, open up the reel and really let her shine. Personally, I think this reel has great potential in casting distance. When I did get backlashes do to a gust of wind, the spool over ran quite easily which tells me the spool is very free, and distance is there in the reel.
Let me address some things I really like about the Pinnacle. First, the handle, for me it is a great length! My Lew's handle just feels too short to me (picture below), like I'm pedaling in too low a gear up a mountain. Also, the tension knob seems to have a good amount of input to the reel/casting. The Lew's has that quality and I like reels with centrifugal brakes that have tension knobs that have a good envelope of performance. A 1/2 turn on the Pinacle knob changes noticeably the casting. I like that fine tuning precision, it gives me confidence the reel can provide the performance I want. Also, the thumb bar on the Pinnacle is slanted down a little, which ergonomically does wonders for me. The reason I say that is my Lew's thumbar is always fouling with my thumb on the spool when I engage the reel. I rest my thumb on the spool, and because I have big hands, my thumb rests on the depressed thumb bar as well. So, when I engaged the spool, my thumb usually fights it.
Next, the weight, at 5.9 oz., yeah to me that is a big selling point. I have a connective tissue disorder which is leading to early arthritis in my hands so, that is why I am buying lighter reels, and starting to sell off my Curado E series.). Little ergo things like that go a long way for me. It makes it comfortable for me to fish, and therefore I will use it more.
I really did not find much I did not like about this reel. People might not like the gun metal gray on the racecar red. Personally, colors do not affect me too much. I have a family of Curado E sereis reels, dark green sitting on Powell Endurance, neon purple and black rods. It really does not get much uglier as a combo then that.
Some things that will hinder this reel. The price point, ($224.99; source TW @ the time of writing this) with all the competition in the price range from $175-$250 (I choose that price range for two reasons, one to include the Curado I, it is a proven reel that everyone is somewhat familiar with, two, the $250 to allow for a 10% off sale somewhere that will drop a $250 reel down to $225.) There are a lot of other, "sexier looking," new reels that are grabbing fishermen's eyes, and the less mentioned name Pinnacle. It is a name that, well I dont see a lot on here mentioned. Ok, another minor thing or two. Now for the real nit picking, I would like to have this reel in a 7+ speed as well, and for all you south paws out there, guess what? You will have to learn to fish with your right hand reeling, or by-pass this reel.
So, I am not going to say buy this reel, I feel if I say that, this review will turn into an infomerical, but I would say definitely look at this reel if in the market at this price range. Personally, to me, I think this would be a fantastic smallmouth reel, squarebill reel, heavier shakey head reel, etc. I am sure it will handle bigger baits, but at the time of me writing of this, I am on a smallie kick! (Trying to get a casting set up for that.)
I hope this was worth your time,
Wdy
a1712 reply :
Nice write up. Thanks, Brian.
A-Jay reply :
Nice Job
How does it compare to your best or favorite Quantum reel ?
A-Jay
WdyCrankbait reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 5:24 AM, A-Jay said:Nice Job
How does it compare to your best or favorite Quantum reel ?
A-Jay
Hahah, I see someone pays attention to my posts on here, and I guess when you saw $250, you thought Quantum.
The EXO 100PT, that is the one. Quantum fits my bigger hands, more reel on my palm and I love the longer handle on it, I think there is more power in the Quantum personally, plus, the Quantum casts incredibly far, too far, outside my hook setting range. But, distance is not everything and I did have a harder time being accurate with lures. I want to be accurate vs. have another 15 feet, or more on my cast.
Having the Pinnacle and using it during this cold front coming in, it is difficult to guess and speculating would be it. I believe the reel can really cast far. Smaller, lighter reels in my past have given me both distance and good accuracy.
I have a gift card to TW that will let me get the Quantum, but I have not gotten it. I set a $200 ceiling on reels for myself. One to consider costs, and two, if I can not buy a reel for $200 or less that will last me something is wrong. So, honestly, I think the Quantum is a great reel, but not worth that $$ to me. But, if they go on close out, yeah I will be lurking.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 5:58 AM, WdyCrankbait said:Hahah, I see someone pays attention to my posts on here, and I guess when you saw $250, you thought Quantum.
The EXO 100PT, that is the one. Quantum fits my bigger hands, more reel on my palm and I love the longer handle on it, I think there is more power in the Quantum personally, plus, the Quantum casts incredibly far, too far, outside my hook setting range. But, distance is not everything and I did have a harder time being accurate with lures. I want to be accurate vs. have another 15 feet, or more on my cast.
Having the Pinnacle and using it during this cold front coming in, it is difficult to guess and speculating would be it. I believe the reel can really cast far. Smaller, lighter reels in my past have given me both distance and good accuracy.
I have a gift card to TW that will let me get the Quantum, but I have not gotten it. I set a $200 ceiling on reels for myself. One to consider costs, and two, if I can not buy a reel for $200 or less that will last me something is wrong. So, honestly, I think the Quantum is a great reel, but not worth that $$ to me. But, if they go on close out, yeah I will be lurking.
Yes I do pay attention,
Besides there are only like 5 other humans on this entire site that admit to and apparently are pleased with their Quantum tackle so we have to stick together.
Thanks for the review and the supplemental information.
I reviewed some Pinnacle gear myself this summer and had a similar experience.
I 'm sending you a pm - check it.
A-Jay
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
I like Pinnacle and Quantum.
Now if they both could get more placement in actual stores to get hands on item. Quantum has a little bit of presence but Pinnacle has zero.
WdyCrankbait reply :
yes, Pinnacle should have more placement in fishing stores. That would help get them recognized a lot more, they make a good reel!
aavery2 reply :
I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of.
TorqueConverter reply :
Who's the OEM behind Pinnacle? Lews are Doyos and Pinnacles are ______.
aavery2 reply :
I have heard that they are associated with Silstar.
J Francho reply :
Pinnacle and Silstar are one in the same and are OEM as well as private label manufacturers.
Very nice review! I have a Prinmus as well. It's on a 7-3 H/F DHC7 rod that I use for frogging. The thing has been outstanding for me.
Long Mike reply :
Glenn, Keri, and we Moderators have had the great opportunity of evaluating Pinnacle rods and reels for the last year or so. Not only has Pinnacle dug themselves out of their hole, they have erected a beacon for craftsmanship and quality. I'm sure that I speak for the rest of the BassResource staff when I highly recommend that anyone considering a new rod or baitcaster should take a good, hard, look at Pinnacle's new line of products. Yes, Pinnacle is a sponsor, but none of us will endorse any product unless we truly believe in it, and we believe that Pinnacle has reached the pinnacle (pun intended) when it comes to their baitcasters and rods.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 11:49 AM, Long Mike said:Not only has Pinnacle dug themselves out of their hole, they have erected a beacon for craftsmanship and quality.
I have a question since you have been able to test them yourself, what does hand tuned mean, what exactly are they hand tuning?
Oh, and how many do you own?
kickerfish1 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 10:04 AM, aavery2 said:I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of.
This would echo my thoughts though I cant speak of their newer offerings from the last few years. The spinning reel I did buy back in the late 90s was one that soured me. Would probably try one of the new offerings eventually but it would have to be a situation where I was test driving one of someone elses...
Long Mike reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 11:54 AM, aavery2 said:I have a question since you have been able to test them yourself, what does hand tuned mean, what exactly are they hand tuning?
Oh, and how many do you own?
Good question. I have two of their baitcasters and one of their spinning reels. One of the baitcasters is the one mentioned above, and the other is the new one that retails for less than $100. I'm too lazy, and it's too cold for me to go into the garage to get the modle numbers. To be honest I have no idea of what Pinnacle's definition of hand-tuned really means, but for me the baitcasters seemed to be ready to go, right out of the box. The drag and brakes were pre-set, and needed very little adjusment. Go to the Home page and look for the equipment reviews. You will find all of our reviews of the Pinnacle gear.
aavery2 reply :
Glad you enjoy the reels, hope they serve you well. I'm sure R.W. will be along soon enough to post a link to the reviews, he rarely misses an opportunity.
Long Mike reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 12:42 PM, aavery2 said:Glad you enjoy the reels, hope they serve you well. I'm sure R.W. will be along soon enough to post a link to the reviews, he rarely misses an opportunity.
Since you don't feel like finding it yourself, here's the link
http://www.bassresource.com/tackle-reviews/
TorqueConverter reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 10:04 AM, aavery2 said:I think Pinnacle dug a deep hole years back that is going to take a lot of doing to get out of.
Hey, I liked that hole. Those old junky Pinnacle reels offered drilled whiffle type spools, titanium nitride coated level winds AND centrifugal braking. I couldn't get half of that on Quantum for more money.
J Francho reply :
From what I can tell, hand tuning involves a multi point inspection and a proper lube set up. The hand tuned reels look like a reel I cleaned and serviced, not the usual grease slobbered all over and bearings over oiled. I have five reels, three are hand tuned. Of course, I've had every one of them broken down and personally inspected everything. The parts are quality, better than some big name brands oft cited here as favorites. Bullet proof construction seems to Bettie calling card of late. Take a look at my break down of a Primmus and a sub $100 reel side by side. Pretty interesting.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 12:35 PM, Long Mike said:Good question. I have two of their baitcasters and one of their spinning reels. One of the baitcasters is the one mentioned above, and the other is the new one that retails for less than $100. I'm too lazy, and it's too cold for me to go into the garage to get the modle numbers. To be honest I have no idea of what Pinnacle's definition of hand-tuned really means, but for me the baitcasters seemed to be ready to go, right out of the box. The drag and brakes were pre-set, and needed very little adjusment. Go to the Home page and look for the equipment reviews. You will find all of our reviews of the Pinnacle gear.
Top anglers looking to squeeze every last drop of performance out of their gear will appreciate our top-of-the-line Optimus XiHS Hand Tuned baitcaster. We individually hand tune each reel, putting it through a rigorous 8-step manual program covering every major system inside and out, to ensure it comes pre-calibrated for optimum casting, braking, retrieving and drag performance. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to start with the best materials and craftsmanship available, including our rugged X-Bone™ frame, all-Duralumin spool and drive train, quality double-shielded bearings, and super-tough carbon fiber handle and star drag. The NEW Optimus XiHS Hand Tuned baitcaster. Optimum performance, left out of the box.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:02 PM, J Francho said:From what I can tell, hand tuning involves a multi point inspection and a proper lube set up. The hand tuned reels look like a reel I cleaned and serviced, not the usual grease slobbered all over and bearings over oiled. I have five reels, three are hand tuned. Of course, I've had every one of them broken down and personally inspected everything. The parts are quality, better than some big name brands oft cited here as favorites. Bullet proof construction seems to Bettie calling card of late. Take a look at my break down of a Primmus and a sub $100 reel side by side. Pretty interesting.
I respect your opinion enough that if I ever have the chance I will try one, but I can't see myself spending money on one before hand.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:00 PM, TorqueConverter said:Hey, I liked that hole. Those old junky Pinnacle reels offered drilled whiffle type spools, titanium nitride coated level winds AND centrifugal braking. I couldn't get half of that on Quantum for more money.
I see a theme starting to develop here.
J Francho reply :
In short, the Primmus palms like an Alphas type reel, casts like a 50e, and feels like a TD-X reeling in.
They've sort of won me over. Wish they had some lefties.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:19 PM, J Francho said:In short, the Primmus palms like an Alphas type reel, casts like a 50e, and feels like a TD-X reeling in.
They've sort of won me over. Wish they had some lefties.
Be honest with me, would you have ever put out the 200 -250 to try one on your own based on what you know of Pinnacle's past?
Long Mike reply :
I can't speak for John, but I will say "no I wouldn't have." Having used their gear, I can now say that Pinnacle offers some of the best there is. I can only hope that their marketing campaign can keep up with the quality of their reels. So far, it hasn't.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:45 PM, Long Mike said:I can't speak for John, but I will say "no I wouldn't have." Having used their gear, I can now say that Pinnacle offers some of the best there is. I can only hope that their marketing campaign can keep up with the quality of their reels. So far, it hasn't.
Welcome to the hole
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:27 PM, aavery2 said:Be honest with me, would you have ever put out the 200 -250 to try one on your own based on what you know of Pinnacle's past?
I've only personally ever owned 1 Pinnacle reel, and it was a lower end baitcaster. I actually really liked the reel but can't remember the name of it for the life of me. I'm as leery as the next guy about trying one just from word of mouth that I'd heard from guys who may or may not have actually fished with one. You know as well as I do, however, that a fair amount of "reviews", are nothing more than someone spewing out what they heard someone else say or read online. I think I have been making a mistake in discounting their equipment as subpar just because of what I've heard others saying.
I've had the good fortune of getting to fish with and handle a lot of different reels from the $30 Shakespeare baitcasters, to the Calais DC and Steez. I value my reputation and integrity too much to try to tell anyone that the Optimus LTE I have is going to outperform those top of the line reels. At the same time, I can say it has been a joy to fish with for the time I've had it. It palms very easily, cast great, was easy to setup, and the retrieve is very smooth. It's similar in weight to comparable reels and is very easy on the eyes, not that that effects performance but it never hurts a reel to look good. There is no "geary" feeling, no grinding, no back play, it really has been a treat to fish with.
At this point the only thing in my mind that is left to be seen is the reels durability. I put a lot of miles on my reels in a season, if it can stand up to what I'm going to put it through then I will have no problem paying out of pocket for one. I honestly wish I had the money to pop for one right now since I've found them as low as $85 online. If someone was looking to step outside of the box and try a new reel I'd have no problem pointing them in the direction of a Pinnacle Optimus.
roadwarrior reply :
WdyCrankbait, great review!
I'm looking forward to a follow-up after you have fished the reel for awhile.
aavery2 reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 2:43 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I've only personally ever owned 1 Pinnacle reel, and it was a lower end baitcaster. I actually really liked the reel but can't remember the name of it for the life of me. I'm as leery as the next guy about trying one just from word of mouth that I'd heard from guys who may or may not have actually fished with one. You know as well as I do, however, that a fair amount of "reviews", are nothing more than someone spewing out what they heard someone else say or read online. I think I have been making a mistake in discounting their equipment as subpar just because of what I've heard others saying.
I've had the good fortune of getting to fish with and handle a lot of different reels from the $30 Shakespeare baitcasters, to the Calais DC and Steez. I value my reputation and integrity too much to try to tell anyone that the Optimus LTE I have is going to outperform those top of the line reels. At the same time, I can say it has been a joy to fish with for the time I've had it. It palms very easily, cast great, was easy to setup, and the retrieve is very smooth. It's similar in weight to comparable reels and is very easy on the eyes, not that that effects performance but it never hurts a reel to look good. There is no "geary" feeling, no grinding, no back play, it really has been a treat to fish with.
At this point the only thing in my mind that is left to be seen is the reels durability. I put a lot of miles on my reels in a season, if it can stand up to what I'm going to put it through then I will have no problem paying out of pocket for one. I honestly wish I had the money to pop for one right now since I've found them as low as $85 online. If someone was looking to step outside of the box and try a new reel I'd have no problem pointing them in the direction of a Pinnacle Optimus.
Blue, thanks for information, I respect your opinion. I did see in another post that you had ordered a Curado I, what made you decide on it over purchasing a PInnacle?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/9/2015 at 12:25 AM, aavery2 said:Blue, thanks for information, I respect your opinion. I did see in another post that you had ordered a Curado I, what made you decide on it over purchasing a PInnacle?
I ordered it a couple months before I got my Pinnacle from the shop owner that carries my baits. He's just starting to carry Shimano rods and reels and needed a few more things to get some kind of bulk discount so he offered to sell me any Shimano reel for $20 over his cost. I couldn't pass up a NIB Curado IHG for under $150. I'm still waiting on that reel too unfortunately.
aavery2 reply :
Cool, kind of too good of a deal to pass up.
J Francho reply :
aavery, I haven't paid MSRP for a reel since the early 90s, save for a Stradic CI4 that I just "had to have right now." I generally buy used or deeply discounted. So the answer is no, which is the same answer for pretty much every other reel I own. As far as would I search out a high end Pinnacle with my terms? I would now. But I think that's the point of Pinnacle putting these reels in our hands.
As far as durability, I have a spinning reel ($100 Performa) that is three years old and an Optimus that is two years old now. Haven't really done anything other than oil the bearings and they're both holding up well. The spinner is a little heavy, but it's been a beast.
WdyCrankbait reply :
This reel did get mentioned in the latest edition of Bassmaster Magazine, page 48, little paragraph at the bottom center. So, it will get exposure from this for sure.
1/11/2015
I checked and the article starts on 48, the reel is mentioned on page 52
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:19 PM, J Francho said:In short, the Primmus palms like an Alphas type reel, casts like a 50e, and feels like a TD-X reeling in.
They've sort of won me over. Wish they had some lefties.
Nice analogy since I also have all 3 of those reels which gives me a good idea of the Primmus' handling qualities. Yes, it definitely is too bad they don't have any lefties. Although I have decided to pretty much stick with LH reels when they are near my financial limit, I am not adverse to using a right hand reel that isn't. I actually like being able to switch on occasion. I definitely see a cheaper Pinnacle in my future. 
roadwarrior reply :
On 1/11/2015 at 10:38 AM, WdyCrankbait said:This reel did get mentioned in the latest edition of Bassmaster Magazine, page 48, little paragraph at the bottom center. So, it will get exposure from this for sure.
That's great!
Glenn reply :
FYI... There is a Primmus left-handed reel available for 2015.
Jeff H reply :
On 1/8/2015 at 1:06 PM, aavery2 said:I respect your opinion enough that if I ever have the chance I will try one, but I can't see myself spending money on one before hand.
You will get to try the Producer after I do. I'll gladly send mine to you to fish with after I use it for a bit. Sound good?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 11:38 AM, Jeff H said:You will get to try the Producer after I do. I'll gladly send mine to you to fish with after I use it for a bit. Sound good?
Nice offer Jeff. You da man!
aavery2 reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 11:38 AM, Jeff H said:You will get to try the Producer after I do. I'll gladly send mine to you to fish with after I use it for a bit. Sound good?
It is a very generous offer and certainly appreciated. I sent you a PM to discuss this a little further.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 9:54 AM, Glenn said:FYI... There is a Primmus left-handed reel available for 2015.
Hey, Glenn, where can I find this reel? Only LH Primmus I can find is the Shoreline model which is definitely not the same Primmus as this thread is talking about.
I wound up buying a Primmus Xi HS and took it to Florida last February. Love this reel. Of the 5 baitcast reels I took with me, this is the only reel that didn't need any fine tuning once I got there. As a matter of fact, I haven't touched the brakes since initially setting them with 3 on. I didn't even touch the spool tension knob. Tension is set pretty loose. All others including a set-and-forget Curado 201E7 required some adjusting of either the brakes and/or spool tension as I was fishing from the front of a 14' dinghy and thus had to shorten my casting stroke so I wouldn't land my brother-in-law. This resulted in some jerky casts which...as we all know...often results in over-runs and the occasional backlash. Never once had a problem with the Primmus.
As Wdycranbait figured, this reel casts quite a distance. I sometimes had a 3/8 oz. Yo-zuri 3DB Popper on and this lure cast like a bullet.
new2BC4bass reply :
Old thread. Hey, WdyCrankbait I took my Primmus to Florida again this year. Don't know wind speed, but it was fairly stiff. I was casting straight into it with a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait with Colorado blade. Only once did I have to lift the rod to remove a couple loose coils. Was standing at the boat ramp so I couldn't change casting direction more than a few degrees. Reel continues to impress me. A $225 reel is something normally not in my budget, but I got the last two for $104. (First wasn't much more than that.) It was a no brainer at that price.
Still waiting for a left hand model and faster gearing although to be honest a new reel isn't something I see in my future. Already have too many. Too bad Pinnacle isn't more popular. Would't trade or sell mine.
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