In the last two years I’ve tried over 100 different casting reels. Each reel is unique in its own way, but few stand out after trying so many. One that made a lasting impression with me is the Trika TI100 casting reel. It felt lighter and more sturdy in my hand than most reels, immediately catching my attention. Since then I’ve used this reel on numerous fishing trips, and I’m excited to share my findings with you all. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its features, performance, and overall build quality to see if it lives up to the hype and holds up on the water.
Trika TI100 Build
Like I stated previously, this reel feels exceptionally light yet sturdy in your hand. This is because the frame is CNC machined out of robust 6061 billet aluminum, allowing the reel to only weigh 5.5 ounces while maintaining sturdy construction. This reel comes in a 7:1 gear ratio and features 12 pounds of silky-smooth drag. I’ve used both heavy fluorocarbon and braid on my TI100; holding up to 100 yards of 30-pound-test braid.
Another really cool feature on the Trika TI100 Casting reel is the ABEC 7 full ceramic spool bearings. Not only do these bearings provide smooth, consistent casting, but they’re designed to be run dry, requiring zero added lubrication. This means your reels are going to last significantly longer with little to no maintenance required. They also provide a faster start to your cast than steel bearings, perfect for short accurate casts.
Specs
- Retrieve: Right and left
- Gear Ratio: 7:1
- Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 5.5 ounces
- Bearings: 10 + 1 + 2
- Line Capacity: 10/100 mono / 30/100 braid (pound-test in yards)
Personal Experience with the TI100 Casting Reel
I’ve been using the Trika TI100 casting reel for the last several months, and so far it has been rock solid. Most reels I use start out strong, however they slowly fall apart with age. This is especially true for reels used in heavy duty applications such as frogging, flipping or pitching. This is primarily what I’ve used my Trika TI100 for since I purchased it, and there are zero signs of damage or wear.
Given the TI100’s sturdy construction, I prefer to use this reel for heavy cover techniques. Skipping around docks and shallow laydowns has quickly become one of my favorite applications with this specific reel. The slightly smaller spool paired with the 45-point micro-adjust cast control system makes this reel a true weapon around shallow cover. I’ve been super consistent with my close quarters casting since I started using the TI100, and I largely attribute that to the reel’s ceramic bearings and bulletproof construction.
TI100 Performance
This reel is built to stand up against multiple years of hard use, hence the slightly higher price tag. Retailing for $320, this reel has everything you’d come to expect and more out of a high dollar reel. This reel is capable of both power fishing and finesse applications, and it truly became a workhorse reel in my fishing arsenal. I’ve caught just as many fish flipping on the TI100 as I have throwing a jerkbait, which really shows the versatility this reel has to offer.
I know that $320 dollars sounds like a lot for a casting reel, however compared to other reels in its class it’s pretty dang affordable. Not only is this reel more affordable than the competition, but they offer a one-year unconditional money-back guarantee from the date of purchase. So if you decide you’re unsatisfied for any reason, Trika will refund you the full purchase price no questions asked.
Final Thoughts
I’ve been a fan of Trika rods for a while now, and I can safely say their new TI100 reels are just as good. Both the Trika rods and reels are packed with innovative, fish catching features other brands simply don’t have. Features such as ceramic ball bearings and a CNC aluminum frame are what set this reel apart. I really appreciate the time and attention to detail Trika puts into their products, and I’m confident you will as well. If you’re looking for a uniquely durable reel that can withstand years of heavy abuse, I highly recommend giving the Trika TI100 casting reel a try.
