In all the years I have done this fishing gig, I have never said the word “best” in a review, but I can’t say that any longer. The Handing M1 is the best value I have found in baitcasting reels to date. At $49.99 it’s not only light at 7.3 ounces, but it also provides power and a smooth casting platform that has a great drag-system setting range that makes it great for both pitching and casting.
The 17.3-pound drag system has plenty of power to wrench big fish out of heavy cover, but also, after a lot of use since last fall, it’s every bit as efficient as the day I took it out of the box. There’s no grabbing, and with 10 levels of drag setting, it can be adjusted to any individual taste.
Combined with a double guide shaft and a tapered line guide, this reel is still as smooth as a baby’s behind. Accuracy is at the forefront with this style of line guide, and it is quiet as a church mouse, even with braided line. The whole package is durable, powerful, and slick-looking, too.
The reel looks like it’s still new, and because it features a number of anti-corrosion protective coatings, it stands up well to some harsh environments extremely well, like rain, dust, and vegetation crud. Although not intended for saltwater applications, the M1 was tested under strict, harsh testing, exposing it to a 72-hour trial in salt spray, and it stood up to it.
This reel features a brass pinion gear for ruggedness, triple carbon fiber drag washers, CNC Aluminum Spool to make it lighter, double-shielded stainless steel bearings, and a graphite frame, again, for weight reduction.
The worm gear is solid and smooth, and the tension knob reacts well when adjusted. The handle matches up well with the low-profile reel, and the graphite star drag also adjusts easily. I really like the shape of the star drag, as it is handy to adjust for heavy fish if need be.
On the Water
I paired this reel with a 7’3” Jenko rod and have used it to pitch in heavy cover and cast heavier baits offshore. I got the 7.2 gear ratio model, so throwing a buzzbait with braid and spinner bait on mono or fluoro fits it just right.
I am going to test it more with one of Handing’s Serenity rods in the next few days and would not be the least surprised in its pairing and working just as well. Might just be the best priced combo with quality in the industry.
Great Value
I honestly cannot believe the cost versus value of this reel. I’ve bought other reels from other manufacturers that sounded like a bucket of silverware after just a few times on the water. This reel started tight and is still tight after fall and spring usage.
When I first spoke to the team at Handing, they were adamant about making their products so folks enjoyed the experience more with no worries about quality. They even come with a one-year warranty and that, in itself, speaks to the confidence in the quality.
No doubt I, too, was skeptical when I got this reel, but so far, I could not be happier. I still fish tournaments and have no problem endorsing this reel.
Handing M1 Baitcaster Reel Specs
Weight: 7.3 ounces
Frame: Graphite
Main Gear: Brass
BB: 6+1
Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
Max Drag: 17.6 pounds
Brake System: Magnetic
Mono Capacity: 8/170, 10/140, 12/110
Braid Capacity: 20/200, 30/170
Inch Per Turn: 28
