Applause Series
The Ryobi Applause series of reels uses four-ball bearings in a greased housing to ensure smooth casting and reeling in of fish. The Applause series of reels incorporate a rotary flat oscillation system, comprised of the oscillator, screws, and bushings. A twistless line-roller is used to reduce line twist. Ryobi uses forged aluminum spools in the Applause series, giving a smooth action on the reel-in.
Metaroyal 500
Ryobi's high-end Metaroyal 5000 Fishing Safari Spinning Reel is a heavy-weight saltwater fishing reel used for large sport fish such as marlin or tarpon. The Metaroyal has seven bearings in a greased housing for the cast and reel action. Ryobi equipped the Metaroyal with a FS drag system that allows the exchange of spools when the drag system is set. A G stopper is placed on the Metaroyal, unique to this reel for Ryobi, which prevents bail from returning and thumbing the spool when casting. The spool is a DNA spool, which casts further and prevents backlash on the cast.
Zester
Ryobi's Zester is an all metal reel that uses three bearings for the cast and reel. The crank arm is set on bearings as well. Zesters use a one-piece metal bail arm lever and V-shaped rotor arm. There is a waterproof drag arm on the reel. An extra aluminum spool is included with Zesters. These are equipped with a rotary oscillator with a twistless line roller to alleviate line twistage and snags.
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
