Review Abstract With its “great” line cap, “instant,” “smooth” drag and “silent,” “fast” retrieval, the Bauer MacKenzie reel is a winner with reviewers. “Lightweight,” “easily adjustable” and “well constructed with a unique design,” the MacKenzie is definitely “the best in its class.” Anglers praise the “intelligent” design, “durable” finish and “simple” spool, which is “smooth” and does not require many parts. Reviewers also note that there is “no fade or inconsistency.” “A lot of line capacity” is another bonus, as is the “large arbor.” Overall, the Bauer MacKenzie is “a solid reel and drag system for the money.”
Reviewed by: flylife42(Unregistered User)
,
40 days a year
Price Paid:
$285.00
at fly shop
Body of Water: rivers
Favorite City: aromas
Favorite State: ca
Favorite Country: USA
Summary: These reels do it all well, have never had a problem, from small trout to steelhead, great design!!
Strengths: WORTH THE MONEY, great drag, performance and operation, backing capacity is not overstated, reel is real deal.
Weaknesses: No need for the JR. Mac..... Buy the LM1 and up. Mine are all MSL or Ms', as new models appear, old models are great deals
Customer Service: Very helpfull, and no attitude, only used them in selection, I'm sold, have 5 M class Bauers...... M4 the largest.
Similar Products Used: Abel, Ross, J Ryal, Orvis LA. Only the Abel .5 remains, on a Winston 5wt LT, can't bring myself to change that combo.
Review Date March 16, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 3 of 5
Visitors rate this review 3.00 of 5,
2 votes
Reviewed by: scottb789(Unregistered User)
,
20 days a year
, from Fairfield, CT
Price Paid:
$275.00
Body of Water: Farmington is close
Summary: Bauer MXP2.
This reel is a keeper. The precision in the manufacturing is excellent. The drag is light enough to be almost none existing, but you can crank it down and it will stop a truck, smoothly. My favorite reel.
Strengths: smooth, simple drag system. Great look.
Weaknesses: It can be a bit challenging to take off the spool.
Customer Service: never used
Similar Products Used: Tibor, Sage, Billy Pate
Review Date March 8, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Reviewed by: Fred Fisherman(Unregistered User)
,
30 days a year
Price Paid:
$0.00
Body of Water: Flats and Streams
Favorite State: TN
Summary: Light, Smooth, Fast retrieve, Excellent drag.
Strengths: Best bang for buck in large arbor reel. Tibors are nice but heavier and more expensive. Great light saltwater/alaska/ big freshwater reels.
Weaknesses: Drag adjustment on same side as handle. Not that big of a deal.
Customer Service: Never needed.
Similar Products Used: Tibor, Pate, Abel, Ross.
Review Date January 23, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Visitors rate this review 5.00 of 5,
2 votes
Reviewed by: Scott (Unregistered User)
,
40 days a year
Price Paid:
$0.00
Body of Water: Anything
Favorite State: happiness
Summary: This is a great reel, faultless operation, and excellent customer service
Strengths: Had my m4 for a while. Used it for all sorts of fish. The simple, simple design, the simple clutch, the smooooth drag, the durable finish, and the customer support. Also easy to clean. This is a reel that will last a long time
Weaknesses: Would not be so good if you dropped the drag knob while changing spools, but how often do you change spools in a river anyway.
Customer Service: Great!!!! I needed more lube and they had it to me within a couple of days. They seem very willing to make the customer 100% happy
Similar Products Used: Tibor, orvis vortex.
Review Date September 15, 2001
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Reviewed by: Kent Green(Unregistered User)
,
50+ days a year
Price Paid:
$0.00
Body of Water: San Luis
Favorite City: Los Banos
Favorite State: CA
Summary: A simple well made reel that works great. For its size it is very light so I can use my M5s on 8wt through 11 wt. The large diameter allows for significant amount of backing and a quick retrieve. The drag adjustment on the spool side lets you change the drag without moving the rod to your other hand.
Strengths: Reasonably priced for a high end reel. Well made and well thought out.
5 of 5
5 of 5
3 of 5
