Alutecnos Gorilla 12 Review

[Minnow]

I bought my first Alutecnos reel, the Albacore 30 single-speed, back in 2000. The quality and workmanship was top notch, but unfortunately at the time I was so in love with my Accurate 30 two-speed that I didn’t give the Alutecnos much time out on the ocean.

Recently, as I was flipping through Sportfishing magazine I saw a tough compact reel called Alutecnos 12 Gorilla and told myself I must have it. And this time, I was going to give it more of my attention. One week later the reel arrived and I promptly unboxed it. The cute little reel appears to be very well constructed. It fit in my hands nicely, had a great finish, and lots of attention to detail in the workmanship. At first, this reel reminded me of the ATC JigHunter jigging reel with its smooth, beautiful, and compact exterior, but, luckily, unlike the ATC, this one’s beauty was more than skin deep. This Alutecnos 12 Gorilla was a completely different beast. When I took it apart I found all the quality and attention to detail you would expect from a reel at the $500 price range, if not better.

With quad disk drag (2 on each side of the spool), this reel will stop a big AJ from going back rig leg. If you don’t mind a little extra weight for jigging, this might be one of the best reels for jigging big tuna 150# and above.

This review is based on my inspections and personal opinion, I have not fished with this reel yet and I am not affiliated with Alutecnos.

PRO

1. 40# of drag out of the box.
2. Very smooth, even in 35# drag setting.
3. Quad drag, 2 drag on each side of the spool.
4. Loud clicker.
5. Fits nicely in my hand.
6. Spool width at 2 inches wide, perfect for jigging.
7. 4 screws on the rod clamp, most reels on the market only come with 2 screws.

CON

1. At $549 it’s a little high for a small single-speed reel.
2. Short handle, measured at 3 ½ inches.
3. Small knob, measured at 2 ½ inches.
4. Poor free spool, 7 seconds max.
5. No screw at the spool, spooling spectra directly is impossible.
6. Heavy for a jigging reel, weighing in at 27.5 oz.
7. Hard to move the level drag to full position due to placement of drag release button.
8. Parts might be hard to come by in the long run.

[mcgolfer]

looks like it might be a great reel. what is the gear ratio? on my next trip to dallas let me fondle it for a while.....rick

[ashton]

What is the gear ratio if you dont mind. I have used some reels with such a high gear ratio it is hard to turn a big AJ or YFT. If its at about four to one sounds more like a good chunking reel. sorry mcgolfer you must type faster.

[Minnow]

Gear ratio 4.4:1

You are welcome to check it out any time, Rick.

[MrBill]

Minnow, you always give a honest review. I just saw an ad for the gorilla 12 in Sportfishing Magazine. To bad it's a one speed. Looks like it is very well constructed. Now, go out and test it on some fish. You've been sitting behind a desk to long. Put your sea legs on and go fishing.

[Minnow]

Thanks MrBill.
No more fishing for me this year, only if Mcgolfer boat get fix I might tag along with him . Fishing cost too much since I have to pay for 2 instead of one spot
I am planning to fish midnight lump next year.

[Gunsmoke]

Originally Posted by Minnow

Fishing cost too much since I have to pay for 2 instead of one spot
I am planning to fish midnight lump next year.

I gather you have a wife or girlfriend that likes to fish. I am an expert in dealing with women who like to fish. I've spent many years dealing with this situation. Does she read this forum? If not, I could give you some excellent idea's on how to leave her behind or get her fired up to fish.

PS: Nice write up on the gorilla. I think I'll buy a couple.

[Minnow]

Gunsmoke,

My wife read this forum, she enjoy fishing as much as I do. I really hope she continue fishing so I can tag along

GS, I think you will like this reel, they use high quality components to build this reel. JMO

[Sea Crappie]

Minnow,

Have you spooled this reel yet? What was the capacity? I'm hoping you can get 400+ yards of solid 80lb spectra on it. If it clears that hurdle, I'll be getting one myself.

[SkeeterRonnie]

whats gonna be bad is when TJ makes a list of things to sell, and Rue buys her own rigs from TJ.....hehe... Bet her first one is gonna be a spinner topwater combo....And I bet she will have her own tackle closet with a combo lock to keep TJ out....LOL!!!