John Baker 12

[MrBill]

The John Baker reel finally arrived after a long wait. From what I understand, this is the first production run. It has been field tested numerous times. It comes with a wood box. (Period). It has no instructions, no schematic, no oil, no wrench, no warranty card. It came with some foam on the bottom of the box and some bubble wrap on the top.

The finish is a nice light gold anodized aluminum. The markings or etching of the JB12 is very light. Not deeply engraved. The knob is made of delrin. It has a nice feel to it. It also has lugs which are angled back toward the angler unlike the common top of the reel. This is a topless reel, giving you access to the line.

The main reason I bought this reel is because I was under the impression that you could shift the 2 speed with your thumb without your hand leaving the handle. You have to pull out and twist the shift knob to change gears. I have no idea how you can tell which gear you are in without cranking the handle. I don't like the shifting knob or the way it works. It also feels loose and wobbly.

The clicker is hard to get to if you have big fingers. I have a big problem. Others many not. It also is spring loaded and you have to pull out and twist to go in and out of the click mode.

The handle is loose. I have about 1/2 inch of play in the crank, back crank. It's as if someone machined the handle to big on the shaft. The handle arm looks strong but it feels funny being loose.

The drag preset knob is located like most others. This one is loose. It doesn't turn evenly when adjusting. Like a wobbly wheel on a bend shaft. Maybe something is wrong with one.

As far as drag, it feels smooth, but I'm afraid to load it up with line as I don't know if I have any warranty. I have no idea of the line capacity, drag capability or anything else because it comes with no information what so ever. I have taken some pictures next to other reels to give you an idea of the size. It's about the size of a Accurate 665W.

Keep reading this thread as I will continure to update pictures and facts about this reel. (Last sentence added on 12/31/07)

[BretABaker]

Originally Posted by ksong

He might make Kilsong's Special Jigging Reels.

does he know how you treat your reels????

[canyondiver]

Originally Posted by ksong

John Baker was in town to promote his reels in the East Coast. I met him this morning and ate dim sum at a Chinese restaurant in China town in Manhattan. We ate about 10 dishes and we could't finish them all. I told him it was my treat expecting I would pay about $70-$100. But the bill was only $20.40 !! It was cheaper than the parking fee of $21 for two hours.

The discussion was mainly for jigging reels. I suggested that the JB reels are a little heavy for jigging and asked whether he could make jigging reels with less binding problems and smoother handling. It looks he is very confident.
He said he is making single speed JB reels now and the new 3/0 size single speed reels could reduce the weight of two-speed by 6 - 7 oz. As JB 12's weight is about 33 oz, the single speed 12 can be as light as 26-28 oz.
If moving the drag lever or turning the handle of JB's new reels is as good as Accurate 665's, I know the reel can be a big hit as the internal parts of JB reels are much stronger and durable than any other small lever drag reels.

He might make Kilsong's Special Jigging Reels.

This reel is looking to be an exciting addition to the fishing stable already available. A reel can never be too good!!
Kil, skip the reel stuff and PM me where you had dim sum for so little!!

[Bellyups]

ANy updates on this reel? It weighs half as much as my Avet SDS and I am thinking of pairing one with a 50-80 pound superseeker to be a light weight chunking rig. You can now buy it in black and silver as well.

[MrBill]

I's funny you posted on this reel tonight. I'm debating on going fishing tomorrow and one of the reels I pulled out was the Baker 12. The seas are still around 8'+ and the fish and bait are always confused after a hurricane.

Anyway, I haven't used my Baker 12 since I've had the two speed shifting brought up to current standards. It still feels a little funny to me. But, I won't know until I put it to the test. If it were a perfect world, I would prefer a heavier built drag lever and smoother shifting. Otherwise, this is a very well built reel. I also like the new aluminum handle he is putting on the reels.

[Bellyups]

Thanks Mr. Bill. You must of saw the same add I did. The new reels come with a 2 year upgrade guarentee. I usually don't care to be a member of the trial and error club, but the upgrade warranty is nice as long as the reel doesn't sit in the shop for weeks.

Is there any handle binding as the drag is increased?

[Capt Richie]

I got my first look at the JB last week sweet reel..I plan to use it with a custom GUSA MEGA-C or a Calstar GF700M what ever I build first..I'm going to take it to the Keys for some Cobia, King Mack ,Blackfin, Grouper & Snapper action...

[Bellyups]

I don't know if I like the look of the lugs in the picture above. The lugs look like they can get in the way. They appear to be very low and could be in the way when freelining baits and holding the rod. I wonder if the size 12 will one day be available without the lugs. I seldom use the lugs now adays ulness fishing large baits for large AJs.

[mike garone]

I just received my Baker 4 last Saturday. It is built like a tank and has some serious drag. Took it on a 3 day out of Montauk and caught a few bottom fish and one small mahi, unfortunately no tuna were home to test out the reel. I noticed that the free spool seemed rough when casting jigs. It seemed that something was loose in the reel and keeping it from spinning freely when casting.

Has anyone had this problem? After the trip I rinsed down the reel and set it aside. Last night I picked it up and for some reason the handle is not turning freely, even when in free spool.

[mike garone]

I just emailed john and he sent me his ups account to ship the reel within half an hour of me sending him the email. Great customer service

[rtran]

Nevermind, got their email from the site MrBill posted.