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)

[ksong]

Here are pictures of John Baker 12 with JM custom T-bar handle along with JB4 single speed reel.
I used silver color T-bar as that was the only T-bar handle I had when we experimented at Dunkin Donut shop last night.
I used shaft for Accurate and it fit perfectly.
I weighed John Baker handle and it is 5 oz.8* It tells how strong the John Baker reels. It is like a tank. With JM custom T-bar handle, the reel get ligher and the handling is much smoother.

[MrBill]

I see a couple of changes from my original posting pictures. I posted earlier that I didn't like the little drag lever knob. Now, it looks larger and is anodized in gold. Also the shifting knob is anodized and is larger with machined grooves which should make it easier to turn. He also has changed the black delrin handle to a anodized aluminum. I consider all of these to be improvements over the orginal one I purchased.

No Duncan Donut shops down here. The Corpus Christi tunaheads do all their tackle fiddling at Floyd's restaurant.

[Bellyups]

Originally Posted by MrBill

I see a couple of changes from my original posting pictures. I posted earlier that I didn't like the little drag lever knob. Now, it looks larger and is anodized in gold. Also the shifting knob is anodized and is larger with machined grooves which should make it easier to turn. He also has changed the black delrin handle to a anodized aluminum. I consider all of these to be improvements over the orginal one I purchased.

No Duncan Donut shops down here. The Corpus Christi tunaheads do all their tackle fiddling at Floyd's restaurant.

I have noticed a change in your post as well, Mr. Bill. Your new avatar is absolutely stunning . I have noticed that the picture is now centered properly . You have also added a fish to the picture. The fish, despite having been caught, is enjoying its view before being released back to the deep blue. That is one lucky fish!!!!

[MrBill]

Originally Posted by Bellyups

The fish, despite having been caught, is enjoying its view before being released back to the deep blue. That is one lucky fish!!!!

I get to look at those every night. And, I'm not a fish.

[jig42na]

Put on the JM handle similar to Kil did and the JB feels much smoother now. I would really like to get the JM knob style handle on there but I think it is going to take some extra doing. I removed the clicker parts and should have the new gears arriving soon. I think I'll be much happier with the 4.0:1 gears in the jb 12 over the 5.0:1 gears. The cranking power should be better and make the reel feel smoother.