The Tern 2 500’s are the most universal all around size in the lineup, they have good line capacity and cast lures exceptionally well. High speed models work well for retrieving lures and the low speed models are great for bottom fishing to eliminate fatigue. These are great reels to fish in the range of 30-60lb line.

The new Tern 2s are a nice improvement over the previous generation of Tern reels. Theyve taken the experience and advice from the last few years and applied it to the 2nd generation. The key differences and improvements theyve made are on the internals, they now feature a centrifugal cast control system along with a dual ball bearing supported pinion. The later will really help these reels perform and last under heavy drag loads, the extra bearings helps keep the pinion gear concentric and smooth under load which was one of the criticism we saw with some of the reels from the last generation. As with the last gen reels you have a very innovative drag system that applies pressure from both sides of the main gear, this provides a smooth and consistent drag while also giving you a higher max drag.

Another key difference is the frame design which is a bit more robust and should be more durable over the lifespan of the reel, the weight did go up a tad bit because of that but the primary difference in weight comes from the handle knob. They have returned to the more comfortable rubber knob of the Dauntless and Boss Xtreme reels, this will be especially great for SoCal since it will be more comfortable for almost all style of fishing we do. For the guys that want to shed a bit of weight, they can always be ordered with the ball knob which is great for cast and retrieve fishing.

One of the most exciting features of the new Tern 2s is the cast control system. It is designed more or less as a set it and forget it system, they come with an appropriate amount of casting blocks/weights for the size of reel but anyone can get more blocks if they need more help or take a few out if they want a bit more freespool. It is cast control style that has been around for decades and it is a whole lot more simple than some of the magnetic cast controls out there. The brake blocks provide a bit of extra friction that depends on how fast the spool spins, this slows the spool down an appropriate amount without interfering too much. This is also a very durable system which is corrosion resistant unlike some of the magnetic controls.