carlz wrote:
It looks like a post98 gunnison. I don't have another post98 at hand, but the Pre-98 that I have is noisier, but that could just be the brown clicker. (the clickers are slightly different on pre and post 98 reels. I was a bit worried that the Colorado flag was going to stand out, but it doesn't when you are handling the reel.
Just picked up a new Heritage G3 (apparently the only size still available) on a deep discount and so thought I'd bump this old thread with some thoughts.
To get my bias out of the way up front, I have far too many reels and the Gunnison probably is my all-time favorite. It's by no means the prettiest or flashiest, but I do love the rugged looks and how solid it feels. Just a total workhorse. So suffice it to say that I'm a big Gunnison fan.
I generally prefer originals over sequels, but I think Ross did a very fine job with this limited run of one of its most iconic reels. The Heritage is a slightly updated version of the post 98 model.
Looks: I personally prefer the look of the pre-94 and pre-98 Gunnisons--those each have the six large holes in the frame--especially the ones with the matte finish (maybe on the pre-94s only), but the Heritage modeled after the post-98s with the numerous smaller holes still looks great. And not that I think it really matters, but I agree with carlz that the flag insignia isn't that noticeable when you hold the reel in your hand, and certainly not when fishing.
Sound: I don't have a post-98 at the moment, but the incoming click/sound is significantly more muted than my pre-98s (both black and brown clickers). If you like reels with a silent retrieve then this one isn't for you, but if it was the level of noise of the original Gunnisons that bothered you then you may be OK with the Heritage.
Weight: The spec sheet for the Heritage models says the G3 should weigh 5.5 oz, and mine weighs 5.4 oz. The Ross website doesn't list the weights for the post-98s, but a pre-98 G3 apparently weighed 5.1 oz. Not that three- or fourth-tenths of an ounce is going to make a huge difference (and perhaps isn't noticeable at all), but I like that they've made the reel a bit heavier. So many of the modern reels, in my view at least, are too light for the intended rod pairing, in many cases even with graphite rods.
Finishing/Function/Performance: I am able to rock/move the spool some, but I don't notice any wobble when winding (I have not yet lined the reel). One thing I like about so many Ross reels is how you can spin the spool for rapid line pickup. This one does that great, perhaps even better than my original G2s. The drag strength is more than you'll ever need for a trout.
Extra Spools: This may have been mentioned by someone above, but post-98 spools will fit on the Heritage models.
Bottom line, I'm really pleased with the reel. If looking for another Gunnison, I'd be just as happy with this sequel as the originals, especially if I could find one of the Heritage models in new condition (though I think they're probably quiet scarce at this point).