Crashing birds and furious boils stand out against an otherwise lifeless ocean surface. So too do Accurate Tern star drag reels in a shop full of conventional prospects. Accurate features their initial star drag reel in the Tern, and the first ever twin star drag offering. In case you misread that, yes. Accurate Tern reels make use of two drags, one on either side of the gear shaft, for the ultimate smooth line-peeling experience. Devour the features and specs, as well as the pros and cons in the following review.
Accurate Tern Star Drag Reels
Product: Accurate Tern Star Drag Reels.
Overall Ranking: 91 out of 100.
Price: Higher middle range.
Company/Owner: Accurate Grinding & Manufacturing Corp.
Website: AccurateFishing.com.
Introduction To The Accurate Tern
It’s quite an accomplishment to build one of the smoothest running star drag reels, but Accurate doesn’t stop there. Tough and durable, Tern reels are also incredibly lightweight with their frames of aircraft grade aluminum. The largest size 500 models weigh a mere 17 ounces.
Inside the Tern reel frame, Accurate puts 17-4 heat treated steel gears to good use. A stainless steel anti-reverse bearing slams the brakes on fish in an instant. With 30-plus pounds of maximum drag, the Accurate Tern is a monster machine for casting and landing big gamefish.
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Accurate Tern Models, Specs, & Features
Reel Models
• TX300X • TX300 • TX400X
• TX400 • TX500X • TX500
Specifications
Accurate marks its lightest Tern reel as the TX300 which holds 325-yards of 30 LB braided fishing line. Tern models that end with an X have faster gear ratios than those without. Moving up to the TX400 gives 400-yards of 50 LB braid while the largest TX500 holds 600-yards of 50 LB braid.
Tern reels are light, starting at 14.6 ounces then jumping to 15.2, and reaching only as high as 17. Every single model packs the twin star drag and offers a whopping 30 plus pounds of maximum resistance. For gear ratios and retrieve rates, check the list below:
- TX300X: 6.0:1 gear ratio – 38″ retrieve rate
- TX300: 4.7:1 gear ratio – 30.5″ retrieve rate
- TX400X: 6.0:1 gear ratio – 38″ retrieve rate
- TX400: 4.7:1 gear ratio – 30.5″ retrieve rate
- TX500X: 6.0:1 gear ratio – 45″ retrieve rate
- TX500: 4.7:1 gear ratio – 35.5″ retrieve rate
Key Features Of Accurate Tern Reels
Twin Star Drags
Drag washers on both sides of the main gear make up the Twin Drag system. While typical star drag reels use washers on only one side, they can’t offer the balance of the Accurate Tern. Each stack of washers includes a stainless steel disc with fiber disc layers.
Upon compression, the dual drags offer precision settings all along the scope of resistance. They also provide an incredibly strong 30-lbs of max pressure for a star drag reel. Use the star knob at the base of the handle to tighten or loosen the dual drags in conjunction.
CVX Design – Aircraft Grade Aluminum Body
In the same vein of Accurate Valiant reels, the body of the Tern consists of aircraft grade aluminum in a CVX design. In a visual inspection of Tern and Valiant reels, the rounding of the frame is obvious. Accurate begins with the more-square like BX body and shaves it down via precision machining. The result is a lighter, arched reel-frame with a stronger architectural design.
17-4 Stainless Steel Heat Treated Gears & Shaft
Known for its increased resistance to corrosion and unbeatable strength, 17-4 heat treated stainless steel makes the gears and main shaft. One of the toughest alloys on the market, it keeps stronger welds and prevents warping. Straight and true when you need them the most, Accurate Tern gears are built for battle.
Ergo Power Knob & Crank Shaft Handle
At the end of the crank style shaft that begins the handle is a circular power knob. Its shape and divots in its design sit comfortably in the palm of your hand while providing a solid grip. In the cranking style, the arm (or shaft) of the handle turns inward to provide better reeling leverage. Snap in or out of gear using the lever on the top body of the reel. You’ll have your hand back to the Power Knob in an instant.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
Whether casting Tady iron or fly-lining live bait, anglers can put some serious force against powerful pelagic species. Braided lines like Power Pro Super 8 Slick or Sufix 832 Advanced Superline engage the twin drags perfectly and slow the running fish. And with a range of drag that extends to 30-plus pounds, the Accurate Tern will put a smooth eventual stop to big-shouldered fish.
The light-weight quality that comes with aircraft grade aluminum makes a difference after a day of casting. Even fishing the bottom for a couple of hours or more, reels can take a toll on your arm. Though they ask a bit more, the overall durability and long term value are well worth it.
Cons
Though Accurate Tern reels are capable of holding monofilament line, you won’t spool as many yards. Braid definitely allows the twin star drag system to perform at its full potential. For deep heavy cranking, anglers should check other Accurate reels. The Boss Extreme, All-Tournament Drag (ATD), and the Accurate Fury all have two-speed options.
Because of the high-grade materials and utmost attention to detail in manufacturing, Tern reels cost more than other star drag models. If the budget is a bit too much, there’s nothing wrong with a Penn Fathom. The free spool on the Fathom or the Daiwa Sealine does wonders for casting.
Best Uses For The Accurate Tern
Accurate Tern reels have either a fast or a medium gear option. Choose a fast gear ratio for casting or yo-yo style fishing. The lower gears work well for fly-lining or bottom fishing situations. Tern reels provide enough drag to put pressure on fish up to and over 100-pounds. Pair them with a solid Phenix, Shimano, or Seeker rod for maximum performance.
Accurate Reel Support
Accurate provides live customer support via chat on their website during normal business hours. Check the entire line of products, replacement parts, FAQ’s, or drop a message on the Accurate Contact Us page. Tern reels come with the same limited 1-year manufacturer’s warranty as the other Accurate models.
In Conclusion
91 out of 100 anglers approve of the Accurate Tern
Leading the way in drag performance and durability, Accurate Tern reels bring lightweight power to the ocean. They are incredibly durable and have a cranking power rarely seen in a star drag reel. Whether you’re casting to boiling yellowtail, working the yo-yo iron, or dropping deep for big lingcod, the Accurate Tern has the power to land those larger size models.
Don’t hesitate to share your experience or ask a question about Accurate Tern star drag reels. Place them in the comment section below. Thanks for reading and tight lines till next time. FishtFisht.com.
These things are loud.
The Tern uses a stainless steel anti reverse bearing so it shouldn’t be as loud as reels with dog ratchet anti reverse. Make sure the clicker isn’t on as well.
very good review on the accurate tern star drag reel. The accurate tern really caught my eye . i am a surf fisherman in south carolina . i fish the beaches about four days a week during the prime time. i have been looking for the best conventional reel for surf fishing an this is it. would the tx300x make a good surf reel for bottom fishing.
Thanks for your comment Geary. My concern using the 300x for surf bottom fishing would be the speed of the reel. Bringing a hooked fish up from the bottom on a fast reel can spin them off. Only other feedback I’ve heard is that the twin drags lack the slowing capacity for larger tuna. Shouldn’t be an issue in the surf. Geoff.