Free return shipping is available for all orders shipped within the 48 contiguous United States. These orders will include a complimentary pre-paid UPS Ground return label in the box when the order is delivered. If you use the pre-paid return label provided, please allow 7-10 business days for the return package to arrive back at Tackle Warehouse.
Orders shipped to international, APO/FPO, Alaskan or Hawaiian addresses or U.S. territories are not eligible for the free return shipping offer. Drop Ship and Oversized Items are not eligible for the free return shipping offer.
Please use our Returns & Exchange form found on the back of your printed invoice. If you don't have your original invoice you can download our Tackle Warehouse Return Form.
Contact us with any questions or concerns!
Phone: 1.800.300.4916 Email: info@tacklewarehouse.com
Tackle Warehouse wants you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. Items can be returned at any point in new condition within 365-days of the original invoice date.
Products returned in new, store-bought condition are eligible for exchange, refund, or Tackle Warehouse store credit for the full value of your purchase.
Please note that while we want you to be happy with your purchases, an excessive number of returns within a twelve-month period may limit your eligibility for refund or store credit.
Products returned beyond 365-days from the original invoice date or that are unable to be returned to stock may be eligible for store credit at the sole discretion of Tackle Warehouse.
Original shipping charges are non-refundable.
Used baits & tackle are not eligible for return.
Weighing in below 6-ounces, the lightweight Ardent Apex Elite Casting Reels aren’t lightweights when it comes to power. Battle-tested catching huge Lake Amistad bass, they feature a rigid, high-strength aluminum frame that won’t bend under pressure and a solid, lightweight carbon fiber swept handle with EVA grips for maximum cranking leverage.
Loaded with 13 ball bearings (12+1), the Apex Elite’s stay smooth for the long haul, and deliver the fluid casts and retrieves you’d expect from a tournament caliber reel. The Deep V 6061 T6 machined aluminum spool also delivers increased line capacity, while also helping to reduce weight, and the externally adjustable 270-degree magnetic brake system allows you to make quick adjustments on the water. Hard to beat for the money and hard to beat on the water, the Ardent Apex Elite Casting Reels deliver Elite level performance.
-High Strength Aluminum frame-Deep V 6061 T6 machined aluminum spool-Carbon Fiber swept back handle-EVA grip knobs on handle-270 Degree Mag Brake system-Swept back forge aluminum star drag-Backed by a 3-Year Warranty
Comments: I'm telling you, these reels are the truth. Been using these Reels since 2015. Great craftsmanship, light weight and just a great reel. From: Unknown: Brooklyn, NY 12/26/20
Comments: Literally a great reel.Caught big bass, redfish and even a barracuda and a 40 pound drum. Dropped this reel in sand and saltwater and it has held up. Ardent has great customer service and sent me some new parts for the reel for free. Great reel I still use it and I got it about 3 years ago From: Unknown: 12/18/19
Comments: These are my backbone reel. I have 2, of every speed. Been using them since 2015. Never had no problems. The casting distance is a advantage for me. I bank fish a Lot, and those reels get me to spots. I could not get to before. Smooth as silk, light weight. Great product from Ardent. From: Unknown: Brooklyn, NYC 11/30/19
Comments: Excellent reel, smooth casts, lightweight, and easy to dial in. I have another on the way.
From: Christopher 4/1/19
Comments: Excellent Reels! Lightweight, small and compact and cast like a dream. I currently have 8 of the 6:5, and 2 5:3 Elites. I use them in tournaments constantly, and never have had one fail on me they are rugged rugged reels. Just lube them up, and clean them as you would any reel and they wont let you down. On a side note, I love the Carbon fiber handle, and the EVA foam knobs are very comfy for all day cranking!
From: Dan: Knoxville, TN 9/12/18
Comments: I ve had these reels for 5to7 yrs had no real problems with them .only thing is they get little noisy need to keep oil on hand but they are a work horse reel.used these for frogs to crank bates they got the job done.
From: Carl: Ohio 5/21/18
Comments: I purchased three of these and I can't say enough good things about them. So very light and cast farther than any other reel I have ever thrown. They have the gears to land any fish. Good size cranking handles and the smoothest reel I have ever owned. Two sets of brakes allow you to dial it in to the position that's perfect for you. The reel feels great in my hand and the 3 year warranty is second to none. The best reel out there in my opinion. With these reels you can rule the water.
From: John: Sallisaw, OK 12/30/17
Comments: I bought two of these about 10 months ago, and like everyone else, I was impressed with them initially. However, the honeymoon was short-lived. I was replacing a couple of Abu Garcia Pro Max 2 reels that had seen a lot of hard use, and not enough maintenance. But within about 10 weeks, both Apex Elites were making noises and I would have to "snap" the handle to engage the spool after each cast. That problem is easily solved with a clean and lube on the engagement bell crank, but it will start doing it again in about 4 or 5 weeks. (Both reels do the exact same thing, so I'm guessing it's a design flaw somewhere). One more thing that irritates me about this reel is that the dial for the brake is raised ever so slightly which causes it to loosen over the course of several casts.
From: Unknown 10/8/17
Comments: This reel completely proves that brand names are %70 percent of what you pay for these days. I own a revo mgx and can confidently say that the ardent palms, casts and just is better. In all honesty, the size to weight ratio makes it feel lighter as well. I plan on making ardent my go to reels for my hardcore technique specific setups. Thank you ardent for making a product thats price point does not disrespect the consumer by blatantly putting the profit margin before the quality.
From: Nicolas: Oakley, CA, Dirty Delta 9/15/17
Comments: Hands down one of the lightest reels I have ever used!!! Cast better then my most expensive reels !!! Make the ardent switch you will not be disappointed
From: Blessedjordan310 5/25/17
Comments: I've had two of these reels for a little over a year. I fish about 200 days a year and I put these things through the wringer. They're light, cast a mile and feel good but the thumb bar broke on both of them. I had no problems with getting a warranty repair(about a 2-3 week turnaround) and when I received the reels they were actually tighter feeling than when they were new. Not sure I'd recommend this reel at the full retail price...1/2 price maybe. Check into their Prostaff for an easy half price deal.
From: Unknown USA 4/10/17
Comments: If you are even thinking about getting one of these do it. People are gonna tell you they look junky or they feel different. But in all honesty you want a reel that performs. So go get you one of these and just give it a chance. This is a great reel. I am about to by me 4th and 5th Ardent reel and all I can say about them is that they are awesome and they have exceptional customer service. Trust me I'm not one of them oh wow this is so good I got my PB on my 3rd cast guys. This reel is a workhorse and worth it.
From: Payne: Mitchell, SD 3/26/17
Comments: As they say on tour this is "The Deal"! I've had mine for a year and one thing I can say is they hold up well to abuse. They are very reliable. If you do get a backlash trust me it's you not the Apex Elite. Once they are dialed in you can throw your lure as hard and as far as you want with no backlash. I trust these reels during tournaments to bring in big fish every time out. If you are looking for dependability with long cast and very few backlash then look no further then the Elites. By the way the lock down drag is exceptional!
From: Wynn: MD 8/30/16
Comments: Cannot believe the distance & smoothness I have seen with these reels! With the price tag, it's easy to make this the one reel you need for all your tourney setups! Go out & get one or a few of these! They are the best quality product & price on the market!
From: Brian: East Wareham, MA 5/29/16
Comments: By far my favorite reel I've owned. Ardent makes high quality products for an extremely affordable price. The Apex Elite has the castability of a $300+ reel with a wallet friendly price tag. I've used it for casting and flipping and I've never had a single issue. It's extremely lightweight so it won't wear you out after an 8-hour tournament. With a 3-year warranty and incredible ardent customer service you can't go wrong with the Apex Elite!
From: Tim: Manassas, VA 1/31/16
Comments: Been using this reel for over a year now. This is one of the farthest casting reels I have ever used. It has a drag that does slip on even the hardest hook sets, which is a bonus when flipping the thick stuff. Ardent got this one right.
From: Josh: Hamilton, MI 1/26/16
Comments: Ive bought 6 of these in the past year. I did get one that was really loud on the cast, like the bearings were dry. Given the 3 year warranty and great customer service from TW, I had no worries or reservations about sending it back for a replacement. However, I took it apart and lubed the bearing with some Ardent reel oil. I have not had a problem with it since, and its just as smooth and quiet as the other 5. In fact, I cant even tell which of the 6 had the problem now. Oil the bearings, and if that doesnt work, send it back.
From: Big John: NY 10/22/15
Comments: Light, smooth and line capacity to hold a lot of line,especially those 20lb fluorocarbons. Not to mention the look great, love the foam handles the quality of the reel. I was a curado guy, now I buy these.
From: John: Ontario, Canada 9/17/15
Comments: I love my Apex Elite. It's so reliable and smooth that I highly doubt I will need the 3 year warranty that comes with it
From: Grant: Cape Giradeau, MO 8/17/15
Comments: Just recieved the product absolutely impressed with the quality behind the apex elite I strong. Stready. Sharp looking. Ultra light. Love the feel. Apsoultey a winner in my book thank ardent
From: Matthew: Fall River, MA 8/7/15
Comments: I have three of these amazing reels right now and am supper impressed in how far they cast. I have one reel that i use for my frog setup, i am able cast a good 30 feet + more that everyone that iv fish with this year. And they are crazy light so you can fish all day without any fatigue in your hands, wrist, or arms. I 100% recommend getting a few if these awesome reel you really cant go wrong
From: DJ: NH 8/3/15
Comments: The ardent apex elite compares to the $300+ reels I have used great high end baitcaster for a reasonable price
From: Robbie: PA 7/23/15
Comments: Gave the Ardent Apex Elite a try after reading all the good reviews, and I have to say I was very disappointed. The reel is extremely loud and isn't very smooth. The reel casts "ok" at best and looks great.
From: Joe: Baton Rouge, LA 7/19/15
Comments: Very smooth but I can't avoid backlash. XS series Ardent's I can cast all day and never get backlash. Nice and light, seems very well made, bearings are in the right places. I want to like it, just can't. Bought it, replaced it with 2 XS600's and an XS1000. VERY HAPPY!
From: Alec: Minnetonka, MN 5/13/15
Comments: Hand down the best reel on the market. Smooth & casts a Mile! I own 12 of them. You can't & will not find another reel that performs this flawlessly for this price on the market. This reel is unparalleled.
From: Dave: Brandon, FL 5/12/15
Comments: It's smooth, light weight & tough. I have a bunch & they are all very smooth and dependable, I use this elite model for cranking & it's always ready to go!
From: J.B.: CA 5/8/15
Comments: The Apex Elite Reel is my favorite reel, exceptionally light weight you would be suprised how durable it is. The casting distance is great, I use these reels for Crankbaits, Jerkbaits & Spinnerbaits & they preform exceptionally, I definitely recommend!
From: Alex: NJ 4/14/15
Comments: i have the Apex Elite & it is as light and tough as any reel in the market today! So light it is hard to believe it has a metal frame. Every thing about this reel Ardent has really upped their level on this new lineup of reels. i have several of the edge reels & they are great but these new ones are in a totally different league. With the three year warranty the best within the reels available today so you know they are built right.
From: Todd: Irvine, KY 3/27/15
Comments: Wow! Most folks were bummed when Ardent moved manufacturing overseas. But their products have gotten even better! I got a few of these Apex reels and I'm very happy with all of them. Super light weight, smooth casting, smooth cranking. I will definitely be getting more to put on my Ducketts!
From: Joe: PA 2/12/15
Comments: This is one fantastic reel! I used the Ardent Apex through the 2014 fishing season. It didn't fail me once. The reel is very smooth, and lightweight. The low profile and thumb bar make the reel comfortable to hold during a long tournament. Using the clicker and magnetic brake, I could get this thing dialed in no matter what lure I was throwing. this is by far the best reel I've used, and I will be adding more to the lineup in 2015.
From: Bob: Shakopee, MN 2/4/15
Comments: Used this reel for the 2014 season, very impressed, super smooth, light. Put it on a ALX deputy rod with 15 flouro. work great for skipping and pitching jigs. This reel replaced my 200 BSF shimano hands down a upgrade.
From: Scott: York, PA 1/29/15
Comments: The Ardent Apex Elite is a killer reel for the money. It has some amazing free spool and is super smooth. I have it paired up with the Quantum Smoke and it is a geat set-up. I highly recommend it.
From: Reece: MI 1/2/15
Comments: Extremely impressed wit the new Ardent Apex reel. Lighter, stronger, and casts further. I purchased several of these reels for different types of applications- jig, cranks, spinner-baits, and they handle all the demands of an everyday angler... Very impressed and looking to purchasing more in the next few months...
From: Brian: St. Louis, MO 12/16/14
Comments: I finally tried the new Ardent Apex, not realizing that it would be a huge step up from my Edge, and it became me new favorite reel! I can cast it the furthest with both heavy and lightweight lures, it is smooth and very lightweight. I love the carbon handle and black matt finish as well. The palming size is perfect for my smaller hands as well allowing me to fish all day without my hand getting tired. I landed a bass over 10 pounds on my first day of fishing it, which sealed the deal for me as well. : )
From: Eric: Walling, TN 11/29/14
Comments: This is an incredible reel, extremely smooth and can handle big fish. It is also extremely durable. Ardent has done an incredible job with this reel
From: Dylan: Palo Alto, CA 10/15/14
Comments: Ardent has really outdone themselves with this reel. It's lighter than the previous reels yet it still casts a mile! It's a great reel well worth the money.
From: Chris: MO 20/12/14
Comments: Gave Ardent Apex Elite a try. Very impressed with the casting ability and they way it fits my hands. After the last tournament, I am going totally Apex Elites.
From: Cooper: MO 10/11/14
Comments: Absolute best reel I have ever owned, the Ardent Apex is extremely light weight, casts further than any other reel out there, and looks amazing. I have replaced all my Johnny Morris Carbon Lites with the Ardent Apex and am so glad I did in my opinion their the best reels on the market today, pick one up you will not regret it!
From: Eric: Olivehurst, CA 9/17/14
Comments: I have always been an Abu fan for its cast ability and smooth feel. I tried the Apex reel because it matches up perfectly with my Dobyns Champion rods. This reel did not disappoint right out of the box! Extremely light and durable. I couldn't believe it, but it's actually smoother than any Abu I've owned. Its ridiculous in a good way. Buy one of these, you won't be disappointed.
From: Ryan: Sumter, SC 7/14/14
Comments: Received this unit in mail today, never owned any Ardent products, have always been an Abu Garcia fan but after the disappointment with my new Rocket, I decided to try different manufactures, ordered the apex elite and the new 13 fishing concept A. I must say my first impression of this reel was good, it is sharp looking, fit and finish is great and the carbon handle is great, very impressive casting and good power with the lower gear ratio I paired it with the 13 fishing omen 7'3 MH Rod and it is a great combo,it pitches very smooth and will cast comparable with the Abu Revo SX will review again in a few months after some good BassSquatch action and tell if it will hold up. Has three year warranty which is great for a 150.00 reel, I don't expect it to outperform my MGX but it is worth the money so far.
From: Doty: Terre Haute, IN 5/9/14