How does the Descent compare to the Black Betty?

Most users feel the Black Betty is worth the extra money for better quality, drag, and durability, but the Descent is adequate for casual panfish anglers on a budget.

Is the Descent prone to line tangles?

Yes, some users experience line falling off the spool or getting behind it, similar to other budget inline reels. Adding a washer and o-ring can help.

Does the drop speed adjustment work well?

It uses a rubber pin that presses against the spool, which some find finicky. Adjusting it as jig weight changes is necessary to prevent free-wheeling.

Concerns exist about the plastic internal gears and overall build; a user reported the drag and button breaking after one season.

13 Fishing

New 13 FISHING D2.7-LH Descent Ice Reel - 2.7: 1 Gear Ratio - Left Hand, Grey

5/5 (1)

$27.99$39.99-30%

In Stock

The 13 Fishing D2.7-LH Descent Ice Reel is an inline ice fishing reel designed for panfish and dead-stick applications. It features a high-performance graphite frame, 5 carbon steel ball bearings, a 2.7:1 gear ratio, and a maximum drag of 4.4 pounds. Key specifications include a weight of 6.9 ounces, left-hand retrieve, composite construction with soft-touch finish, instant anti-reverse, drop speed control, and a push-button spool release.

Material: Composite Construction with Soft Touch Finish
Gender: unisex
Category: Sporting Goods > Outdoor Recreation > Fishing > Fishing Reels

Color

Grey

View on merchant site JSON

GTIN: 817063023170
MPN: 13FISHING-817063023170-NEWOVERSTOCK

Specifications

Redesigned and Reimagined, 13 Fishing Descent ice reel is our entry price point into inline reels, and it is better than ever!

Push button drop, inline window, drop speed tension adjustment, drag star drag adjustment, disk drag system, instant anti-reverse, dead stick spool clicker

Material: Composite Construction with Soft Touch Finish
Gender: unisex
Age Group: adult
Condition: new
Category: Sporting Goods > Outdoor Recreation > Fishing > Fishing Reels

Additional Attributes

composite construction with soft touch finish
5 carbon-steel ball bearings
instant anti-reverse
dead stick spool clicker
integrated line window
drag star drag adjustment
drop speed control
push button on/off spool design
disk drag system
rigid performance graphite frame
pencil/pistol grip
easy push button drop
drop speed tension adjustment
inline window

Image Analysis

2 images

01high: Black round fishing reel photographed on a white studio background showing spool housing, dual paddle handle with rubberized knobs, mounting foot, and drag/adjustment components.
matte black finishround spool housingdual paddle handlerubberized handle knobsmounting foot/tangstar-shaped spool capdrag adjustment knobside plate with radial cutoutsmachined metal componentsstudio white backgroundeven studio lighting
02high: Top-front view of a black fishing reel on a white background showing housing, dual paddle handles, central knob, and a circular dial.
OCR: DESCENT
matte black finishround reel housingdual paddle handlescentral knobmounting foot (stem)circular dialtriangular cutout on housingvisible screw fastenertop-front product viewwhite backgroundstudio lighting

Brand PDP Lookup

Brand: 13 FISHING
URL: https://www.rapala.com/us_en/descent-ice-reel

Descent Ice Reel

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Documents & Data

Customer Reviews

1 reviews · out of 5

Great product

★★★★★Jessica S

I was impressed with the shipping and the item I got looked brand new. Great product and I’ll be ordering again.

Reddit Insights

4 threads · r/IceFishing, r/Fishing_Gear

Reddit users generally find the 13 Fishing Descent to be a solid entry-level inline ice reel for panfish, but note it may require minor modifications and isn't as refined as higher-end models like the Black Betty.

mixed sentiment95% match

While many users appreciate the affordability and functionality for panfish, criticisms include line management issues, cheap components, and the need for DIY fixes. Some prefer it over competitors, but others recommend spending more for better quality.

Themes

Entry-level inline reel performancemixed

Line management and drop speed controlnegative

Comparisons to Black Betty and Eagle Clawmixed

Durability and component qualitynegative

User modifications and fixesneutral

Use Cases

Panfish ice fishing
Dead stick/live bait techniques

Watch Out For

mediumLine may fall off the spool or get behind it, requiring DIY fixes like adding a washer or o-ring.

lowDrop speed adjustment is a simple rubber pin system that may not hold well with heavier jigs.

highPlastic internal components raise durability concerns; the drag and button can fail.

mediumMany users recommend spending more for the Black Betty or 6061 for better long-term reliability.

Community Q&A

How does the Descent compare to the Black Betty?: Most users feel the Black Betty is worth the extra money for better quality, drag, and durability, but the Descent is adequate for casual panfish anglers on a budget.
Is the Descent prone to line tangles?: Yes, some users experience line falling off the spool or getting behind it, similar to other budget inline reels. Adding a washer and o-ring can help.
Does the drop speed adjustment work well?: It uses a rubber pin that presses against the spool, which some find finicky. Adjusting it as jig weight changes is necessary to prevent free-wheeling.
Is the reel durable?: Concerns exist about the plastic internal gears and overall build; a user reported the drag and button breaking after one season.

Compared To

vs 13 Fishing Black Betty

The Descent is seen as a budget alternative to the Black Betty, but the Black Betty is preferred for its smoother drag and better build quality.

vs Eagle Claw inline reel

Users report the Descent is similar to the Eagle Claw in performance, with both having line-falling-off issues.

vs 6061 inline reel

The 6061 is mentioned as a more reliable option, with some users choosing it over the Descent.

Source Threads

13 Fishing Descent vs Black Betty comparison and user experiences
After bad experiences with two other brands of in line reels... I found myself looking at one today. So, I was wondering if anyone has some on ice experience with THIS particular reel. User 'UncleGillHunter' replied: 'They are about the same as the other inlines in their price range. If you clean them up and add a thin washer under the drag wheel and a small o-ring between the handle and the drag they work ok. I only fish for panfish so I don't have the drag set very tight.' Another user added: 'I have this real and I don't find it any better than the eagle claw... My problem with the eagle claw is that the line will fall off the side of the spool at times.' A comment from 'Hardwater Problem' noted: 'There is a drop rate adjustment knob on the side of the reel, same side as the handle. As you change jig weight you will have to adjust the drop rate to ensure you don't free wheel after the jig hits bottom. I love these reels!'
u/UncleGillHunterr/IceFishingView thread →
13 Fishing reel ownership experiences
User asked: 'I just ordered a 13 fishing descent... any owners on this page?' A reply from 'mattmcg1' stated: 'I've had a 13 Fishing Descent for 2 seasons now and I've used it for panfish. It's great for the price. The drag is pretty good, it's light, and it's been reliable for me.' However, another user 'pike_hunter' countered: 'Honestly? Save your money and get a Black Betty. The Descent is fine but after using both the BB is just better... smoother drag, better build quality.'
u/mattmcg1r/Fishing_GearView thread →
Inline reel recommendations for ice fishing panfish
Original post asked for inline reel recommendations for panfish; user 'IceJunky' responded: 'I run the 13 Fishing Descent for my dead stick and panfish rods. Great reel for the money... I've had no issues with line falling off like some complain about... I also have a Black Betty and it's better but the Descent is a great backup or budget option.'
u/IceJunkyr/IceFishingView thread →
13 Fishing Descent reel problem - drag and button failure
Poster described: 'I bought a 13 Fishing Descent reel last year and used it maybe 6 times. The drag stopped working and the little button that releases the spool fell off. I took it apart and the inside is all plastic gears... pretty disappointing for a $40 reel.' A comment suggested: 'Contact 13 Fishing... they might warranty it.' Another user added: 'I had the same issue with mine... line would get behind the spool too.'
View thread →