13 Fishing · Fishing Line & Tackle
13 Fishing Kalon A Spinning Reel
Fishing reel with metal construction poses lower PFAS concern.
Spinning reels use machined metal bodies and spools without water-repellent coatings. No public PFAS concerns documented for this product category or brand.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Metal (aluminum/machined brass body and spool)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Kalon A uses machined aluminum and brass components for the body, spool, and internal gearing, materials chosen for corrosion resistance and weight efficiency in saltwater and freshwater environments. Aluminum and brass do not release volatile organic compounds or leach estrogenic chemicals under normal fishing conditions (no heating, no food contact, no prolonged moisture absorption typical of cookware or food storage). The metal construction avoids polymer-based hazards entirely, eliminating exposure risks from BPA, phthalates, or Teflon-type coating degradation that affect reels with plastic spools or epoxy coatings.
The brand's record and disclosure
13 Fishing has not made public statements about hazard testing, material sourcing, or chemical restrictions for the Kalon line. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this reel model. The brand does not appear to hold third-party certifications (e.g., Bluesign, RoHS, ISO 14001) specifically for this product, though such certifications are uncommon in the fishing-equipment sector. Lack of transparency does not indicate a hazard; it reflects typical industry practice for non-food, non-body-contact sporting goods.
How it compares in its category
Spinning reels in this price and performance tier commonly use similar aluminum and brass construction, making the Kalon A materially representative of standard mid-range equipment. Reels with polymer drag washers or epoxy-coated spools present slightly higher wear-particle or coating-degradation risk, whereas the Kalon A's all-metal design minimizes such concerns. Saltwater-specific reels often feature stainless steel or anodized aluminum to resist corrosion; confirmation of the Kalon A's corrosion treatment would clarify long-term durability and leaching potential, though public data is limited.
If you buy it
Rinse the reel with freshwater after saltwater use to prevent corrosion and surface degradation, which can eventually expose base metals. Check drag washers and internal gears annually for wear particles or discoloration; replace the drag system if it feels gritty, as worn materials may accumulate in your catch area. Store in a dry location to minimize moisture-driven oxidation of aluminum surfaces. Do not apply petroleum-based lubricants to internal mechanisms without manufacturer guidance, as some solvents may accelerate corrosion or degrade seals.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Aluminum corrosion and leaching
Aluminum components in freshwater and especially saltwater can corrode over years, potentially releasing trace aluminum ions. Risk is low in normal use but increases with poor rinsing or storage in humid conditions. No health threshold is established for anglers via this route, but regular maintenance minimizes exposure.
Wear particle exposure (metal fines)
Machined brass and aluminum gears naturally shed microparticles during operation. These are isolated to the reel mechanism and do not aerosolize or enter food or water; risk is negligible during normal fishing use. Inspect internal components for visible wear and replace drag washers if metallic grit is evident.
Coating or plating hazards
No epoxy, enamel, or ceramic coatings documented on the Kalon A body or spool. If anodized aluminum is used for corrosion resistance, anodize is an inert oxide layer with no identified leaching risk under fishing conditions. Absence of paint or polymer topcoats eliminates typical peeling or VOC concerns.
Heavy metals in fasteners or solder
Brass and aluminum do not typically require lead-based solder in modern manufacturing; cadmium or lead in fasteners would be unusual in contemporary fishing reels and is not reported for 13 Fishing products. No public safety alerts or testing data contradict this assessment for the Kalon A.
Microplastic shedding
The Kalon A is primarily metal construction. Microplastic risk would arise only from polymer seals or drag washers; the extent and material of these components is not publicly detailed. If seals degrade over years, shed particles remain localized to the reel mechanism and do not leach into water or food.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
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How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.