13 Fishing · Fishing Line & Tackle
13 Fishing Modus C2 Baitcast Reel
Fishing reel with lower PFAS concern, no coating risks identified.
Baitcast reel uses metals and alloys without typical PFAS coatings. No brand disclosure on PFAS; standard fishing equipment category shows minimal risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
aluminum alloy frame, stainless steel, brass components
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 Modus C2 uses aluminum alloy for the frame and spool, stainless steel for the shaft and internal bearings, and brass for gears and pivot pins. These materials are chemically stable in freshwater and saltwater environments and do not leach into food or water in normal use. Unlike coated cookware or painted furniture, fishing reels are not designed for food contact or repeated high-heat exposure, eliminating the primary leaching pathways for metals or organic coatings.
The brand's record and disclosure
13 Fishing is a mid-tier tackle manufacturer with no published sustainability or material safety certifications on record. The brand has not issued public statements on PFAS, heavy metal sourcing, or manufacturing standards. No product recalls or established safety controversies for the Modus line have been documented in consumer safety databases. Lack of disclosure does not indicate a hazard but reflects limited third-party verification.
How it compares in its category
Baitcast reels in this price range typically use the same aluminum, stainless steel, and brass material mix as the Modus C2, making it representative of the category rather than an outlier. Premium reels may use higher-purity alloys or specialized coatings, but these do not meaningfully reduce safety risk in normal fishing use. The Modus C2 occupies a middle ground with no documented material or manufacturing advantages or disadvantages versus direct competitors.
If you buy it
Rinse the reel with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent brass corrosion and extend bearing life. Store in a dry location to avoid moisture accumulation in the gear box, which can promote bacterial or fungal growth on organic lubricants. Replace drag washers or bearing cartridges if they show wear or develop grinding sounds. Do not submerge for extended periods or expose to extreme heat, as this can degrade internal grease and damage 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.”
Corrosion and metal degradation (saltwater exposure)
Brass gears and aluminum alloy frame can corrode over years of saltwater exposure without rinsing, potentially leading to pinhole leaks or mechanical failure. This is a maintenance issue rather than a direct toxicological hazard but can reduce product lifespan.
Bacterial or fungal growth in moisture-trapped gear box
Internal lubrication grease and sealed spaces can harbor bacterial biofilm if reel is stored wet or in high-humidity environments. This does not pose direct health risk in normal handling but may generate odors or affect reel function.
Lead or cadmium in solder joints or plating
No lead-based solder or cadmium plating has been identified in published teardowns or manufacturer documentation of the Modus C2. Stainless steel fasteners and brass components do not typically require toxic plating.
Chromium or nickel sensitization from skin contact
Stainless steel components are not known to leach nickel or chromium into skin at rates that trigger sensitization in normal fishing use. Risk would be negligible for most users unless pre-sensitized to these metals.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from lubricants
Internal greases and oils used in bearing cartridges may emit trace VOCs, particularly if the reel is opened in an enclosed space for maintenance. Ventilation is recommended during disassembly but poses no meaningful risk during normal fishing.
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.