13 Fishing Modus C2 Baitcast Reel
Lower PFAS concern, no coating risks identified.
The baitcast reel uses metals and alloys without typical PFAS coatings. 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
What 13 Fishing Modus C2 Baitcast Reel is made of, ingredients and materials
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.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
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.
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’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
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.
Source, ATSDR ↗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.
The full breakdown
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.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- 13 Fishing has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More fishing line grades
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.