$30 reel 2024

fooman reply :

If anyone is interested BP has a reel for $30..I dont know anything about the quality but it might make a good beginner for a newbie..

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&appID=439&promoID=ms195&cm_ven=Redirects&cm_cat=promo&cm_pla=reel&cm_ite=ms195

Dont know if the link will work

Mike-in-WV reply :

WOW!! Thats no $30.00 reel. It's a $60.00 reel on sale and it's really a nice reel! It has 5 Bearings and it's a smooth operator. A friend of mine has one and it is really a nice reel for anyone!. Bass Pro is just having a half price sale. Nice find!, Mike

Davis reply :

Thanks for the heads up man.

Been thinking about trying out a baitcaster all winter.

For the price and free shipping. I gave it a go.

Probably not going to be the best real. But it will get me started with something to learn on.

One question....how did you find that on the site? Still looking after going to the main page of basspro.

fooman reply :

Quote
Thanks for the heads up man.
Been thinking about trying out a baitcaster all winter.

For the price and free shipping. I gave it a go.

Probably not going to be the best real. But it will get me started with something to learn on.

One question....how did you find that on the site? Still looking after going to the main page of basspro.

It was posted on another site,I guess it's in an upcoming magazine.

Mine ended up costing me $8 after reward points,not that I needed it but the monkey got the best of me

I'll let the nephew use it when I take him out,no more picking birdnests out of my Shimano's when I get home..

Pencil Pusher reply :

There is an ad for it in the March "Field and Stream".

Davis reply :

What would you guys recommend putting this on. Remember I'm just starting out here so nothing crazy expensive.

roadwarrior reply :

Quote
For the price and free shipping. I gave it a go.
Probably not going to be the best real.

Hmm...

I would be leery. I suspect it's "worth" about what you pay. "On Sale" when something has never been "for sale" isn't much of "a sale". BPS markets most of their in-house rods the same way. I never consider them on sale, just overpriced when they are not!

:-/

islandbass reply :

Not only that, no lefty version. For newbies to baitcaster who fished with spinning reels with handles on the left side, this reel will most likely not be a good option unless you want to reprogram your muscle memory to fish opposite handed.

Stasher1 reply :

Thanks for the link. I ordered one just to have as a loaner. Who knows, it might actually be a decent reel.

Mike-in-WV reply :

Don't let the idea of a reel costing $60.00-$70.00 make you think it's junk. There is no need to spend $100.00-$300.00 of a reel unless you just want to impress the fish and they don't care whats on the other end of the bait or how well you reel them in.

Many times a reel costing in the lower end will be great and last for years. Many of them have the same brass gears and stainless ball bearings as there more expensive cousins, just not as many of them.

Before buying a reel do some Internet searching on Google and you may be surprised to read all the good things people have to say about them including some of testing done by the pros. I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

GitRDoneIke23 reply :

Quote
Don't let the idea of a reel costing $60.00-$70.00 make you think it's junk. There is no need to spend $100.00-$300.00 of a reel unless you just want to impress the fish and they don't care whats on the other end of the bait or how well you reel them in.
Many times a reel costing in the lower end will be great and last for years. Many of them have the same brass gears and stainless ball bearings as there more expensive cousins, just not as many of them.

Before buying a reel do some Internet searching on Google and you may be surprised to read all the good things people have to say about them including some of testing done by the pros. I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

That's true. But Shimano's (and other high end reels) will last longer and will preform better, and with less frustration.

IMO you get what you pay for. and the higher end reels are worth it. ESPACIALLY SHIMANO!!

BTW..........Shimano has some nice reels on the "lower end" I'd check them out.

fooman reply :

Alot of these "low end" reels today are alot better than the "high end" reels I started with 20 years ago..

Dont get me wrong I own 6 Curado's and 1 Citica that are outstanding reels but for a loaner or for someone just learning I dont think they could go wrong

Stasher1 reply :

I don't think anybody is implying that the $30 BPS reel will last as long as a Curado, but with proper maintenance there's no reason why it shouldn't last at least a couple years.

If you do have a problem with it, BPS is usually pretty good about offering a replacement or credit towards something else.

For $30 shipped, I'm willing to take a chance. If I don't like it, I'll drive the 15 miles to the Atlanta store and swap it for something else.

roadwarrior reply :

Quote
Don't let the idea of a reel costing $60.00-$70.00 make you think it's junk. There is no need to spend $100.00-$300.00 of a reel unless you just want to impress the fish and they don't care whats on the other end of the bait or how well you reel them in.
Many times a reel costing in the lower end will be great and last for years. Many of them have the same brass gears and stainless ball bearings as there more expensive cousins, just not as many of them.

Before buying a reel do some Internet searching on Google and you may be surprised to read all the good things people have to say about them including some of testing done by the pros. I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

For $90 you can own a GREAT reel:

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html

The Citica was on sale just a few weeks ago for $70 after rebate.

Maybe it will be again.

8-)

tkite16 reply :

Quote

Quote
For the price and free shipping. I gave it a go.
Probably not going to be the best real.

Hmm...

I would be leery. I suspect it's "worth" about what you pay. "On Sale" when something has never been "for sale" isn't much of "a sale". BPS markets most of their in-house rods the same way. I never consider them on sale, just overpriced when they are not!

:-/

Kinda sounds like most Shimano reels to me. Kidding just kidding.

.dsaavedra. reply :

thanks for the heads up. im sure its not the best reel but it would make a nice beginners ree.

my dad was interested in getting started baitcasting, i'll have to show him this sale and maybe pick out a nice mid price rod to go with it.

ghost reply :

Why do guys like me who use left hand baitcast reels get left out of bargain stuff like this???? That totally blows!

Like Quantum won't come out w/ a left handed Code or KVD reel or BPS won't come out w/ a left handed Nitro baitcast reel....No wonder Shimano & Daiwa gets alot of business.

Enough of my rant, I would get that reel cuz it's just cheap...if it came in a left hand version.

cart7t reply :

Quote
I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

You didn't do enough research.

The biggest difference between the lower end Garcia LP reels and the Revo line is the frame material. The lower end reels are made of plastic, the Revo Line is made of Aluminum.

roadwarrior reply :

Quote
Why do guys like me who use left hand baitcast reels get left out of bargain stuff like this???? That totally blows!
Like Quantum won't come out w/ a left handed Code or KVD reel or BPS won't come out w/ a left handed Nitro baitcast reel....No wonder Shimano & Daiwa gets alot of business.

Enough of my rant, I would get that reel cuz it's just cheap...if it came in a left hand version.

Yor're lucky it doesn't. You just saved $30.

skunked_again reply :

"Restrictions and Exclusions: Offer expires April 30, 2008 or while supplies last. Free standard shipping offer is only available on purchase of the Baitcast Reel in this advertisement. Please note that if expedited shipping is required you will incur additional shipping charges. Offer excludes freight items, manufacturer drop shipments, international orders, expedited or oversized surcharges, and special fees. Quantities may be limited. Bass Pro Shops reserves the right to substitute comparable items of equal or greater value. This offer is not available in retail stores. Descriptive, typographic, or photographic errors are subject to change."

you have no idea what youre getting. on paper its a great deal if you fish 50 times a year. to quote RW i think "i might not fish on tuesday", a guy might add $50 to that $30 and start trolling for deals. things that come to mind are the quantum code, revo s, daiwa megaforce and so on. IMO the only thing worse than over paying for a great reel is over paying for a bad reel.

cart7t reply :

Revo S? :-?

Mike-in-WV reply :

Quote

Quote
I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

You didn't do enough research.

The biggest difference between the lower end Garcia LP reels and the Revo line is the frame material. The lower end reels are made of plastic, the Revo Line is made of Aluminum.

Corvettes are made of plastic too but I don't see anyone calling them low end cars or cheap :-* ;D Just kidding.

Just because it cost more doesn't prove that it is. Many times I have seen people pay big money for a name and not whats in it.

Still, you guys who spend the big bucks on reels and rods make a good point about differences in some areas and not much of an argument in other areas. I will let you know how I like the Abu Garcia Silver Max and give a true opinion of it when it get it and try it out. I have one of there really low end reels that was given to me and it works flawlessly and as smooth as silk, Mike

Davis reply :

29 bucks is cheap.

Of coarse RW and others don't like the idea.

But for just getting back into the game after so many years and wanting to start using a baitcaster this will work for me.

I picked up a Falcon Lowrider 6'6" MH fast action rod to throw this on.

Will it be the best reel in the world? Nope. But can it be something that I can learn on and get something better down the road if I like using baitcasters? Yep.

With funds being the way they are this worked out good for me personally. I would rather have a decent rod with a low end reel than a nice baitcaster with a low end bass pro graphite rod for 30 bucks. Not like I have a boat and fish tourneys.....I'm a weekend shorebound angler for the most part.

Like I said if I like fishing with a baitcaster than come September I can start looking into a Citica or Curado for my birthday present.

We all can't have the best stuff right away like some of you guys.

One more thing.......I ordered it yesterday afternoon and it shipped by supper time. That has to be a record for Basspro ha ha ha. ;D

skunked_again reply :

Quote
Revo S? :-?

well, plus shipping

Grey Wolf reply :

The bottom line is that most intelligant people buy what they can afford.

guest reply :

BOTTOM LINE: To all who bought the reel>>ENJOY IT and have FUN 8-)

roadwarrior reply :

One of the major goals of this Forum is to share information that has been gathered over our combined years of experimentation. I'm not sponsored or in the fishing "business". I don't really care what anyone uses to fish, but I would like to help. Everyone on Team Depends has wasted hundereds or more likely, thousands of dollars on tackle over the years. I hate for others do the same.

"Youth is wasted on the young"

guest reply :

Thats true RW, also part of the fun is finding the equipment you like. Many here scoffed at the Cabelas Prodigy and BPS Extremes and i learned how to BC with them, and got good service from them. Other fellas on the forum are still using those same reels. I found the Trions and thats what I use. You are right about the info here, I have found products here from you more experienced fellas and it has made fishing more enjoyable 8-)

Davis reply :

Quote
One of the major goals of this Forum is to share information that has been gathered over our combined years of experimentation. I'm not sponsored or in the fishing "business". I don't really care what anyone uses to fish, but I would like to help. Everyone on Team Depends has wasted hundereds or more likely, thousands of dollars on tackle over the years. I hate for others do the same.
"Youth is wasted on the young"

:

I agree and respect peoples advice on these boards. I have learned a ton. But I also don't know if I'm going to like baitcasting. Chances are I'm going to hate it at first. 8-) But I'm going to put in the time with it. If you boys want to send me 100 bucks or a good reel than by all means, go ahead. ;D But for right now....my budget and being leary about baitcasting doesn't make sense for me to go out and grab a nice shimano. Although if I do end up liking it and using baitcasters a lot (mainly a weightless plastics man) than I will make the jump come b-day time. And I will definately go with a Citica or Curado at that time. No hard feelings guys. Just trying to get you all to see my situation.

skunked_again reply :

i agree. i have 4 BC that arent Abu 5000's and 5600's. what im scared of is buying a reel that you cant hold and mess with before you put your money down. id never have the sol or the stx had i not been able to mount t hem on the rod i use and fiddle with them.

helps when BPS is in your back yard 8-)

Tin reply :

Quote

Quote
I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

You didn't do enough research.

The biggest difference between the lower end Garcia LP reels and the Revo line is the frame material. The lower end reels are made of plastic, the Revo Line is made of Aluminum.

Not to get off topic but someone on here said they got a hold of Abu and they were told that the Pro Max frame was Aluminum... :-/ :-?

cart7t reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

You didn't do enough research.

The biggest difference between the lower end Garcia LP reels and the Revo line is the frame material. The lower end reels are made of plastic, the Revo Line is made of Aluminum.

Corvettes are made of plastic too but I don't see anyone calling them low end cars or cheap :-* ;D Just kidding.

Just because it cost more doesn't prove that it is. Many times I have seen people pay big money for a name and not whats in it.

Still, you guys who spend the big bucks on reels and rods make a good point about differences in some areas and not much of an argument in other areas. I will let you know how I like the Abu Garcia Silver Max and give a true opinion of it when it get it and try it out. I have one of there really low end reels that was given to me and it works flawlessly and as smooth as silk, Mike

I'm not knocking the new LP line of Garcia', the jury is still out on the long term viability of the plastic frame though.

I buy and sell a lot of used fishing reels. I disagree with your statement you made here though

Quote
Many times a reel costing in the lower end will be great and last for years.

I've rarely seen a reel that came from the kind of price point that $30 reel comes in at that lasted for years. If it was used fairly regularly, that reel is going to have stuff break on it. Just a fact of cheap mechanics and my own experience of buying, selling and owning cheaper reels. When it breaks, the parts are usually not available nor would the thing be worth fixing anyway.

Those lower end reels are great as a beginner for someone wanting to start out as cheaply as possible, I wouldn't consider them a reel that one will keep in his arsenal for a long time to come because frankly, they won't last for a long time.

Davis reply :

Quote
I wouldn't consider them a reel that one will keep in his arsenal for a long time to come because frankly, they won't last for a long time.

Exactly. If I find that I end up using this baitcaster over my spinning gear most of the time than I will upgrade in the fall.

GitRDoneIke23 reply :

Quote

Quote
One of the major goals of this Forum is to share information that has been gathered over our combined years of experimentation. I'm not sponsored or in the fishing "business". I don't really care what anyone uses to fish, but I would like to help. Everyone on Team Depends has wasted hundereds or more likely, thousands of dollars on tackle over the years. I hate for others do the same.
"Youth is wasted on the young"

:

I agree and respect peoples advice on these boards. I have learned a ton. But I also don't know if I'm going to like baitcasting. Chances are I'm going to hate it at first. 8-) But I'm going to put in the time with it. If you boys want to send me 100 bucks or a good reel than by all means, go ahead. ;D But for right now....my budget and being leary about baitcasting doesn't make sense for me to go out and grab a nice shimano. Although if I do end up liking it and using baitcasters a lot (mainly a weightless plastics man) than I will make the jump come b-day time. And I will definately go with a Citica or Curado at that time. No hard feelings guys. Just trying to get you all to see my situation.

Hey man, I understand COMPLETLEY!! I love my BC!!!! It gets frustrating when you get a bunch of BAD @$$ backlashes!!! If ya stick with it and practice a lot, you'll quickly see its advanteges over spinning.

If you can't afford Shimanos right away...Don't sweat it. Just buy what you can afford.

guest reply :

Carp 7 really knows his stuff. I bought a fre BPS reels from him as i made my search to find what I was comfortable with, his help and suggestions were a big help to me

Bassnajr reply :

Amen Mike.... Amen... X2 What did they do back in the '60's and '70's without all the bling??

bassnajr

Bassnajr reply :

This is a CONSTANT topic on here. Again, coming from the Crazy Golf Guys Club, more expensive isn't always the best, and sometimes a name is Just a name. I saw guys buy the newest clubs, changing every year. HUNDREDS of dollars for one club... CRAZY!!!! (And they still couldn't play!!)

There is something to be said about "You get what you pay for." I have read here a few times that the $100.00 mark is a good cut off. The difference from $100 and up is noticable. IMO

But does that mean every reel under 100 is junk?

I don't think so....IMHO

bassnajr

Mike-in-WV reply :

It seems that several people on here keep referring to this reel as a $30.00 reel and one even said that they can't believe a $30.00 reel is going to last. It's not a $30.00 reel! It's a $60.00 reel on a half price sale by Bass Pro and they back there products.

I'm not trying make an argument out of this tread but I am trying to make a point. NO ONE on here seems to know much about this reel but some are willing to jump right in and knock it without seeing it or trying it. It may be junk and I don't know other wise either but I do know that I have some lower end rod and reels that I have had for years and they have landed many nice fish. I also don't consider a reel that cost less than $100.00 as junk. Cost is not what makes the product good or bad. Quality, design and workmanship is. There are a few guys on here who say they are going to buy one. Maybe they will let us know what they think of them, Mike

guest reply :

Hey Mike: BPS uses this ploy alot the keep their house reels at full retail and then they deeply discount them. It is always best to wait them out.It looks like a good reel , and I would bet they keep going from 59 to 29 on a regular basis. Cabelas does the same thing with their Prodigy and zx lines.

Redsyn reply :

If it was left hand retrieve I would of bought one.

Get one and try it. If you dont like it, give it to a kid. They wont know it is a $30 reel or $300. I dont think they will care either. Heck they may even learn how to outfish you in time w/ that reel.

Mike-in-WV reply :

Muddy, Your right about that and I have seen it done with others too. Some of Cabelas reels sure look like Abu LP reels to me.

Redsyn, Good idea about giving the reels to someone who would love to have it regardless of the price. My wife and I raised 7 kids and there was a time I didn't have enough money to buy a hook let alone a new fancy rod and reel,

guest reply :

I would buy that reel or the Cabelas xz reel on sale; I am sure you will do just fine. Or go on the flea market here, or contact Carp 7.

Styx reply :

Quote

Quote

Quote
I just ordered a "Abu Garcia Silver Max " for less then $70.00 and after doing the research on it I found out that it has the same components as there other newer high end bait casting reels that people on here have been raving about, Just not as many bearings. I'll ask the first Bass I catch with it if he cares that the reel he was caught with was less than $70.00 ;D, Mike

You didn't do enough research.

The biggest difference between the lower end Garcia LP reels and the Revo line is the frame material. The lower end reels are made of plastic, the Revo Line is made of Aluminum.

Not to get off topic but someone on here said they got a hold of Abu and they were told that the Pro Max frame was Aluminum... :-/ :-?

That was me. Someone else email Abu Garcia about the Pro Max and was told the same thing. Then later they got another email saying that the first email was incorrect and the frame was infact graphite. So graphite it is.

slomoe reply :

On one hand I believe you should start out with a quality reel. Something reliable, that you will not get frustrated with and just give up on. Im glad I learned on my citica, it was a breeze.

On the other hand, I feel that if you are not sure if baitcasting is for you and want to spend a little to get the hang of it, by all means. Thats why baseball players swing heavy bats on deck, then switch to something lighter when they step into the box. 8-)

Bassnajr reply :

I agree with Redsyn...

If it was a lefty, I would have ordered one myself. It might be in my head, but the LH baitcasters SEEM to work better for me (being brought up on a Mitchell 300 LH spin reel!!)

Mike WV, I did not mean that any reel under $100.00 is junk. Most of my reels are $100.00 plus reels that I get a deal on (like on the Fishing Flea Market here on BRS, E-Bay or, BPS/Cabela's.) In other threads, members have stated, and I agree, that $100.00 seems to seperate the LEVELS if you will. Beginner, intermediate, expert,( yeah right!! )

I appreciate the conversation on this thread, and I don't think it's argumentative either. Just good hearted conversation!!

Peace

alan

GitRDoneIke23 reply :

Quote
On one hand I believe you should start out with a quality reel. Something reliable, that you will not get frustrated with and just give up on. Im glad I learned on my citica, it was a breeze.
On the other hand, I feel that if you are not sure if baitcasting is for you and want to spend a little to get the hang of it, by all means. Thats why baseball players swing heavy bats on deck, then switch to something lighter when they step into the box. 8-)

VERY VERY well said!!!

Mike-in-WV reply :

Quote
I agree with Redsyn...
If it was a lefty, I would have ordered one myself. It might be in my head, but the LH baitcasters SEEM to work better for me (being brought up on a Mitchell 300 LH spin reel!!)

Mike WV, I did not mean that any reel under $100.00 is junk. Most of my reels are $100.00 plus reels that I get a deal on (like on the Fishing Flea Market here on BRS, E-Bay or, BPS/Cabela's.) In other threads, members have stated, and I agree, that $100.00 seems to seperate the LEVELS if you will. Beginner, intermediate, expert,( yeah right!! )

I appreciate the conversation on this thread, and I don't think it's argumentative either. Just good hearted conversation!!

Peace

alan

No problem on my end at all. Everyone has a right to there opinion and we are all just stating ours.

Speaking of the Mitchell 300 they were the most popular reel around back in the 60's everyone had at least one on a pole. Bought my first one when I was about 16 in 1962 . Landed many nice bass with mine fishing a minnow or creek chub deep in Barberton , Ohio reservoir. We would sneak in there all the time. Now the original 300 Mitchells go for a small fortune on Ebay. I still have three of mine!, Mike

Davis reply :

My reel came in yesterday.

Very small. But again I'm new to baitcasting so I don't know what it's comparable to. Only holds 90 yards of 12lb line. It is a good thing that I picked up a Citica to put on my Falcon because this will not work well for throwing spinnerbaits.

Going to pick up a BPS Crankin stick to put this one on for my smaller cranks. All and all it feels pretty solid for 30 bucks. Can't complain I guess. I am glad that my Citica will be here tomorrow. 8-)

fooman reply :

I recieved mine and its ok..

I haven't used it yet but have opened it up and gave it a good cleaning/lubed and that made a world of difference..

It doesn't compare to my Shimano's but it is way better than my starter reels 20+ years ago..

Looks like I have to wait a few more weeks for the ice to clear before I can take it out and try it

2598

$30 reel 2024

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