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Baitcaster Suggestions? 2024


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

I was wondering what my next baitcaster should be. I already have two cheap ones, a Pflueger Templar and Abu Garcia Black Max II, and I love both of them, but I was thinking of saving up some extra money and seeing if I couldn't get one a little more expensive and of better quality. I've been thinking about the Revo SX, but it seems like Abu Garcia's quality, in my experience, isn't all its cracked up to be. I still love the brand but what are some other good ones? I was thinking about getting a good Shimano or something. Also, what do you guys think of the custom painted rod and reels? If I get another one I plan to get it painted matte black with a matte red spool and handle.


fishing user avatarrobster80 reply : 

shimano curado e or i or lews


fishing user avatarMr Swim Jig reply : 

If you are wanting to stay around the price range of the Revo SX, then I would look at the Shimano Curaod E or I, Daiwa Tatula, Pinnacle Optimus LTE and I am sure there are some good Lews reels in that price range also,

 

Basically there are a lot of choices in  that price range.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

I was actually thinking about the Daiwa too. What's the advantages to the higher end reels besides longevity and better materials?


fishing user avatarJaheff reply : 

First know what kind of braking system you want. All reel companies are making quality reels in the 150-200 range, just look for sales.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

As far as the braking systems, it really doesn't matter in my opinion. My Pflueger doesn't even have a braking adjuster knob, just the spool tension knob.


fishing user avatarChicagoEd reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:38 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

I was actually thinking about the Daiwa too. What's the advantages to the higher end reels besides longevity and better materials?

I really like my Daiwa T3 Ballistic.  For $100 bucks I think its a great value.  for $200 the T3 1016 is awesome.  I've been using both on all my outings this year and really enjoy them.  Just my two cents.


fishing user avatarTywithay reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:42 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

As far as the braking systems, it really doesn't matter in my opinion. My Pflueger doesn't even have a braking adjuster knob, just the spool tension knob.

The Pflueger has a 6-pin centrifugal system inside the non-handle sideplate. There won't be an external adjustment, but you actually have to open the reel to turn the brakes on and off. Usually there's 3 on, 3 off, from the factory.

 

As far as custom painting, it's expensive, typically isn't that durable, and you can't paint the spool.

 

In the same price range, I much prefer the Curado I or Daiwa Tatula over the Revo SX. They feel more solid, more refined, and I MUCH, MUCH prefer the braking systems over that of the Revo.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

Both of my reels were around $50 and they both work great. I just need to start building up my collection on tackle and equipment.


fishing user avatarTywithay reply : 

If it were me, I'd look at the Daiwa Tatula. You can find them at $100 all day long and it'd completely blow away those other two reels you have. There's not really a better reel for that little money from anywhere else.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:46 PM, Tywithay said:

The Pflueger has a 6-pin centrifugal system inside the non-handle sideplate. There won't be an external adjustment, but you actually have to open the reel to turn the brakes on and off. Usually there's 3 on, 3 off, from the factory.

 

As far as custom painting, it's expensive, typically isn't that durable, and you can't paint the spool.

 

In the same price range, I much prefer the Curado I or Daiwa Tatula over the Revo SX. They feel more solid, more refined, and I MUCH, MUCH prefer the braking systems over that of the Revo.

I've never tore the Pflueger apart to look at it. The painting is just cause I like to be unique and it will look great in my opinion. When it starts coming off I'll redo it or just leave it for character. This isn't exactly a rush to get one. I have to buy a new rod for my spinning reel and then I can save up for the new reel.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:51 PM, Tywithay said:

If it were me, I'd look at the Daiwa Tatula. You can find them at $100 all day long and it'd completely blow away those other two reels you have. There's not really a better reel for that little money from anywhere else.  

I'll check it out, I plan to buy all of them I can eventually. Lol I just want to get the best one first.


fishing user avatarTywithay reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:52 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

I've never tore the Pflueger apart to look at it. The painting is just cause I like to be unique and it will look great in my opinion. When it starts coming off I'll redo it or just leave it for character. This isn't exactly a rush to get one. I have to buy a new rod for my spinning reel and then I can save up for the new reel.

If you want to paint a reel and have it look even halfway decent without screwing up the reel, it's a long process. You have to break the reel down to its frame, sand off the old paint, be careful not to get overspray on critical or you'll ruin the fit between the sideplates and frame. Most folks that do it seriously use a high quality automotive paint and a quality clear coat. More to it than a can of spray paint.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:00 PM, Tywithay said:

If you want to paint a reel and have it look even halfway decent without screwing up the reel, it's a long process. You have to break the reel down to its frame, sand off the old paint, be careful not to get overspray on critical or you'll ruin the fit between the sideplates and frame. Most folks that do it seriously use a high quality automotive paint and a quality clear coat. More to it than a can of spray paint.

I could do it myself, but I'm just going to send it off because if someone else screws it up I can make them pay for it. If I screw it up then I have to redo it until I get it right. Lol


fishing user avataraavery2 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 10:42 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

As far as the braking systems, it really doesn't matter in my opinion. My Pflueger doesn't even have a braking adjuster knob, just the spool tension knob.

I am not trying to be rude, but I am going to be honest. Your statement about your Pflueger reel not having any braking adjustment leads me to believe that you do not understand the basic operation of baitcasting reels. I would suggest that before you spend more money on a better reel, take the time to learn the operation of the reel you currently have. It may be all you need, but at any rate you will need to understand how, when, and why braking adjustments are necessary. There should have been an operation manual that came with the reel, read through it and become familiar with your reels operation and adjustment. If you have questions post them here, many are very willing to help, watch videos, there are more than a person could watch.

A better reel won't necessarily make you a better fisherman, but I can guarantee understanding and using your equipment to it's full advantage will.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:04 PM, aavery2 said:

I am not trying to be rude, but I am going to be honest. Your statement about your Pflueger reel not having any braking adjustment leads me to believe that you do not understand the basic operation of baitcasting reels. I would suggest that before you spend more money on a better reel, take the time to learn the operation of the reel you currently have. It may be all you need, but at any rate you will need to understand how, when, and why braking adjustments are necessary. There should have been an operation manual that came with the reel, read through it and become familiar with your reels operation and adjustment. If you have questions post them here, many are very willing to help, watch videos, there are more than a person could watch.

A better reel won't necessarily make you a better fisherman, but I can guarantee understanding and using your equipment to it's full advantage will.

I meant on the exterior of a reel. As I previously said, I have never torn into it to clean it or look at it. I wasn't the one that bought it. My dad bought it a while back and he never learned how to use it so he basically gave it to me.


fishing user avataraavery2 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:08 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

I meant on the exterior of a reel. As I previously said, I have never torn into it to clean it or look at it. I wasn't the one that bought it. My dad bought it a while back and he never learned how to use it so he basically gave it to me.

Understood, but it does not sound like you have taken the time to learn to use it correctly either. Brake adjustment is fundamental in the use of baitcasting equipment. Again, not trying to be rude just honest.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:13 PM, aavery2 said:

Understood, but it does not sound like you have taken the time to learn to use it correctly either. Brake adjustment is fundamental in the use of baitcasting equipment. Again, not trying to be rude just honest.

How have I not taken the time to use it correctly? I have been using them for two years. I study guns, not reels. I'm not trying to work on them, I'm just enjoying fishing with them. Saying the things you're saying about not properly using them would be like me telling you that you don't know how to properly use a rifle because you don't know the difference between a direct impingment system and a gas piston system and the downfalls of each.


fishing user avataraavery2 reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:21 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

How have I not taken the time to use it correctly? I have been using them for two years. I study guns, not reels. I'm not trying to work on them, I'm just enjoying fishing with them. Saying the things you're saying about not properly using them would be like me telling you that you don't know how to properly use a rifle because you don't know the difference between a direct impingment system and a gas piston system and the downfalls of each.

Don't get upset, it is what I understood you to say in your original post, centrifugal brakes require the removal of the palm side plate to adjust, you have said multiple times that you have not done that so the assumption would be that you do not understand the operation of your equipment. It's fantastic that you understand the operation of your weapons, take the same time to learn and understand the operation of your fishing gear and it will make a much larger difference than buying new more expensive equipment that you may not be able to use to it's full potential.
fishing user avatarfisherrw reply : 

lews bb1


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

I've heard everyone say how good the Speed Spool and BPS PQ are. Are they on par with some of the more expensive reels considering how much they're bragged upon?


fishing user avataraavery2 reply : 

The Lews Speed Spool and the BPS Pro Qualifier are both good reels in their respective price range.  The Speed Spool is a magnetic based reel and has an external dial on the palm side plate that is adjusted to increase braking.  The Pro Qualifier is a dual braking reel, having both centrifugal and magnetic braking, the centrifugal braking is adjusted by removing the palm side cover and engaging the braking pins, the magnetic braking is the same as most reels with an external dial that is adjusted to increase the magnetic braking.    Both of these reels internally are based on the same design as the Abu Garcia Revo series of reels, the primary differences being spool design and form factor.   Of the two I prefer the PQ, it is a little heavier than the speed spool, but the advantages of dual braking IMO outweigh the weight savings.


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

I don't mind weight to much. I've slung spinner baits for eight hours before. I just want a good reel so I can have a certain reel for certain baits. I wanna get a 5:2:1 for cranking and a 7:1:1 or 7:3:1 for repeated and I already have to 6:4:1's for everything in between.


fishing user avatarQUAKEnSHAKE reply : 
  On 5/31/2014 at 11:21 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

How have I not taken the time to use it correctly? I have been using them for two years. I study guns, not reels. I'm not trying to work on them, I'm just enjoying fishing with them. Saying the things you're saying about not properly using them would be like me telling you that you don't know how to properly use a rifle because you don't know the difference between a direct impingment system and a gas piston system and the downfalls of each.

With the pflueger templar how many brakes do you have turned on?


fishing user avatarSlipknot_Fan666 reply : 

Unless my dad changed them up then I guess they're on the setting that they were from the factory.


fishing user avatarQUAKEnSHAKE reply : 
  On 6/1/2014 at 7:49 PM, ForrestByTheStream said:

Unless my dad changed them up then I guess they're on the setting that they were from the factory.

 

 

  On 5/31/2014 at 11:04 PM, aavery2 said:

I am not trying to be rude, but I am going to be honest. Your statement about your Pflueger reel not having any braking adjustment leads me to believe that you do not understand the basic operation of baitcasting reels. I would suggest that before you spend more money on a better reel, take the time to learn the operation of the reel you currently have. It may be all you need, but at any rate you will need to understand how, when, and why braking adjustments are necessary. There should have been an operation manual that came with the reel, read through it and become familiar with your reels operation and adjustment. If you have questions post them here, many are very willing to help, watch videos, there are more than a person could watch.

A better reel won't necessarily make you a better fisherman, but I can guarantee understanding and using your equipment to it's full advantage will.

X2 agree 100%


fishing user avatarCapt.Bob reply : 

best for $150.00 to me would be the Tournament Pro from Lew's, you may decide you don't want the rest???


fishing user avatarmoken12 reply : 

So are "we" saying the Revo's aren't worth getting.  Always been a spinning user but want to give the baitcasting a try. 


fishing user avatarCapt.Bob reply : 

I would not say they are not worth getting. But for $150.00 I don't think there is any reel made as good for that price, and you can find them for $150.00 I think there track record from anyone who has owned them reflect that quite clearly. They worth way more than there retail price and offer more extras than reels costing twice the money, you won't go wrong with the Lew's.


fishing user avatarmoken12 reply : 

Say BB1 vs. Revo S vs. Tatula.  senko to 3/8 jigs


fishing user avatarScorchx1245 reply : 

I went from a cheap baitcaster, (started getting frustrated with it) to one diawa tatula and now have 3


fishing user avatarOkobojiEagle reply : 

Did a little comparison shopping for a new reel this past winter.  Hadn't purchased a new casting reel since a couple Morrums a decade ago.  Found the sweet spot for weekend warrior reels to be $150 - $200.  The $200 price became necessary to find a quality reel that would effortlessly throw 1/4oz weights.  Several very good choices from most of the major manufactures.  Take some time, study the features and enjoy the shopping.

 

 

oe




4052

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