Hey, forgive me if this has already been asked, but I didn't find anything when I did a couple searches. I was wondering if anyone has used, or does use the Bass Pro Shop brand of baitcasting reel. I was wondering if this one in particular was any good as a first time reel. I picked up an Abu Garcia 7' medium-heavy rod on clearance a couple weeks ago, and have been looking at putting the Abu Garcia Black Max or Silver Max on it. I'm just curious if this would be better.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Bionic-Plus-Baitcast-Reels/product/1207260456523/
I was there this afternoon just looking at them and was wondering. Thanks!
IMO yes it would be better, aluminum frame versus graphite, stronger. The Pro Qualifier is an outstanding reel and a great value especially when on sale for 79
The pro qualifier reel is the best $100 or under reel out there. I have five.
On 4/8/2013 at 11:38 AM, iceintheveins said:The pro qualifier reel is the best $100 or under reel out there. I have five.
x2
PQ is better quality hands down vs the other two you mentioned. Plus the PQ is easy to dial in and have minimal backlash.
Most everyone on here will tell you to look at the Pro Qualifier. It is a nice reel and it is on sale for $80 right now. As for those Abus, I have heard mixed reviews and I havent heard anything about the Bionic Blade reel. As most have said, I would pay a little more for the Pro Qualifier, but between those reels, I would go with the Bionic Blade
I haven't had the best of luck with them lasting over 2-3 years of hard use except for the Pro Qualifier. Mine is on its 3rd season of hard cranking use and is holding up like a champ.
The PQ is a VERY respectable "Cheap reel". Possibly the best value in any reel on the market. Aluminum frame, dual brake system. I love mine and would gladly buy another. Buy it, you wont regret it.
Another vote for the Pro Qualifier here. I've never tried any other BPS reels, but the PQ is the best low profile reel for under $150 that I've ever used. And it's available in a lefty.
If this is your first baitcaster, don't cheap out on it. It will cost you more in the long run when the cheap one breaks or you realize that it sucks (both will probably happen within the first 3-6 months if not the first time out.) The PQ at $80 is a steal, and they hold up to serious fishing. Not to mention it will be much easier to learn to cast with a decent reel.
BTW, I've found the reviews on the BassPro site to be pretty reliable for most things. I'd start there if you're serious about that reel in particular.
It is a great reel. I have 2 in the 6.4.1 and 7.1.1 ratios. They feel really smooth and solid. If anything happens or you don't like it. You can't take it to bass pro for a exchange or refund. Bass pro makes some quality products. I would buy it if I were you.
On 4/8/2013 at 7:07 PM, BASSIN28 said:It is a great reel. I have 2 in the 6.4.1 and 7.1.1 ratios. They feel really smooth and solid. If anything happens or you don't like it. You can't take it to bass pro for a exchange or refund. Bass pro makes some quality products. I would buy it if I were you.
Don't you mean you CAN take it back?
Hootie
I haven't tried the PQ or the Bionic but I do have three of the Extreme's and couldn't be happier. They are around the same price as the Bionic.
Thanks for all the information everyone. I'll got with the Pro Qualifier.
On 4/8/2013 at 8:45 PM, hootiebenji said:Don't you mean you CAN take it back?
Hootie
Yea that's what I ment. Lol
When you're ready to step up from the pq the johnny morris signature series reel is a great reel too. Try the bass pro shops carbon lite rods too.
Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion.
On 4/8/2013 at 10:27 PM, PondBoss said:Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion.
I just read a few reviews on these and they look good too. I would just get both if I had the money.
Yea man I bought a h20 mettle when I went to Texas. It was good. Cheap but performs like a champ. Everyone in Texas uses them
Hey guys, I just got an email on this one:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP
What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59.
I can't really help seeing as I have never used one, but my first thought was for the price it does not look too bad and the reviews on it are really good. give it a try and if you don't like it you can always take it back.
On 4/10/2013 at 2:44 AM, mark nowak said:I can't really help seeing as I have never used one, but my first thought was for the price it does not look too bad and the reviews on it are really good. give it a try and if you don't like it you can always take it back.
That's a great point. BPS has always taken good care of me as a customer. If you return something within 30 days it's usually no questions asked.
On 4/10/2013 at 2:57 AM, Snakehead Whisperer said:That's a great point. BPS has always taken good care of me as a customer. If you return something within 30 days it's usually no questions asked.
I just returned a Diawa reel to BPS and all they did was look in the box and tell me to get another one. (it was within the 30 day limit)
Get the PQ. It is on sale for $79 right now!
On 4/10/2013 at 3:07 AM, mtaag3 said:I just returned a Diawa reel to BPS and all they did was look in the box and tell me to get another one. (it was within the 30 day limit)
That's why I spend money there and recommend them to people. Glad they took care of you too.
On 4/10/2013 at 12:37 AM, Semper Piscandi said:Hey guys, I just got an email on this one:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP
What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59.
I think for an extra 20.00 get the PQ and don't look back.
Mike
On 4/10/2013 at 12:37 AM, Semper Piscandi said:Hey guys, I just got an email on this one:
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP
What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59.
Nitro z lasted me 6 months. The spool started engaging mid-cast, every cast. Get the PQ I PROMISE you it is worth every single penny.
Another good thing about the H2O Mettle is that it has a lifetime warranty. Bass Pro has a year. When mine was working, The PQ was very nice. It was an older model. I will probably get a new one next season when I want a new reel, or I should say I can afford a new reel
Ok, PQ it is. I might get the H2O as well since I have a spare rod that wouldn't get used otherwise. Thanks everyone!
im going against the majority i love my abu silver max i also have a black max but the silver max is nice and i do have 2 bps reels
On 4/10/2013 at 9:01 AM, tugsandpulls said:im going against the majority i love my abu silver max i also have a black max but the silver max is nice and i do have 2 bps reels
As far as the lower end Abu's go I would personally choose a BCX over the others ($59. Never tried the ___max.) But that would be hard to justify when the Swedish made C3/C4 are both around $100. 2 of the best freshwater reels ever made imho.
I know you said you have a rod, but you ALWAYS need more combos. I cant fish efficiently with less than 5.
They have the PQ/CarbonLite combo going for $169. Hellova deal IMO! If I hadn't switched to the Revo line because of my girly sized hands, I'de pick up at least 3 of these combos. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-reg-Pro-Qualifier-reg-Reel-CarbonLite-trade-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/
I absolutely love my Johnny Morris Signature Series reel but after using the Revo, I can't hold that huge reel lol. Cursed with baby hands.
On 4/8/2013 at 10:27 PM, PondBoss said:Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion.
I looked into the H2O Mettle but they do not (or I didn't see) a LH model. That's the only downside IMO
On 4/10/2013 at 12:37 PM, JellyMan said:I know you said you have a rod, but you ALWAYS need more combos. I cant fish efficiently with less than 5.
They have the PQ/CarbonLite combo going for $169. Hellova deal IMO! If I hadn't switched to the Revo line because of my girly sized hands, I'de pick up at least 3 of these combos. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-reg-Pro-Qualifier-reg-Reel-CarbonLite-trade-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/12041705055310/
I absolutely love my Johnny Morris Signature Series reel but after using the Revo, I can't hold that huge reel lol. Cursed with baby hands.
Yeah, money is the issue. I would have dozens if I could, but I'm starting out on baitcasting, so it may take a little bit to get to that point.
Sorry to keep asking all these questions, but I just checked basspro.com and this one is on sale as well. What do ya'll think?
http://www.basspro.com/Quantum-KVD-Signature-Series-Reel/Accurist-Rod-Baitcast-Combos/product/1211100657003/
The reviews looked ok.
PQ is way better quality.
YEA MAN THAT QUANTUM KVD COMBO IS JUST TO GET PEOPLE TO BUY IT CUZ ITS KVD. I HELD THAT REEL IN THE STORE. FEELS SUPER CHEAP . MY BUDDY BOUGHT A $60 QUANTUM COMBO AT DICKS AND ALL IT DOES IS BACKLASH. THE PQ MIGHT BE A LITTLE HEAVY COMPARED TO HIGHER END BAITCASTERS BUT ITS A SOLID REEL FOR A SOLID PRICE. I HAVE 2 OF THEM. WORK GREAT AND YOU CAN REALLY ADJUST THEM WHEN I GET A BACKLASH ITS JUST ME BEING STUPID NOT THE REEL. I CAST INTO THE WIND ALL THE TIME TOO. TOOK ONE TO BASS PRO WITHOUT MY RECEIPT AND THEY SWAPPED IT OUT JUST CUZ I WANTED A DIFFERENT GEAR RATIO
The Pro Qualifier is a great reel. However, i bought a one at this years spring classic sale, and did the reel trade in program. First time i used it was in my first tournament of the year. After the 5th or 6th cast, the bearings went out of it. Making awful noises, hard to reel or cast. I mailed it back in, and now they are overnighting me a new one so i can have it by this saturdays tournament.
All that being said, i think that in any reel you can get a lemon every now and then. Just like vehicles, women, etc.....
Bottom line, the PQ is a great value.