As the topic suggests, trying to find out what you guys think is the best Baitcaster around or under $100. Looking to grab another reel and am having a hard time deciding...here are a few I'm considering.
BPS Pro Qualifier
Shimano Caenan
Daiwa Exceller
Open to other suggestions too, I'd prefer to buy new rather than used since I don't really know what to look for on a used reel.
I've heard LOTS of good things about the Black Max or Silver Max and you'd have money to spare.
Black max is very good. Walmart sells them for about 50$. I'd suggest buying 150 yards of 30 or 50lb braid to go with it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEWS-SPEED-SPOOL-SS1SH-7-1-1-HIGHSPEED-RIGHTHANDED-LOW-PROFILE-BAITCASTING-REEL-/180952846037?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a21a14ed5
What more can I say.
For 100 I REALLY like the BPS Pro Qualifier.
If you dont mind buying used there can be deals to be had here in the flea market and on ebay.
For 100 dollars the Pro Qualifier is the mac daddy. For 20-30 dollars more you can get some very nice reels as well. Abu Revo S, you can get some new or used Gen 2 STX and SX's for 120 ish too
I know you said you dont want used, but you should be able to find a nice good condition used curado for $100 on ebay.
On 9/14/2012 at 11:42 AM, Capt.Bob said:http://www.ebay.com/...=item2a21a14ed5
What more can I say.
X2!!!
Here's one cheaper
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Speed-Spool-Baitcast-Freshwater-Fishing-Reel-7-1-1-Right-Hand-RH-SS1SH-/270852890423?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f10171f37
http://www.ebay.com/...=item2ebf9b7bde
http://www.ebay.com/...=item51a163649c
http://www.ebay.com/...=item20cb3be56e
All 3 are less than or around $110. (I'm not familiar with prices for RH reels.)
I'm not sure why you don't want to get a used reel. It will save you money, and get you more bang for your buck. I recommend a Curado B or a Citica D; the latter (I have 2 of them) I like better than the Citica E.
Of the 3 reels you're thinking about; I'd probably only consider the Pro Qualifier. (And I'll take the Citica E over a PQ any day.) The Caenan has a graphite frame; and although I'm 100% Shimano guy, both casting and spinning, I won't buy a reel lower than the Citica. The Exceller I have no opinion of; except that it's not a Shimano, and not worth my time. Might work out well for you or someone else though. I have had ordinary to bad luck with non-Shimano reels, and after a lot of wasted money and time, I just stick to what I know will work.
Out of the 3 that you list, I would go with the BPS Pro Qual. Othewise, pay an extra $30 and get the Shimano Citica.
I own everything from a BP Pro Qualifier to a Curado E, for a hundred bucks the PQ is hard to beat. There is at least one guy on Ebay selling the Tournament Speed Spool the 150 reel for 118, and the tournament spool with just mag breaks for 99. Those are a deal from what I know about the Lews. If you wait a little while the PQ's will be on sale for around 70bucks, good luck
The Black Max is a great reel for the money. Mine casts a mile, and is smooth as butter. It's a great all purpose reel without breaking the bank.On 9/14/2012 at 11:34 AM, Chris Wilson said:Black max is very good. Walmart sells them for about 50$. I'd suggest buying 150 yards of 30 or 50lb braid to go with it.
I'm currently using a Pinnacle Deadbolt Pro that I picked up for $17 at Dick's on clearance. I'm sure it's considered an entry level reel and I have 0 complaints about it so far (3 weeks of use), but I'm wanting to make a step up that's why I wasn't really looking at the BlackMax type reels.
It sounds like people using Shimano love their reels so maybe I'll hold off a little longer and grab a Curado or Citica (not sure of the differences between them if someone could explain). Only reason I was steering clear of used is because I'm new and wasn't really sure what to look for when buying used.
Also, do they typically have sales on fishing gear over the winter months? I'm not in any hurry to get a new setup since I probably only have a month of fishing left up here anyways so if I could wait till the winter and get more for my money that's an option.
If you have a Bass Pro Shops close to home, wait until the Spring Fever sale where you can trade a reel in for a discount on the purchase of a new one. I like shimano reels, but I also have a few Quantums that I really like too. I have one Abu C4000 for Musky fishing. I like ALL my reels but most of my confidence is in my Shimano reels. You will be happy with a Curado, that I assure you. So save some bucks and take advantage of the reel deal at Bass Pro next spring. You can take in ANY working reel to get the discount. Whether it was a $5 reel from Walmart or an antique from grandpa's shed. If it functions, they take it.
On 9/14/2012 at 9:24 PM, MarkH024 said:If you have a Bass Pro Shops close to home, wait until the Spring Fever sale where you can trade a reel in for a discount on the purchase of a new one. I like shimano reels, but I also have a few Quantums that I really like too. I have one Abu C4000 for Musky fishing. I like ALL my reels but most of my confidence is in my Shimano reels. You will be happy with a Curado, that I assure you. So save some bucks and take advantage of the reel deal at Bass Pro next spring. You can take in ANY working reel to get the discount. Whether it was a $5 reel from Walmart or an antique from grandpa's shed. If it functions, they take it.
Ahh, that's good to know...I have both a BPS and a Cabela's about 45 minutes away from me...I'll keep my eyes open for their sales.
You can find some great deals on "gently used" gear in our Flea Market.
A Citicia E should run $85-$100; Curado E $115-$125. I prefer the 50E
with the smaller frame, but I own both this and the 200. I bought both of
the reels off the Flea Market.
Right hand or left hand reel?
On 9/14/2012 at 10:20 PM, new2BC4bass said:Right hand or left hand reel?
Right hand.
Looking around on CraigsList I found a Shimano Citica Bantam 200 for $50. Says it's new in the box and has never been used...good deal?
Without knowing all the details I say good deal for sure. I've got 3 shimano's (2 Citica's and 1 Curado) and I like them all a lot.
You can find the Citica on sale for under $100.00 right now. I have two for spares and they are fantastic reels for the pric.
I'm a Shimano guy through and through. For the money, I really don't think you can beat a Curado. On the other hand, last week I bought the discontinued Abu Garcia Revo Winch for $144.99. That price even included the shipping. I put it on a 7'-6" crankbait rod. Even though this is my first Abu Garcia I really like it. If you can pony up a few more bucks and can find this reel. I think you'll be quite pleased. Good luck and tight lines.
I will probably be laughed off the board but my very favorite reel is a Pflueger Echelon. Hubby got it for me and he ended up loving it so much (and using it so much!) that I bought him one so he would leave mine alone. Watch for a good sale and you can get two for the $100.
At exactly 100$ the PQ is unbeatable. Buy it, you won't regret it for a second.
On 9/15/2012 at 10:22 AM, Packman89 said:At exactly 100$ the PQ is unbeatable. Buy it, you won't regret it for a second.
Of course it's beatable - it goes on sale every few months and then you can get it for $79.
And THAT is truly unbeatable!On 9/15/2012 at 12:35 PM, rubba bubba said:Of course it's beatable - it goes on sale every few months and then you can get it for $79.
On 9/15/2012 at 12:35 PM, rubba bubba said:Of course it's beatable - it goes on sale every few months and then you can get it for $79.
I got my PQ here with 4.7:1 gears for 50 shipped. There were two like new in 5 ratio for 110 shipped last month here. The flea market is killer for deals.
On 9/15/2012 at 8:53 AM, Bassin said:I will probably be laughed off the board but my very favorite reel is a Pflueger Echelon. Hubby got it for me and he ended up loving it so much (and using it so much!) that I bought him one so he would leave mine alone. Watch for a good sale and you can get two for the $100.
If it works flawlessly, you like it and it makes you happy that's all that matters.
Id check out a pro qualifier for that price range.
Any opinions on the Shimano Caius? Was at Dick's yesterday and they had a combo with that reel and a Field & Stream rod for $80. Looks like it has a lot of the same options as the higher priced models, but more plastic.
They also had a Quantum Escalade HD on sale that looked nice, but wasn't sure about it.
Id rather the pq out of those listed in the OP
leave that shimano combo at dicks sporting goods on the shelf
IMO what to look for in a reel is an aluminum frame, quality bearings, and gears. I believe strongly in quality bearings and will buy an aluminum frame reel with 5 quality bearings over a graphite frame with 11 so so bearings even if the aluminum frame reel is twice the price. I will come out in the long run, the reel will last longer and perform much better
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&mode=article&objectID=31583
This gives a good layout of what goes into a casting reel and what to look for. You won't find anything top of the line for 100 bucks but you can definitely get something quality (BPS Pro Qualifier, Lews Speed Spool, or something used). Like mentioned above, I would leave the combos on the shelf. You may get more for less in those combos but I firmly believe in getting something that will perform well and that will endure. If you're going to buy new I would strongly urge you to look at the PQ or SS, and if I had to choose between the two, I would choose the PQ.
Cool, figured I'd ask...thanks for all the feedback. I'll save up a little more money and get a Citica, Curado or something on their level.
Do places usually put fishing gear on sale during the winter months?
Lews Speed Spool. Great real for a great price.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Speed-Spool-Baitcast-Freshwater-Fishing-Reel-7-1-1-Right-Hand-RH-SS1SH-/270852890423?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f10171f37
For $129 you can get a Gen 2 Revo SX. Super nice reel.
Also for 100.00 you can find a Gen 2 Revo S..
Mike
On 9/16/2012 at 11:28 AM, jparker98 said:Cool, figured I'd ask...thanks for all the feedback. I'll save up a little more money and get a Citica, Curado or something on their level.
Do places usually put fishing gear on sale during the winter months?
Yes, on Black Friday there will be sales. Keep some moola on hand for that day.
On 9/16/2012 at 11:48 AM, JaxBasser said:Lews Speed Spool. Great real for a great price.
http://www.ebay.com/...=item3f10171f37
No way to buy a better reel for 50 dollars more, you would be very surprised with the quality and performance of this reel!!
Abu Garcia Pro Max retails for 80, comes in a high speed 7.1:1 R or L retrieve, is very smooth. Highly recommend that one.
Also have Lew's Laser MG ($80) for cranking reel and is very light, powerful and smooth. Great "cheap" reel!
I am one of the few people that don't care for the pq. I have sold the ones I had.
For your price range my recommendations would be:
1. A shimano citica e
2. Lews speed spool
3. If you include used reels check the flee market or eBay for reels that would have been out of your price range new that will be a bit better quality and higher performance.
On a side note the quantum escalade is junk. I had 2 and now the gears grind beyond my liking. I got 2-3 years out of them with regular maintenance.
On 9/19/2012 at 7:03 AM, kickerfish1 said:I am one of the few people that don't care for the pq. I have sold the ones I had.
For your price range my recommendations would be:
1. A shimano citica e
2. Lews speed spool
3. If you include used reels check the flee market or eBay for reels that would have been out of your price range new that will be a bit better quality and higher performance.
On a side note the quantum escalade is junk. I had 2 and now the gears grind beyond my liking. I got 2-3 years out of them with regular maintenance.
If you were going to buy new would you get a Citica G or a Lew's Speed Spool?
On 9/19/2012 at 7:54 AM, jparker98 said:If you were going to buy new would you get a Citica G or a Lew's Speed Spool?
I would say to go with the Citica since it has centrifugal brakes. I've got two that I like a lot.
I am a fan of centrifugal brakes over mag, if I have an over run its mid cast. I have a stupid thumb I guess
On 9/19/2012 at 8:18 AM, Arv said:I would say to go with the Citica since it has centrifugal brakes. I've got two that I like a lot.
For the money like I said the Lew's can't be beat, you want centrifugal braks and Magnetic, go here, this was what I replaced a Curado G6 with, and am glad I did, best $118.00 you can spend. I spent $108.00 on the one I got, if you watch I am sure you will catch one cheaper, but there worth the 118.00. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Speed-Spool-TS1HL-Left-Hand-Retrieve-Bait-Caster-Reel-6-4-1-/140838890838?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20caa6ed56
I have 4 PQs that work very well with a lot of use. They are often on sale for $80. Whether they are the "best" in the price range is a matter of personal preference. They are what I spend my limited dollars on...
Man that Lew's Speed Spool SS1S for $80 brand new is pretty tempting...Then again they have the new Citica G's for $99...decisions, decisions...might have to break out the credit card tonight and order one of them.
From the feedback, it sounds like I'll be happy with whichever one I decide to go with, thanks for all the replies and opinions guys.
On 9/20/2012 at 3:19 AM, Capt.Bob said:For the money like I said the Lew's can't be beat, you want centrifugal braks and Magnetic, go here, this was what I replaced a Curado G6 with, and am glad I did, best $118.00 you can spend. I spent $108.00 on the one I got, if you watch I am sure you will catch one cheaper, but there worth the 118.00. http://www.ebay.com/...=item20caa6ed56
I've got both the Curado G6 and the TS1HL and I really like each reel. If I had to pick one I probably would pick the Lews too, because it fits in my hand better, is a bit smoother and I like having both braking systems. In my opinion, either reel would be a great choice. But at 118 for a Tournament SS, I might have to consider getting another one haha. I'm pretty sure someone put up two 5.4:1 Tournaments in the flea market for really cheap. But between the Citica and the SS, I would choose the centrifugal brakes over magnetic. Just my preference though.
The PQ is hands down the best, I own five of them. In fact the old Curado E is only somewhat better, mostly with casting light baits, though the PQ does a fair job on that still.
I found a Lew's TS1SH reconditioned for $85 shipped do you think that's a better deal than the SS1SH brand new for $80 shipped?
I've got the PQ. Don't have the others. But, if the question is can it handle light baits, the answer is yes. I have it on a Fenwick Elite Tech 6'10" MF (which is really much more like a MLF), and it handles unweighted senkos, flukes, etc. with ease. Obviously, your light weight set up depends as much on the ability of the rod to load up for casting.
On 9/20/2012 at 9:53 AM, jparker98 said:I found a Lew's TS1SH reconditioned for $85 shipped do you think that's a better deal than the SS1SH brand new for $80 shipped?
TS1SH 100 percent. Jump on that asap! Or else I might I've got a TS1H and its a great reel
Done, just bought the Lew's TS1SH...says it should here by Monday
On 9/20/2012 at 4:33 AM, jparker98 said:Man that Lew's Speed Spool SS1S for $80 brand new is pretty tempting...Then again they have the new Citica G's for $99...decisions, decisions...might have to break out the credit card tonight and order one of them.
From the feedback, it sounds like I'll be happy with whichever one I decide to go with, thanks for all the replies and opinions guys.
JP, where did you see Citia G for $99? I just bought one, paid just few bucks more, and I want to get one more.
On 9/20/2012 at 11:50 AM, Loop_Dad said:JP, where did you see Citia G for $99? I just bought one, paid just few bucks more, and I want to get one more.
eBay here's the link http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Citica-200-G-7-200G7-G7-7-1-1-Baitcasting-Fishing-Reel-CI200G7-/270921982349?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f1435618d
On 9/20/2012 at 3:28 AM, K_Mac said:I have 4 PQs that work very well with a lot of use. They are often on sale for $80. Whether they are the "best" in the price range is a matter of personal preference. They are what I spend my limited dollars on...
I've got 5 of the and have yet to find a reason to spend any more one reel.
abu arcia orra is a nice reel for right at $99.
Just got my Lew's Tournament SS TS1SH and man what a difference compared to the cheapy Pinnacle Deadbolt I had...this thing casts a mile and feels 10x better in my hand! Haven't actually fished with it yet, but did about 20 practice casts in the yard.
I was a little worried about buying one "reconditioned", but I have to say other than 2 very minor scratches you can hardly tell the thing was used at all.
What do you guys suggest is a good starting point on the centrifugal brakes? I just figured out how the cover comes off and found that they were all off while I was practicing with it earlier. Don't really know much about the centrifugal brakes if someone could explain the differences. Basically earlier I set the brake for the lure weight and had the mag brake on 5 and it seemed to be working quite well...so what would adding 2 of the centrifugal brakes into the mix do? Would I need to turn down the mag brake then?
On 9/23/2012 at 12:00 AM, jparker98 said:Just got my Lew's Tournament SS TS1SH and man what a difference compared to the cheapy Pinnacle Deadbolt I had...this thing casts a mile and feels 10x better in my hand! Haven't actually fished with it yet, but did about 20 practice casts in the yard.
I was a little worried about buying one "reconditioned", but I have to say other than 2 very minor scratches you can hardly tell the thing was used at all.
What do you guys suggest is a good starting point on the centrifugal brakes? I just figured out how the cover comes off and found that they were all off while I was practicing with it earlier. Don't really know much about the centrifugal brakes if someone could explain the differences. Basically earlier I set the brake for the lure weight and had the mag brake on 5 and it seemed to be working quite well...so what would adding 2 of the centrifugal brakes into the mix do? Would I need to turn down the mag brake then?
1) When setting the reel for your lure, turn the mag brakes all the way off because it will effect the fall rate some, nothing drastic, but there still will be some effect. Then, since you're getting used to the reel, I would recommend turning it back up to 5 to start with and you can adjust it from there depending on lure weight, wind and how comfortable you are with casting. I started out around 5 but I'm down to 1 or 2 with the mag brakes for most situations now.
2) I would set the centrifugal brakes at 2. I believe in having the brakes set up evenly (since the Tournament only has 4 brakes you would only have the option of 4, 2 or 0 if you're basing your setting off this belief). I feel like 4 is probably overkill and I've personally never been able to free spool with 0 brakes on without catching a wicked backlash.
3) The way I understand the difference between centrifugal vs. magnetic brakes is this: Centrifugal brakes are going to slow down the proportional to how fast the spool is spinning, via friction. Thus it will have a greater effect when the spool is spinning fastest - at the beginning of the cast. Magnetic brakes work to slow down the spool based on a distance between the magnet and the spool. Magnetic brakes will have a greater effect when the spool is rotating at a slower speed - towards the end of the cast, pitching, flipping, etc. This is why, I feel, centrifugal brakes are better to have on a reel. Magnetic brakes are nice to have, but you can always use your thumb to slow the spool down towards the end of a cast vs. at the beginning.
Here's a sciencey explanation of the braking systems if you want to impress your friends.
http://www.japantack...rake_system.htm
Cool, thanks man...I'm going to have to find a way to go fishing tomorrow cause I can't wait till next Saturday to try this reel out!
On 9/23/2012 at 1:04 AM, jparker98 said:Cool, thanks man...I'm going to have to find a way to go fishing tomorrow cause I can't wait till next Saturday to try this reel out!
I hear that! My Tournament was my first baitcaster so I got the itch real quick. Its not quite the same casting in the backyard as casting into the water. Let us know how it goes first time you get it out.
On 9/22/2012 at 9:23 AM, bassmainiac said:abu arcia orra is a nice reel for right at $99.
Ditto on the orra sx and you can find them on flea bay for less than 99.
The Daiwa Exceler isn't a bad reel but I agree with above post on the Citica. You can find one new under $100, if you look around. That would be the best bet IMO
On 9/16/2012 at 3:44 AM, jparker98 said:Any opinions on the Shimano Caius? Was at Dick's yesterday and they had a combo with that reel and a Field & Stream rod for $80. Looks like it has a lot of the same options as the higher priced models, but more plastic.
They also had a Quantum Escalade HD on sale that looked nice, but wasn't sure about it.
I would honestly steer clear of both of those reels man.
Give megastink a PM. He has some nice reels for sale.
Here is his thread:
Got to use my new TS1SH on the lake today and again this thing is amazing...I casted everything from a heavy spinnerbait to a weightless worm. I started out with 2 centrifugal brakes on and a 5 on the mag brake and had good luck so I ended up turning the mag brake off completely (0) and was still having really good luck and a lil more distance. I decided I would turn off one of the centrifugal brakes to see how that went and that worked out just as well and allowed even more distance...It was pretty windy today and at times I was casting a weightless worm head on into the wind and it still wouldn't backlash...all in all I'm extremely impressed with this reel. Very happy with my decision and purchase, thanks a bunch for all the feedback!
On 9/24/2012 at 7:40 AM, jparker98 said:Got to use my new TS1SH on the lake today and again this thing is amazing...I casted everything from a heavy spinnerbait to a weightless worm. I started out with 2 centrifugal brakes on and a 5 on the mag brake and had good luck so I ended up turning the mag brake off completely (0) and was still having really good luck and a lil more distance. I decided I would turn off one of the centrifugal brakes to see how that went and that worked out just as well and allowed even more distance...It was pretty windy today and at times I was casting a weightless worm head on into the wind and it still wouldn't backlash...all in all I'm extremely impressed with this reel. Very happy with my decision and purchase, thanks a bunch for all the feedback!
Awesome! Glad to hear you had a good experience!
On 9/20/2012 at 9:53 AM, jparker98 said:I found a Lew's TS1SH reconditioned for $85 shipped do you think that's a better deal than the SS1SH brand new for $80 shipped?
Where did you find the TS1SH for $85?
Do you still like it?
I found it on eBay, I'll track down the username when I get a minute today. Definitely love this reel, granted it's the only "higher end" reel I've used so I can't compare it to a Curado or Revo. It has a very low profile and fits nicely in my hands, it's very smooth and casts a mile.
I can't really think of any cons after a few weeks of use.
It will serve you well I have had several different models of Lews reels and they are all fantastic. They are excellent quality, great durability, and good customer service to back it up. I'm glad to hear your enjoying it and got a good deal on it, congratulations.
On 10/10/2012 at 9:44 PM, jparker98 said:I found it on eBay, I'll track down the username when I get a minute today. Definitely love this reel, granted it's the only "higher end" reel I've used so I can't compare it to a Curado or Revo. It has a very low profile and fits nicely in my hands, it's very smooth and casts a mile.
I can't really think of any cons after a few weeks of use.
The username would be great, did see any for that price when I checked. Think the best price I can up with was $101 which still isn't bad.
All the reviews I read on it were outstanding, don't think I found one person who didn't like it, which is strange, normally there are a few that find fault with something.
Robert and I found some new Citica Es at Dicks last week and bought a couple for under $100. Those E series Citicas are pretty nice.
On 10/13/2012 at 4:16 PM, gramps50 said:The username would be great, did see any for that price when I checked. Think the best price I can up with was $101 which still isn't bad.
All the reviews I read on it were outstanding, don't think I found one person who didn't like it, which is strange, normally there are a few that find fault with something.
Sorry for the delay, I got mine from username moboy9234.
On 10/13/2012 at 9:52 PM, jparker98 said:Sorry for the delay, I got mine from username moboy9234.
Not a problem, thanks. I bid on a recondition one he had but got beat. The bad thing is he is also in Mo & he charges sales tax so that runs up the cost. I did however find a new one for $118 with free shipping so that makes it only about $20 more. In the mean time I put in an offer for a TP1SH which is the Tournament Pro, I think it basicly the same reel but about 2oz lighter & has 2 more bearings, we'll see how that goes.
Thanks for the username much appreciated.