Best Bps Reel? 2025
Jon G reply :
Today it has dawned on me that I have used SOOO many reels from different companies but have never used a BPS reel. So I have decided to try one out i am stuck on a pro qualifer, carbonlite, or a johnny morris signature. I'm not so sure though on the johnny morris because if im about to drop $160 i might as well get another BB1 but idk im curious what people think the best BPS reel is.
Grantman83 reply :
Pro qualifier no doubt...I've heard the newer carbonlites aren't so hot.
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/14/2013 at 10:31 AM, Jon G said:Today it has dawned on me that I have used SOOO many reels from different companies but have never used a BPS reel. So I have decided to try one out i am stuck on a pro qualifer, carbonlite, or a johnny morris signature. I'm not so sure though on the johnny morris because if im about to drop $160 i might as well get another BB1 but idk im curious what people think the best BPS reel is.
HANDS DOWN THE JOHNNY MORRIS SIGNATURE SERIES, ITS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE REEL, THE CARBONLITE IS LITE ONLY 5.9 OZ
Jon G reply :
On 10/14/2013 at 10:42 AM, LMB ANGLER said:HANDS DOWN THE JOHNNY MORRIS SIGNATURE SERIES, ITS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE REEL, THE CARBONLITE IS LITE ONLY 5.9 OZ
So whats the main difference between johnny morris signature series and the carbonlite im having a hard time telling the difference
flyfisher reply :
I have only used their PQ but i can say that when you get one on one of their sale prices i don't think there is a better reel for the money out there. I have one that i picked up for my cranking rod so it has been through some serious use and i have no complaints whatsoever.
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/14/2013 at 11:16 AM, Jon G said:So whats the main difference between johnny morris signature series and the carbonlite im having a hard time telling the difference
since i see that you live in Illinois the carbonlite is perfect for you, but i also see that you lived in cali so if you still lived in cali i would say go with the signature.
where you live your going to catch bass up to 10 pounds, in cali those people catch 20 pounders like noting. location on your set-up does matter
kickerfish1 reply :
The Johnny Morris carbonlite has to be the worst casting reel I have ever used. It was way overhyped coming out. Very grindy on the retrieve and when under load or resistance it is just plain awful. The finish also wears quite easily. When you look at the reel on paper, the concept is intriguing but when fished it just doesn't cut it. Mine is on its second season with minimal use and even after Mike at DVT worked on it it still just as grindy as it was at the end of its first season. It palms well, is very light, and casts quite well but the retrieve/gears is where they went wrong. I have the 7:0.1 ratio so I can speak for the other models, but I know I will be donating mine to a youth fishing club as a tool for them to practice with in a back yard setting.
LMB ANGLER reply :
the carbonlite has the 2013 game and fish sportsman award. they don't get awards for nothing. just sayin
Jrob78 reply :
The old gold Carbonlites were solid reels but they changed them, the internals are different now. I would stick with the tried and true Pro Qualifier. It performs like a much higher priced reel.
iceintheveins reply :
No doubt the PQ. I have four of them and they have been more bombproof than my old Curado E.
NorcalBassin reply :
Have to agree with the PQ. Definitely an amazing reel for that price (I've bought 3 for $64.99 during their reel trade in).
Bluebasser86 reply :
Pro Qualifier without a doubt. Catch them on sale and they're a steal.
K_Mac reply :
One more vote for the PQ. I have 4 that have performed well.
new2BC4bass reply :
My only experience with BPS reels is the older gold Carbonlite I purchased over the winter. No idea how it will hold up to extended use. Probably quite well for me considering the number of fish I catch in my area. 
I can say that my Carbonlite will throw a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap just as far as my tuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H at 1/4th the invested cost.
Since I got 2 as a package deal. the other will get spooled with braid and taken to Florida next year for use throwing unweighted 10" worms into lily pads and other slop. At least there I get to catch a few nice bass. 
Goose52 reply :
I own 17 BPS BC reels (2-RC, 3-PL, 6-PQ, 4-CL1, 2-CL2). Best value and performance for money spent = PQ.
Preytorien reply :
I have the Carbonlite, and so far I haven't had any issues at all. I think it's pretty light compared to other rigs I've thrown. So far so good.....keeping my fingers crossed
MacP reply :
I've had a Pro Qualifier for a while now. It's my heavy bait/swimbait set-up. I like it. Can cast it a mile pretty easily.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 10/14/2013 at 11:45 AM, LMB ANGLER said:the carbonlite has the 2013 game and fish sportsman award. they don't get awards for nothing. just sayin
Have you used this reel? You can read countless reviews on the internet where folks were returning reels with the grindy gear feel, looking for a smoother reel. Some found one that was better and others didn't. I wouldn't put much stock in that award.
*Hootie reply :
I work at BPS, and I had all three of the reels you mention. Gave the JM Sig, and the Carbonlite to my son, but I wont let go of my PQ's.
Hootie
Dave P reply :
PQ all the way.
bgraham91 reply :
For the price of the PQ you can't beat them. I don't know much about the new extremes but I do have an older one that I use for square bills and it still works great.
craww reply :
The Sig is a very nice reel. Smoother and More refined than the PQ, its just heavy as all get out. The PQ is good reel and has a well earned reputation. I own a J.M. Carbonlite, it does some things well. Good drag, casts light baits VERY good, weighs nothing. The finish is junk, and the reel itself is rough/noisy due to the construction.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The PQ is by far the best bargain, a solid reel that comes in a number of configurations. The JM reels are good but like most signature reels some of what you pay for is the signature.
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/15/2013 at 1:37 AM, kickerfish1 said:Have you used this reel? You can read countless reviews on the internet where folks were returning reels with the grindy gear feel, looking for a smoother reel. Some found one that was better and others didn't. I wouldn't put much stock in that award.
yes i have used this reel and and it feels like exactly as they say. it really deserves that 2013 award.
TheMightyQuinn reply :
I have used a wide variety of BPS Reels. I have to agree, the Johnny Morris Carbonlite is a very grindy reel. I returned 2 of them for this very reason. I just felt it did not carry the durability. I have a few signature series feels as well. I feel that they are a better reel, but not by much. For the price of a signature series reel, you can get 3 pro qualifiers. (Well, almost 3)
kickerfish1 reply :
On 10/15/2013 at 3:58 PM, LMB ANGLER said:yes i have used this reel and and it feels like exactly as they say. it really deserves that 2013 award.
Enjoy yours. The reels are junk regardless of price.
*Hootie reply :
On 10/15/2013 at 11:59 PM, kickerfish1 said:Enjoy yours. The reels are junk regardless of price.
WEIRD!!!....if something can be declared JUNK, simply because I don't like it, then everything I don't have is junk. Because I buy what I like. Like I said, I gave mine to my son, and he has used it almost 2 seasons, had NO problems, and he loves it. I liked the reel just fine. I just had way to many reels.
Hootie
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/16/2013 at 12:32 AM, hootiebenji said:WEIRD!!!....if something can be declared JUNK, simply because I don't like it, then everything I don't have is junk. Because I buy what I like. Like I said, I gave mine to my son, and he has used it almost 2 seasons, had NO problems, and he loves it. I liked the reel just fine. I just had way to many reels.
Hootie
your 100% correct. people these days lol
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/15/2013 at 11:59 PM, kickerfish1 said:Enjoy yours. The reels are junk regardless of price.
have a nice day and thank you for sharing you opinion.
mikeeasttn reply :
Without a doubt the PQ. It comes in both right and left hand and 4 or 5 different line return ratio's. Even the PQ spinning reels are good. My grandson use the PQ 50 Spinning reel to fish the large hard swimbaits with braid.
Hi Salenity reply :
I've never used the PQ but I have a carbonblack
The first one I played with in the store was a bad one but the one I got is great!
In my opinion at its price range there are a lot of great reels that I'd buy before I bought another carbonblack but then again I've bought and sold some extremely nice reels and still have this one ?
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/16/2013 at 11:18 AM, Hi Salenity said:I've never used the PQ but I have a carbonblack
The first one I played with in the store was a bad one but the one I got is great!
In my opinion at its price range there are a lot of great reels that I'd buy before I bought another carbonblack but then again I've bought and sold some extremely nice reels and still have this one ?
the PQ are good but the carbonlite are also good. I believe that almost every reel that comes out from bps is good. they make good reels, their is some exceptions that some are bad but for the most case the majority are good.
cddan reply :
I have a Rick Clunn Bps and I like it little heavy but works well.
Sherlock 60 reply :
I have 4 PQ's in 3 gear ratios and absolutely love them! Never tried any of their other reels, but paid $79 for each of these on sale and can't imagine a smoother, more versatile reel for anywhere near that price.
kadas reply :
On 10/20/2013 at 11:23 AM, cddan said:I have a Rick Clunn Bps and I like it little heavy but works well.
I have 2 and yes a little heavy but solid reels
kschultz76 reply :
I know this post is going to get me crucified but here goes. I've got 4 PQs, 3 different gear ratios. Pleased with all of them, find them to be smooth, cast well, and so far holding up well. I've even learned that I can cast a weightless 5" Senkos on 4/0 EWG hooks very well with my 7.1. They're not perfect, and the brakes can a bit finicky.
Now I've just demoed a Chronarch 201e7 and Smoke 101 from TW. I know some like the Smoke, but I found it to be finicky and casting distance was poor. I'd take the PQs over a Smoke even if the Smoke was only 80 bucks, but it's not.
Now the Chronarch, solid build, smooth, often felt more refined the the PQ and a bit less effort for the same cast, and a bit more accuracy. Brakes on the Chronarch were more predictable. Now all if that said I have to say I'm struggling to decide if a Chronarch is really 120 bucks better. Maybe if I was fishing tournaments or clubs every weekend, and abusing my gear. But for my use it could be hard to justify.
I still see a Chronarch E, or Chronarch CI4, or a Tatula Type R in my future. Not because my PQs aren't good enough, but because I want something different, and see if after extended use I can really see the benefit. But if I was really working on a budget I wouldn't hesitate to stick to the PQs.
cddan reply :
On 10/20/2013 at 11:23 AM, cddan said:I have a Rick Clunn Bps and I like it little heavy but works well.
I think the Rick Clunn is a PQ with another bearing and a heavier spool.The spool is not ported like the PQ so I drilled holes in it and it seems to cast easier.Can't barely ever backlash the thing unless I snag a tree or something.I think the original spool design was to enable more inertia towards the end of the cast for casting heavy lures further.By drilling holes in the spool I may have taken away some of the inertia to keep the spool spinning, but to be honest it casts with less effort and has considerable distance. To me I don't believe I lost anything. Does anyone know why the don't offer the Rick Clunn anymore? Anyway this reel and PQ I believe with proper cleaning and maintenance are really great reels.
Texas bassman reply :
On 10/14/2013 at 1:12 PM, NorcalBassin said:Have to agree with the PQ. Definitely an amazing reel for that price (I've bought 3 for $64.99 during their reel trade in).
YOU BOUGHT ALL 3 FOR 64.99 OR EACH?
Texas bassman reply :
I HAVE 2 PQ WORK GREAT AND A JOHNNY. THE JOHNNY IS HEAVIER BUT U CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCE RIGHT AWAY. ITS SMOOTHER CASTS FARTHER AND HAS A GREAT FINISH. THE DRAG IS GREAT TOO. I CAUGHT THE BASS ON MY PROFILE PIC ON IT. I HAVE A FEW BUDS THAT WORK AT BPS AND THEY SAY IT HAS THE SAME INTERNALS AS A 2ND GEN REVO STX
The Next KVD reply :
Just finishing up my first season on my first PQ that I bought when they were on sale fro 79.99. I really like the reel and it would be my all time favorite if they had a better way to open up the side plate to get to the centrifical brakes. I hate the stupid pin they use because it is hard to pull out all the way in order to get the side plate to turn clearly. Other than that it gets a 9/10 for me. Would be 10/10 if they used a screw pin like the Lews have. This is coming from a guy who mainly has Chronarchs on his rods.
shootermcbob reply :
In all fairness, I have only used the PQ and the older, gold colored carbonlite. I liked both of them very much, and have no complaints whatsoever regarding either reel. I fish shimano citica,curado 200 E series reels because they feel the most comfortable in my hand.
I don't thnk you could go wrong with the PQ. very nice reels, lots of gear ratios to choose from, and priced right.
But then again, those Chronarchs are really nice too 
Hi Salenity reply :
I took my carbonblack out again the other day and I'd forgotten how much I like it.
WANTED. 7.1 Carbonblack.
cddan reply :
How about the extreme anyone use it?
The Rooster reply :
On 10/24/2013 at 10:41 AM, kschultz76 said:I know this post is going to get me crucified but here goes. I've got 4 PQs, 3 different gear ratios. Pleased with all of them, find them to be smooth, cast well, and so far holding up well. I've even learned that I can cast a weightless 5" Senkos on 4/0 EWG hooks very well with my 7.1. They're not perfect, and the brakes can a bit finicky.
Now I've just demoed a Chronarch 201e7 and Smoke 101 from TW. I know some like the Smoke, but I found it to be finicky and casting distance was poor. I'd take the PQs over a Smoke even if the Smoke was only 80 bucks, but it's not.
Now the Chronarch, solid build, smooth, often felt more refined the the PQ and a bit less effort for the same cast, and a bit more accuracy. Brakes on the Chronarch were more predictable. Now all if that said I have to say I'm struggling to decide if a Chronarch is really 120 bucks better. Maybe if I was fishing tournaments or clubs every weekend, and abusing my gear. But for my use it could be hard to justify.
I still see a Chronarch E, or Chronarch CI4, or a Tatula Type R in my future. Not because my PQs aren't good enough, but because I want something different, and see if after extended use I can really see the benefit. But if I was really working on a budget I wouldn't hesitate to stick to the PQs.
I'm coming off of three years use with a Citica 200E and a Curado 200E7, so I'd say that's extended enough for me to know something about it by now, though I do admit I have not fished a lot during that time. Maybe 30 to 40 times in three years. in that time, I've had direct comparisons with these reels beside my BPS Extremes, which are of the older designs similar to the current PQ, but not dual brakes, only magnetics. As of now, I feel that there can be some advantages to having the lighter weight, somewhat better casting Shimanos over the BPS reels, but not enough to justify the greatly increased cost (for me). My Shimanos will be for sale soon, and for now I will be using my Extremes, until I see a reason to upgrade/replace them.
kschultz76 reply :
On 10/28/2013 at 10:12 AM, The Rooster said:I'm coming off of three years use with a Citica 200E and a Curado 200E7, so I'd say that's extended enough for me to know something about it by now, though I do admit I have not fished a lot during that time. Maybe 30 to 40 times in three years. in that time, I've had direct comparisons with these reels beside my BPS Extremes, which are of the older designs similar to the current PQ, but not dual brakes, only magnetics. As of now, I feel that there can be some advantages to having the lighter weight, somewhat better casting Shimanos over the BPS reels, but not enough to justify the greatly increased cost (for me). My Shimanos will be for sale soon, and for now I will be using my Extremes, until I see a reason to upgrade/replace them.
Thanks for the response Rooster, you just affirmed what I was thinking and feeling after the demo. I think I just need to practice casting in more challenging conditions and train my thumb more. I'm going to send one of my PQs off to DVT to be cleaned and polished up before choosing to buy anything else.
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