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Best bait caster for $250 2024


fishing user avatarjweis reply : 

What does everybody consider the best baitcasting reel for $250?


fishing user avatarlinesider7 reply : 

If I were buying a reel tomorrow with that budget, I'd probably try the Daiwa Zillion.


fishing user avatarKYbass1276 reply : 

The Ziliion I have two and love them ;)


fishing user avatarmike bat reply : 

my vote is for the zillion ,,, im a shimano guy and i own 2 ....  ;D


fishing user avatarJimzee reply : 

I guess I'm going to have to get a Zillion soon due to all the good things said about them.  Oh God....the monkey never stops.  :-/


fishing user avatarRedlinerobert reply : 

Zillion is great, but I'd take a $200 Daiwa TDZ 105H over it any day.


fishing user avatarJimzee reply : 
  Quote
Zillion is great, but I'd take a $200 Daiwa TDZ 105H over it any day.

I have one. ;)


fishing user avatarRockvilleMDAngler reply : 

I bought a Daiwa TDZ when they were on sale at Cabelas and it is really nice but I still like my Chronarch better.  Actually my favorite reel is still my new Curado 101, it casts like a dream and is smooth as silk.


fishing user avatarflechero reply : 

If I was buying a new reel today and had $250- no question about it, a Chronarch 50 MG.


fishing user avatarAl Wolbach reply : 

All good reels, no doubt. If you want to cast further get a Ardent XS...........Al


fishing user avatarCaptain Chaos II reply : 

You can't really go wrong when you get to the $200 price point.  Shimano, Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Ardent(never used one but hear good things) all have good reels when you are willing to spend that much.

I'm with the TD-Z guys.  Great friggin' reel.  And you can still find them around for $250, new.


fishing user avatarroadwarrior reply : 

Nothin' to talk about:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_28379_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

The Shimano Chronarch MG is THE BOMB!

Always buy Shimano.  :;)

BTW, For $200  it's the Curado:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_73517_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1


fishing user avatarlinesider7 reply : 
  Quote
If I was buying a new reel today and had $250- no question about it, a Chronarch 50 MG.

This reel slipped my mind.  Touche.


fishing user avatarbassman1282 reply : 

the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.


fishing user avatarguest reply : 
  Quote
the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.
There must be a good reason for that.. ;)

If I had $250 to spend on a reel it would be the CH51MG nice and light, or even the new CU101D a little heavier but still a nice reel.

I like these reels because of their overall size...

My Scorpions are sweet also.

Tight Lines All!!!


fishing user avatarCaptain Cali reply : 

Haven't tried the Daiwa's but I would get another CH50/51MG in a heartbeat.


fishing user avatarbassman1282 reply : 
  Quote
  Quote
the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.
There must be a good reason for that.. ;)

If I had $250 to spend on a reel it would be the CH51MG nice and light, or even the new CU101D a little heavier but still a nice reel.

I like these reels because of their overall size...

My Scorpions are sweet also.

Tight Lines All!!!

lets hear what the good reason is reelmech


fishing user avatarAlpster reply : 

That's easy! I would buy another Chronarch 50mg to go with the two I have already - "the posse has spoken" LOL

Ronnie


fishing user avatarnorm2525 reply : 

I am very fond of my chronarch. It is the older model but I still love it.  I would buy another one in a heartbeat. If the boss didn't mind, of coarse. lol.  I would like to try one of those ardent reels though.


fishing user avatarFishTank reply : 

My personal favorite at that price is the Zillion.  I have fished the Chronarchs and they are great reels but the Zillion is just better in my opinion.  I'll give it a season or two before I am totally 100% convinced.


fishing user avatarGAMEOVER reply : 

I love my Zillion and plan to keep it. When I keep something its because it meets my high performance standards if it dont then I sell it. For $250.00 you have quite a few options. Im sensing this is going to be an all purpose reel judgeing by such a general post so under this assumption I do not recommend the Zillion for you. I use mine as a burner workhorse. The 200 dollar TDZ craze is pretty much done with dont feel bad, I missed my chance as well for one. So scratch the TDZ off. The best reel Shimano has ever came out with is the Chronarch 50/51MG. Dollar for dollar its better then even their DC flagship reels in my opinion, yeah I said it lol. Abu Garcias Revo STX sounds like it would be perfect for you. Your getting a 200 dollar reel that you couldnt even upgrade for performance aspects if you wanted. Upgrade the drag to Carbontex? No need to have a 10lb drag when your stock drag is rated for 20+lbs! Upgrade your spool bearings for smoother and/or longer casts? No need because you have stock Abec 7s (this is from a reputable source whos runs a small reel service)! Im a hardcore Daiwa guy to the bone but if your intentions are for an all purpose reel I just cant recommend anything other then the Abu Revo STX knowing what I know, for the price ofcourse.

Now if you like light reels I first recommend finding a used Daiwa Pixy if you cant find one of these then buy a Chron 50/51MG. Id take the Pixy over the Chron MG anyday..


fishing user avatarguest reply : 
  Quote
lets hear what the good reason is reelmech
Oh golly thats a tuff one    well lets see...

Post any "what is the best reel question" in any price range, or even a poll (please don't) and you will see the same answers as here.

The majority will be Daiwa® and Shimano®....

Go ahead do a search of the archives.

Tight Lines!!!


fishing user avatarfourbizz reply : 

I have both new chronarchs (100b, 50mg) both awesome reels. I love them both, but I like the 100B a little more. Not 250, but close.


fishing user avatarGAMEOVER reply : 

Thats the first time I heard someone liking the new one better then the old one. The new ones heavyer, not as light, and doesnt palm as well.


fishing user avatarfourbizz reply : 
  Quote
Thats the first time I heard someone liking the new one better then the old one. The new ones heavyer, not as light, and doesnt palm as well.

It balances better on rods where sensitivity is critical. I have big hands, palming is not an issue. I throw 8 ounce baits on 8' rods with an 11 ounce reel. The extra couple ounces on the 100B is not a big deal after that.

The MG forces my rods to be exrtremely tip heavy, something that I think takes away from detecting bites and the bottom. But I will have that rod balanced (or at least counter weighted) soon.

I choose my gear based not upon what market it is intended for, or how much it costs, or as some sad status symbol. I choose my gear based upon what will perform well for my needs.


fishing user avatarThe_Natural reply : 

This is a difficult decision no doubt.  First off, the TDZ is out; that is a $350 reel.  Now it just depenZds on what you want the reel to do.  If you need a high-speed moving bait reel; the Zillion or STX with their 7:1 gear ration would be ideal.  I'm throwing the STX in solely on all the good reviews, and am not even considering the drag which I think is only a selling point.  If you want a reel for soft plastics and jigs, I'd go with an Mg50 or Alphas.  


fishing user avatarGAMEOVER reply : 
  Quote
It balances better on rods where sensitivity is critical. I have big hands, palming is not an issue. I throw 8 ounce baits on 8' rods with an 11 ounce reel. The extra couple ounces on the 100B is not a big deal after that.

Well then that explains it.

  Quote
I choose my gear based upon what will perform well for my needs.

As you should.

  Quote
This is a difficult decision no doubt. First off, the TDZ is out; that is a $350 reel. Now it just depenZds on what you want the reel to do. If you need a high-speed moving bait reel; the Zillion or STX with their 7:1 gear ration would be ideal. I'm throwing the STX in solely on all the good reviews, and am not even considering the drag which I think is only a selling point. If you want a reel for soft plastics and jigs, I'd go with an Mg50 or Alphas.

Forgot about the Alphas, thats a pretty nice reel as well. Ill also add the Sol and Fuego. The Sol can handle lighter baits very well while the Fuego is as close to the past Daiwa flagship TDZ reel you can get out of their current offerings. I think youd really love their Fuego. So many choices you have..


fishing user avatarLaineisbosshog reply : 

i vote for the MG50, out of all my reels it is my favorite one


fishing user avatarSolo reply : 

MG 51


fishing user avatarswitz reply : 

Maybe I need to start a new thread BUT..........is then the MG50 worth $50 more in comparison to the Curado 100 or 200??


fishing user avatarSneakySnook reply : 

I would say the Zillion. I have one and love it and now looking at getting another one.




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