Best reel you have used? 2024
nameiztaken reply :
What is the best performing reel you guys have used? Cheap or Expensive, old or new.
Mine would have to be the Curado 200e7 (Second would be the Chronarch 100A), and for spinning, Stradic 1000FJ.
RoLo reply :
Shimano Core (discontinued but still available)
Roger
TH-Outdoors reply :
My Curado 200HG
bigturtle reply :
Daiwa Steez SV 103 and Zillion SV TW are tied for #1 spot as far as baitcasters are concerned.
For spinning reels, its Daiwa Saltiga. That thing is powerful.
JDNKC reply :
Curado 70.
lmbfisherman reply :
Right now I can only say my Met '13 because I caught fish with them and used them. However the two reels I've yet to use in a "reel" fishing situation are the Met MGL and Conquest 100. Out of the box the Conquest feels crazy smooth and refined. Until I can use both of them they aren't the best I "used" yet. ?
Sammies77 reply :
Spinning reels, the old blue original daiwa certate.
Casting reels, the original daiwa zillion
The most durable reels have ben my daiwa ss1300's
DogBone_384 reply :
My best performing spinning reel is a Pflueger Patriarch XT and 'OTHER' casting reel, with a Shimano Core right behind. The 'OTHER' casting reel is only a couple years old so only time will tell if it stays #1.
Rbm18 reply :
Core 50mg7 but want to try a metanium
roadwarrior reply :
Djohn reply :
Baitcasting - Pflueger Patriarch
Spinning - Quantum Energy
crypt reply :
baitcast--ambassadeur 4600c4 spinning penn 430ssg.
bigfruits reply :
MET MGL
Stradic Ci4+
Alpster reply :
Spinning Shimano Stella
Baitcasting Shimano Calcutta DC
Catt reply :
DaveT63 reply :
Baitcasting - Core 51Mg7
Spinning - Stradic 3000FK
Darren. reply :
Stradic 1000 fj/fk
Chronarch 50e
offsidewing reply :
Met MGL over all Mets and Core 50.
2016 Vanquish over 2014 Stella (durability of the Stella withstanding)
bagofdonuts reply :
old green shimano/bantam curado. it'll throw anything into anything, wind, sleet, hail, dark of night doesn't matter. and hardly ever have to change the braking. first time i picked one up i was amazed. still have two going strong after 20+ years of hard use.
runt4561 reply :
the last model of chronarch, the previous model citica or the lews bb1. they are all very very close in my opinion.
Jeff H reply :
TD-Z w/1016 spool swapped in
ThePolkFolk reply :
Baitcasting would be my Lews LFS. It may be one of the cheaper ones I have but I love that thing.
Spinning would be my Stradic CI4+ as it is my first that is not a $25 rod and reel combo.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Baitcasting - for me, I cut my teeth on the old Ambassadeur 5000 (red) back in the late 60's. Have 4 of them now (various models, but all Ambassadures) and have given several to my grandkids. Have never been in a boat with anyone that could do anything better, than what I could do with these old reels. Maybe I'm just missing out, but I'm happy!
As far a spinning goes, the Pflueger President is far & away the best bang for your buck today.
Both of these comments do not take into consideration anyone's particular preferences for brand or style, nor what gives you your own brand of confidence. Just my opinion. A cane pole and string will still catch fish. 
Cranjus McBasketball reply :
I don't have a lot of fancy expensive reels, but I recently got a Curado 300e for free and so far, I think it might be the smoothest one I own. Next would be my Johnny Morris Signature. Then my Johnny Morris Carbon.
J Francho reply :
I liked my OG Zillions. They are heavy by today's standards. My purple Alphas were a great. So were E-series Shimano. Still live my Calcuttas.
fishballer06 reply :
Metanium 13 & Metanium MGL
kickerfish1 reply :
Favorite for distance - Exscence DC
Favorite for plastics - Core 50
Favorite all around - Met MGL
Favorite finesse caster - Alphas SV 105
Favorite Spinning reel - Stradic FJ 1000 or 2500
hoosierbass07 reply :
No doubt my Shimano Sahara 2500 spinning reels. I've caught a lot of fish on those those reels, from small to large bass.
Baitcasting - last year I picked up my second baitcaster, my first Lews, at Gander Mountaint for $130.00 That thing casts like a dream. So I will say the Lews baitcaster is my favorite baitcaster.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/3/2017 at 7:36 PM, roadwarrior said:
Oops... Didn't see that.
PatrickKnight reply :
Daiwa Certate. As much as I love the high end Shimanos, the really high end Daiwas are just magical.
WdyCrankbait reply :
Casting = Quantum Exo 100 HPT
Spinning = Shimano 2500 Symetry
OnthePotomac reply :
I have newer Curados and Chronarchs, but every time I pick up one of my Curado 100B's they amaze me. I have kept them humming now for about 10 years, to include not a mark on them. Incredible reels.
Steveo-1969 reply :
Spinning - the only high end reel I own is a Shimano Stradic CI4+ and I love it. Most of the spinning reels I've used have been ok, but this one is special.
Casting - the only casting reel I didn't like was a black BPS Carbonlite. It felt cheaply made, didn't cast very well and made a grinding noise. I have a Curado 200I that is very sweet, but my favorite is an Abu Garcia Revo LTX. Don't think I've ever seen anyone on BR mention this reel.
Spankey reply :
Tough call I fish the heck out of a couple of older Stradic and Symetre reels.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/3/2017 at 1:06 PM, nameiztaken said:What is the best performing reel you guys have used? Cheap or Expensive, old or new.
Mine would have to be the Curado 200e7.
This is too much like the often asked question, "What is your favorite reel?". I can't pick just one for that question either. 
I set the brakes and spool tension when I took my Primmus Xi HS out of the box. Haven't had to touch a setting since. Casting distance is very good with it. When I visit Florida I have to make minor adjustments to all my reels because I have to change my casting stroke while there. All reels except for the Primmus. Even my Curado 201E needed tweaking. Like mine, too. 
Other excellent performing reels are TD-Z 105H, Zillion 50th, Alphas, Helios Air, Patriarch XT, Carbonlite (gold ones), A reel from the banned company and a few more. None of my reels see hard use so I expect them to still be performing when I die.
I will also add that the Black Max 1600C is another reel performing beyond its price point.
Jeff H reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 8:02 AM, new2BC4bass said:
This is too much like the often asked question, "What is your favorite reel?". I can't pick just one for that question either.
This is true. I did pick one, but I could add several others that have been stand-outs for me.
Columbia Craw reply :
This. THREE BEARINGS and they are still casting machines.
Mumbly reply :
For casting it's been Shimano 50E and 200E7 but I have acquired a Core 50mg7 and Core 100mg since the fall so I am guessing my preference will change once I fish the new reels this spring.
For spinning my 2 Shimano Symetre FJ 2500's and 4000 have been rock solid.
Oklahoma Mike reply :
Casting: Met MGL
Spinning: Pflueger Patriarch XT
Silas reply :
CALCUTTA 100DC
MET MGL
ZILLION PE
Pretty much a tie although listed as best first.
iabass8 reply :
steez sv tw
tdz 103 type r+
kschultz76 reply :
13 Met and Stradic CI4+
RoLo reply :
My overall favorite spinning reel is the "Shimano Stradic" (they run abreast with my Stellas).
Roger
BaitFinesse reply :
Alphas SV. Casts well, skips effortlessly, great ergonomics, smooth retrieve and can do both power and BFS jobs.
Raul reply :
Better ask me which of my reels I don't like.
NathanDLTH reply :
My two reels are: Prox Max from Garcia and A Concept. They simply perform consistently and are easy enough to use which is great because of the performance to cost. Mind you this is my opinion. For overall castability I'd say the Laguna from Daiwa because it hucks lures some distance and doesn't really backlash once set. I fish and catch more on the Pro Max for whatever reason.
WI_Angler1989 reply :
My current reel, Shimano Stradic FK 2500. I don't have as much experience and knowledge as many of the people on here, but it would take A LOT too beat out the Stradic FK in my eyes. Talk about a powerhouse of a reel! It's smooth, durable and looks awesome.
2tall79 reply :
Spinning: Zebco Cardinal 4
Casting: Quantum QD1310L
Maico1 reply :
The ones that get picked up the most last season :
Spinning- Stella FI
Round- Conquest 50DC
Low Profile- 16 Antares DC
Bait Finesse- 15 Aldebaran BFS XG Limited
That said all the reels that are in the quiver are the best otherwise they would not be there.......
Mike L reply :
Curado E7
Mike
Raul reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 1:09 AM, Maico1 said:The ones that get picked up the most last season :
Spinning- Stella FI
Round- Conquest 50DC
Low Profile- 16 Antares DC
Bait Finesse- 15 Aldebaran BFS XG Limited
That said all the reels that are in the quiver are the best otherwise they would not be there.......
Exactly ! I've owned many other reels besides the ones I have and those that ain't there no more is because, oh well, I didn't like them.
Davidhorowitzski reply :
Behold the Abu Garcia xlt adjustable ambassadeur. Been cranking for 24 years now. Still the best flipping and jigging reel I've used. Still can tug a cruise ship. For finesse baitcasting I'm sticking with the pfluegger Asaro such a smooth reel. Even Madonna couldn't say not to it. I like it better than my revo beast. My favorite spinning gear must be the Daiwa Fuego. I did the anodizing too.
Raul reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 3:22 AM, Davidhorowitzski said:Behold the Abu Garcia xlt adjustable ambassadeur. Been cranking for 24 years now. Still the best flipping and jigging reel I've used. Still can tug a cruise ship. For finesse baitcasting I'm sticking with the pfluegger Asaro such a smooth reel. Even Madonna couldn't say not to it. I like it better than my revo beast. My favorite spinning gear must be the Daiwa Fuego. I did the anodizing too.
I have several reels from that series: XLT Plus, 521 XLT Plus and Scynchro. They still rock.
clh121787 reply :
Conquest.
RoLo reply :
On 3/4/2017 at 2:00 PM, Raul said:Better ask me which of my reels I don't like.
Speaking of which, how little are you willing to take for your "Ardent Champions"?
I know some neophytes willing to take them off your hands 
(Kid'n of course, Raul is the King of esoteric reels)
Roger
Jar11591 reply :
My Lew's TP1H, but there are a couple more reels that I've purchased over the hard-water season that are yet to be tested.
FrankN209 reply :
Spinning Reel - Pflueger Supreme XT
Casting - Either my Steez or my Met DC. My "forbidden to talk about" reel isn't too far behind either, great reel.
Raul reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 5:54 AM, RoLo said:
Speaking of which, how little are you willing to take for your "Ardent Champions"?
I know some neophytes willing to take them off your hands
(Kid'n of course, Raul is the King of esoteric reels)
Roger
ARDENT -----> EEEEEEEWWWWW !!!! 
as we say in Spanish: Guacala !
MDbassin reply :
For the Price paid: Shimano Curado I $149.99 +$25 gift card + 5% Veteran discount at Cabelas
Overall best: Lews Tournament Pro G $200
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
"Best " is subjective especially at the higher price points. It also depends on the application. The best BFS reel won't be the best swim bait reel etc.
nameiztaken reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 9:14 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:"Best " is subjective especially at the higher price points. It also depends on the application. The best BFS reel won't be the best swim bait reel etc.
I'm looking at it from a "Which reel stands out the most compared to other reels". Technique or application isnt too much of a factor (for me at least).
BILLYsobx reply :
I love my Curado 200DPV 5.0:1 ratio, I've been grinding in big crankbaits for ten years now with it and it is still as smooth as new. I service it once to twice a year. As far as spinning Shimano Saros 2500 and my Team Daiwa Lexa 2500 are neck and neck.. My old Team Daiwa Tierra 2500 is right behind though. It is a workhorse as well...
EvanT123 reply :
Calcutta Conquest 100 older model, a beast for throwing spinnerbaits. I have a certate and it's super nice but my 2500 fj has takin a beating and kept on ticking.
Sammies77 reply :
On 3/5/2017 at 2:38 PM, BILLYsobx said:I love my Curado 200DPV 5.0:1 ratio, I've been grinding in big crankbaits for ten years now with it and it is still as smooth as new. I service it once to twice a year. As far as spinning Shimano Saros 2500 and my Team Daiwa Lexa 2500 are neck and neck.. My old Team Daiwa Tierra 2500 is right behind though. It is a workhorse as well...
The d series were awesome reels! Mine are still smooth as well. Haven't really liked and shimano casting reels since.
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