Best sub $100 baitcaster... 2024

WaterDawg reply :

I've worn out the search feature and google on this topic and decided to start a new thread before my next purchase.

Sorry if this topic has been beaten to death. I'm sure it has.

I'm recently back into bass fishing after a 15 yr hiatus due to college, marriage, kiddos, building a business etc. My kiddos are now teens and I'm having to start over on my gear (and gear for them) and I'm unfamiliar with many of the current offerings/features/technologies in today's baitcasters.

I believe in good rods, so I've invested my first chunk into a selection of mid-priced falcons and all-stars $49-$89 each to get us going. Mainly 6'6's and 7' meds to med/hvys. Figured I'm setting up 4 of us to fish and teaching 3 noobs. Didn't need to go all out on rods for beginners not knowing if they're going to stick with it.

I've been down the $39 Wal Mart disposable rod/reel combo route plenty before. This time, I'm just not going to waste my money. I figure if I at least buy them decent gear and they don't enjoy fishing, I've still got good gear to use.

I'm starting my younger boys out on spinning gear (6'6" all star classic or falcon w/ Shimano Sedona reels). I've found the Sedona to be a great, durable reel for the money @ $59 FWIW. So I was able to set these two up for around $100 +/-.

My older boy (14 yo) is my most promising candidate and a very quick learn. He's already into baitcasters and insisted on the 7' Skeet Reese med/fast tip rod, which I think is actually a great rod for $89. He just thinks the color is cool and he likes the tip action. Works for me.

I'm set up with $89 falcon 7' med hvy/fast which I'm quite happy with.

Now to my question, I need to step up the baitcasters from the original Shimano Callisto's I bought (I know I shouldn't have, but I figured I'd take a chance $49). Not at all crazy with these reels.

I would like to step up to better casters. Can't quite afford Curado's, which would be my choice, so I'd like to stay in the sub $100 if possible. I DO NOT want to buy junk however and I'm very open to different brands including the house brands @ Cabelas and BPS.

In this price range ($70-$100), are there some decent options or do I need to step up to the $120 range and look at the Shimano Citica/Daiwa Tierra type stuff.

We will be using this gear for weekend use, not tourney type stuff. I'm looking for good quality, dependable reels with reliable braking systems that I'm not going to have to fight. These Callisto's blow.

Can you help a brother out??

Thanks in advance.

Donnie

buzzbait4me reply :

I just recently bought the Daiwa Procaster navy from TW. It is originally 60 bucks, but there was a sale and a 20 percent off so i got it for 32 bucks. It is a really nice reel for the money. You should consider looking into these.

zero limit reply :

Look for a used reel, you can get some quality for a decent price

Goose52 reply :

BPS Pro Qualifier. $100 regular price, now on sale for $80 (but nearly sold out). Available in right-and left-hand in 4 different ratios. Nice smooth reel with dual braking. Best reel and best deal for $100 or under. (Disclosure - I own 5 PQs!)

Search this forum on "Pro Qualifier" and "PQ" and you will get LOTS of hits - there's been quite a few discussions on this reel...

Good luck with your decision!

WaterDawg reply :

Thanks buzz, I read your previous post about the Procasters along with a few reviews and I'm definitely going to check them out.

NateFollmer reply :

Well, I use the Bill Dance Select Baitcasting combo and it's been working great for years. I really like Quantums and I think this is a great entry level product.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104129_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

Another option is the Daiwa StrikeForce Combo. I had that one until it got smashed in a car door

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205081_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

The Bass Pro Shops combos are great too. Although I have never owned one, I know a few people that have them and they perform great.

WaterDawg reply :

Goose, I played around with that reel last weekend @ BPS in San Antonio. Liked it, but didn't know a thing about it and the salesman was a weirdo.

I'll take the field-tested opinion of an angler over a salesman any day of the week...and it's not even close.

Thanks

cwb60 reply :

Watch the flea market section of this site. I have bought a couple of good used reels and rods that I think are excellent values.

ChiCityBasser reply :

The Daiwa Exceler has gotten some pretty good reviews and even a node in a recent issue of BassMasters. I just picked up one myself but haven't had a chance to hit the water with it just yet.

Another good choice would be the Cabelas Prodigy (made by Daiwa) I've had one for a couple of seasons and it's a smooth solid reel and on sale now for $80 and normally $100

Good luck with whatever you decide on

roadwarrior reply :

If you shop around you might find a Citica for around $100.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html

8-)

Dock Master reply :

Look into the Quantum Burst or Quantum Code from Tackle Warehouse. I have three of the Quantum Bursts and one of the Codes and they are all great reels.

Raul reply :

So: Best sub $100 baitcaster...

This one

Daiwa Procaster PR100H

My arsenal is filled with TDZs, Alphas, Chronarchs, etc, lots of mid high-high end reels and I tell you that reel at clearance for 40 dollars @ TW is not only a killer deal but also that reel is very far from being junk.

ksbasser reply :

I have to sugest the Pro Qualifier if you can find some in stock. My fishing bud bought 3 of them this season. They have the dual brake system which drastically reduces backlash problems. He loves the reels. They cast great. The fit is much better than low end BPS reels. This last weekend he brought his reels to my shop for a mid season clean and re lube. I pulled one of my 2010 revo stx reels apart for comparison. With the exception of the spool shaft, they are very nearly identical inside. The revo has a better drag, but the PQ could be upgraded for less than 10 bucks. The revo has a few higher quality parts such as the plating on the worm gear and pawl, but the PQ parts look like they should hold up just fine. After looking at the insides of both these reels, I would have to say that the only good reason to buy an STX instead of the PQ is the free pair of wiley X glasses and the better drag. PS, my friend is trying to find some more now. the online bps is currently sold out.

BASSINATORBIGJOE reply :

X2 ON THE PRO QUALIFIER I NOW OWN SIX OF THESE GREAT REELS AND RODS! COMBOS ON SALE AT BP FOR 139 BUCKS. YOU REALLY CAN'T BEAT THIS DEAL AS THE ROD IS JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER THAN THE REEL. STARTED OUT WITH ONE AND WAS IMPRESSED. THEN JUST STARTED BUYING THEM IN DIFFERENT ACTIONS WHEN THEY WENT ON SALE. MIKE 8-)

curls00 reply :

My vote goes to the Quantum Accurist PT "new" reels (the gunmetal color ones). They are a nice small profile, cast a MILE, have external braking adjustment, a good drag, and they are in Quantum's "PT" (performance tuned) series, which uses higher quality components and has aluminum frames (stronger) as opposed to their Code and Burst and all non-PT Quantum reels.

Now, I like my Pfleuger President (lefty), and my Curado 201DHSV better, but the Accurist, especially for the price, is right up there in terms of performance and feel. It's great!

Available in Left or right handed, and in 6.2:1 and 7:1 (Burner) gear ratios. They're small and light and perform very well for <$100.

Mike 12345 reply :

I think the Abu Garcia Orra is tough to beat for the under $100 price.

Bass_Fanatic reply :

no doubt...

Pflueger Trion!!

Dockhead reply :

Bass Pro Shops/Pro Qualifier

K_Mac reply :

One more vote for the BPS Pro Qualifier. I have three, one bought this spring and two early last year. They are excellent reels.

I think you get good bang for your buck buying reels in this price range. There are many quality choices available. Just my opinion. Good luck.

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

Quote
BPS Pro Qualifier. $100 regular price, now on sale for $80 (but nearly sold out). Available in right-and left-hand in 4 different ratios. Nice smooth reel with dual braking. Best reel and best deal for $100 or under. (Disclosure - I own 5 PQs!)
Search this forum on "Pro Qualifier" and "PQ" and you will get LOTS of hits - there's been quite a few discussions on this reel...

Good luck with your decision!

I've got four of them. Great reels, especially for the price paid.

endless reply :

Quote

Quote
BPS Pro Qualifier. $100 regular price, now on sale for $80 (but nearly sold out). Available in right-and left-hand in 4 different ratios. Nice smooth reel with dual braking. Best reel and best deal for $100 or under. (Disclosure - I own 5 PQs!)
Search this forum on "Pro Qualifier" and "PQ" and you will get LOTS of hits - there's been quite a few discussions on this reel...

Good luck with your decision!

x2

I've got four of them. Great reels, especially for the price paid.

X3 I love mine!

adclem reply :

Hard to beat the Pro Qualifier, especially when they are on-sale.

Later,

trevor reply :

Quote
If you shop around you might find a Citica for around $100.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html

8-)

Cabelas Prodigy

Check out LAKESIDE REELS!!!

I'm not in any way associated with them, just a happy customer. FREE SHIPPING

smallwatermayhem reply :

I think I'd be looking at THREE (3) different reels.

One being the Catalyst PT by Quantum, 2nd one being the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier, and the last being the Shimano Citica.

The Catalyst PT is a $150 reel which is on-sale at Cabela's for $90. The Citica is regularly $120 but can be found on eBay easily for $95. The Pro Qualifiers are regularly $100 but are on-sale for $80.

Chico reply :

My first bait caster was a Quantum something or another (20 years ago) then I bought a few Pflueger Trions and was happy. One day I lost my Quantum in the river so I went out and purchased a new Quantum Code to replace it. I used the code for a week or two and did not like it, so after spending a ton of time reading here I went out and purchased a Citica. All I can say is wow! The Citica is a GREAT real for the money, I now have two. I since purchased a Curado and a Chronarch and still think the Citica is the best buy, but my next reel will be another Curado.

flippin and pitchin reply :

Several manufactures are or will be flushing 2009 and even 2010 models out this fall. My local tackle dealer has had sales on the Revo S in right hand for $69.97 ( sold out ) and recently the Revo STX left hand for $99.97 ( sold out ) and Revo Toro 51 and 61 for $99.97. Be a shopper and you won't have to pay MSRP or full retail for any reel.

WaterDawg reply :

Thanks for all the great replies. Will definitely check into the Pro Qualifier. Sounds like some very positive experiences.

FWIW, I went by Cabelas today and visited with the reel counter dude. He was very well informed and an avid angler. I spent about an hour with him and got some great advice. Didn't try to sway me to one brand over another.

He showed me the ABU Garcia Orra ($99). The Orra appears to be of the Revo mold. Very similar look/feel. I think its new for '10, and feels very well made. He highly recommended it.

His second vote was for the Cabela's Prodigy (which appears to be a Daiwa Excelor) and third the Cabelas Tournament ZX. Their house brand stuff is made by Daiwa.

I'm a 2hr drive from BPS, so I won't be able to check the Pro Qualifier out til later.

Thanks again for all the input.

Donnie

iceintheveins reply :

Have to say the pro qualifier, hands down. The Citica is a little better than the pq but it's about $120 in most places.

ksbasser reply :

If you buy a reel from Bass Pro, you get a one year ,over the counter warranty. any problems are no problems. you can also pay a small fee and get that extended to 3 years. After the warranty is up, BPS still has support for you reel in the form of their own service center and parts dept. You can order parts from them, have a reel repair tech that works on bps reels fix it for you or send it to the Springfield bps service center. If you buy a store brand from any other company, you might regret that if you need work in the future. Some stores may switch out an almost new reel, but most tell you to send it the address on the warranty card. Then, if you ever want to replace a part yourself or have an independent reel person work on it you may also be SOL. None of the other store brands have a parts dept. You have to try to contact the company on the warranty card. Then you have to hope they have some parts from a similar house brand that fits your re brand reel or that anyone there can even remember building that reel for the store re brand. I have ran into this several times.

OH-bass614 reply :

i buy alot of my reels off ebay. you can find a new citica for about 90 if you look around. i would definitly go with the citica i have 3 of them and and curado and will be buying another citica in a few days. there really great smooth reels and they cast very well

Crestliner2008 reply :

A lot of good suggestions have already been made here, but I'd like to throw this out. How about an Abu Ambassadeur 5500 series? I have 1/2 dozen of these "round" reels and two of which are over 30 years old.

They are reliable, work fine and are under your $100. cost limit. Best part is your kids will be able to hand them down to their kids.

Raul reply :

Round Abus are great reels but the reason why I don 't recomend them has more to do with me having a problem with the reel size/width/height vs palmability/comfort, got small hands so they just don 't feel right for me. But, if you want is a cheap reel built like a tank and practically bullet proof then a round Abu is your poison.

KC Bass Fanatic reply :

Quote
My vote goes to the Quantum Accurist PT "new" reels (the gunmetal color ones). They are a nice small profile, cast a MILE, have external braking adjustment, a good drag, and they are in Quantum's "PT" (performance tuned) series, which uses higher quality components and has aluminum frames (stronger) as opposed to their Code and Burst and all non-PT Quantum reels.
Now, I like my Pfleuger President (lefty), and my Curado 201DHSV better, but the Accurist, especially for the price, is right up there in terms of performance and feel. It's great!

Available in Left or right handed, and in 6.2:1 and 7:1 (Burner) gear ratios. They're small and light and perform very well for <$100.

BlaineFred reply :

I second the idea of buying good used reels. Many are available on the websites, but I would stay away from E-Bay where I attempted to buy reels a few times only to get bid very high. Sometimes Craig's List can be a good place but it takes time for good values to pop up.

I like the Cabela's Prodigy reels...normally at $99, but frequently on sale for $68...made by Daiwa, says so on the reel.

They have the "spool free" feature that you don't find in reels at these prices. (This spool free feature is a mechanical feature to distinguish from a free extra spool.)

piscicidal reply :

IMO: Revo or Citica (if you can get one under $100). Otherwise, Quantum Accurist PT.

shootermcbob reply :

The cabelas prodigy is a fine reel. I have 4 of them. Watch for them on sale, I paid as little as 54.00 for them.

My advice would be to stay away from the cabelas tournament ZX baitcasting reel. It is a graphite framed reel now and they used to be aluminum framed. I used to have a couple aluminum framed ones, and they were fine. However, since they redesigned it and went to the graphite framed reel, I see several in the bargain cave every time I go to cabelas. This means folks are returning them because they are obviously unhappy with them. A friend who works for cabelas told me they really cheapened up the reel on redesign and were having lots of returns.

I also like the Revo S reels at or around a hundred bucks

Nebraska Bassin reply :

A Daiwa Procaster Rojo would be a good choice. If you're looking at the Procasters, the Rojo would be the best option, and it's still well under $100.

mrbassky reply :

Used is the way to go but if you buy new Pfluger makes several good reels you can get cheap. Also I like the Browning Citori as well. You can get them on sale throughout the year if you live close to a bassproshop. You might even catch the high end Midas on sale for $100. Thats the only reel Marty Stone uses.

Bean Counter reply :

Another vote for Quantum Accurist.

repper reply :

I agree with what Raul said. that Procaster at $40.00 is a very good deal. And I surprised nobody has offered up any good deals on a used reel for ya. I've got an Exceler, like new, that I will sell you very reasonably if you want.

3120

Best sub $100 baitcaster... 2024

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