Anyone have experience with the quality of any BPS line of reels? Im looking for a good crankin reel, mid to higher end, is fine.
Sorry. My only experience with BPS reels is the older gold colored Carbonlites. These are exceptional reels for the $$$$. I do know that many highly regard the Pro Qualifier for its price. Especially when bought on sale. Goose did a 5 year test on them. A search should turn it up if you want to read the thread.
I have the carbonlites (black model) in all the gear ratio's. Use the 5.3:1 last couple seasons as my crankbait/umbrella rig set up and the 6.4:1 for my shallow cranking/wakebait fishing. Both perform great. The PQ seems to have good reviews. I just like a lighter reel.
I like the Pro Qualifier spinning reel I have. I've heard the PQ baitcasters aren't very good.
I've got 6 BPS reels in all. The cheapest one was one of the "special edition" ones that they bring out for special events. I bought it over 10 years ago and it's still in service today but the bearings should be replaced. I've got a gold carbonlite that's been in service a few years and it's a nice little reel. The other 4 are all Johnny Morris reels I've got one each of the Gold, Elite, Signature, and Basscaster. The oldest of those is in it's 9th season and is still working great, as are the rest of them. They aren't the lightest reels ever produced, but they also aren't lead bricks either. I've been very happy with them and wouldn't hesitate to purchase again.
Unlike Evan, I've heard nothing but praise for the PQ. I haven't heard much on the spinning reels, but then again I haven't been in the market for one for a while either.
If you watch the Bassmasters, Edwin Evers fishes the new White Carbonlites, works well for him. Man won two events with $130 reel and a $130 Carbonlite rod. Before that he used a lot of PQ and then moved up to the Johnny Morris Line. This last year is the first time though since the reels are white that you could really tell what reels he had. But those are his bread and butter reels.
I have 16 BPS baitcasting reels. They work, catch fish. Most, at the time I bought them, were great values in their price range ($100-$130), and even better values when bought on sale (as most of mine were). The reels I have include ProLite Finesse, Rick Clunn, ProQualifier, and several models of Carbonlites. I have no experience with any BPS BC reels below the PQ on the price scale, nor do I have any experience with the various Johnny Morris reels in the price range above $130 or so.
I haven't had any problems with mine other than typical wear, with the exception of two JM Carbonlites (the black 5.7oz models - now discontinued and replaced by the white JM CLs) which were grindy out of the box - an issue that was fixed quite a while ago.
I use a couple PQs as part of my deep-cranking battery - a 4.7:1 (19 ipt) and a 5.2:1 (21 ipt) - both have given great service in this capacity. A selling point for the 4.7:1 PQ is that there just aren't that many reels available today with that low of ipt. Another one of my PQs (a 6.4:1 - 26 ipt) was the subject of a 5 year long test - the results of which are here: BPS Pro Qualifier BC Reel - 5 Year Challenge
You mentioned "mid to higher end" - not sure what that means to you but most folks would consider the BPS reels as low- to perhaps lower-mid-range. While the BPS reels are usually good values in their price range, I'm not sure they make any reels that could be considered mid to higher end.
Even in their price range, the BPS BC reels are now being challanged by newer-generation reels like the Daiwa Tatula. While the Tat is not a direct competitor at its suggested retail price, the Tat can be found at bargain prices on-line and during store sales and is a very serious competitor to the PQ and probably taking a lot of the PQs market share.
Anyway - keep in mind that BPS reels go on sale often, so it pays to wait for a sale before picking up something like a PQ.
I have fished lh pqs for a few years and every one has been great. Easy to clean, always hold up to a beating. A tad heavy, but solid.
Hit em on sale and its a steal
Stick with the pq and carbon lite for the best value especially on sale which is frequently.
I would 2nd what Goose52 posted. I have at one point owned many of the same reels he referenced. The only one I felt was junk was the JM Carbonlite in the charcoal color at 5.9 ounces or whatever it was. Very grindy gears and aweful under load to the point it seemed like the reel was going to fall apart. All other reels are good values for what they sell for on sale. I too would consider the BPS line of reels to be budget friendly or low end on the price scale.
I have two carbonlite reels, a gold and a black. Cant beat 'em for the money.
On 10/23/2015 at 8:11 AM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Stick with the pq and carbon lite for the best value especially on sale which is frequently.
He speaks the truth.
The PQ is a great little reel for the money. When you can get them on sale, it's almost a no brainer.
How about the tourney special, any comments?
On 10/23/2015 at 5:15 AM, gulfcaptain said:If you watch the Bassmasters, Edwin Evers fishes the new White Carbonlites, works well for him. Man won two events with $130 reel and a $130 Carbonlite rod. Before that he used a lot of PQ and then moved up to the Johnny Morris Line. This last year is the first time though since the reels are white that you could really tell what reels he had. But those are his bread and butter reels.
And Chris Lane.
I have a PQ that I use for one of my cranking rods and have no complaints. Like someone mentioned, it's a little heavy but not really an issue with a cranking reel.
On 10/23/2015 at 3:11 AM, Evan K said:I like the Pro Qualifier spinning reel I have. I've heard the PQ baitcasters aren't very good.
I would probably say that you've heard wrong. That's without doubt the best BPS baitcasting reel made. Just the comments and reviews on here, never mind the reviews on their website. I am also speaking from personal experience, since I have four of these reels and have "NEVER" experienced a problem with any of them.
Hootie
I have three of the old Johnny Morris reels, I believe the first two generations they put out. Yes, they are heavy b today's standards, but I've put a ton of miles on all three without an issue.
Slightly off topic, where would I go to look into bearing replacement? I'm mechanically inclined, but would like to learn more before I dig into a reel that works. Thanks in advance.
On 10/25/2015 at 8:06 PM, PourMyOwn said:I have three of the old Johnny Morris reels, I believe the first two generations they put out. Yes, they are heavy b today's standards, but I've put a ton of miles on all three without an issue.
Slightly off topic, where would I go to look into bearing replacement? I'm mechanically inclined, but would like to learn more before I dig into a reel that works. Thanks in advance.
Check on YouTube. All kinds of videos on how to do just about anything to a reel.
Hootie
I have a carbonlite and think it performs great. Fit and finish isnt as nice as some of my other reels, but it didn't cost as much either. I bought one just to see what it was all about and the only thing I would change is the handle knobs. It casts great and for me palms great. It makes me wonder sometimes why I spent so much money on other reels.
My only experience with them was about 12 years ago with the old green exteme low profile reels, and it was not a good one. Based on what everyone here says I will need to look into a PQ when I'm ready for new reels. I know a couple of guys that have them and they have had no issues.
On 10/26/2015 at 12:00 AM, Bankbeater said:My only experience with them was about 12 years ago with the old green exteme low profile reels, and it was not a good one. Based on what everyone here says I will need to look into a PQ when I'm ready for new reels. I know a couple of guys that have them and they have had no issues.
Edited because of cerebral flatulence.
On 10/23/2015 at 8:35 AM, kickerfish1 said:I would 2nd what Goose52 posted. I have at one point owned many of the same reels he referenced. The only one I felt was junk was the JM Carbonlite in the charcoal color at 5.9 ounces or whatever it was. Very grindy gears and aweful under load to the point it seemed like the reel was going to fall apart. All other reels are good values for what they sell for on sale. I too would consider the BPS line of reels to be budget friendly or low end on the price scale.
Same experience i had with mine. It would cast extremely well though just very grindy. Returned it bought a Core50.
On 10/24/2015 at 7:13 AM, TC_Sasquatch said:How about the tourney special, any comments?
i have the tournament special it's ok nothing to write home about but it hasn't given me any problems this year thought the "anti backlash system" just seems like they have put a permanent brake on the spool i use it for topwater and flipping and it's reliable but i don't know if i would buy more than one
On 10/26/2015 at 8:31 AM, QUAKEnSHAKE said:Same experience i had with mine. It would cast extremely well though just very grindy. Returned it bought a Core50.
That's almost like saying I returned my Hyundai Accent and bought a Porsche Boxster...lol.
Hootie
On 10/25/2015 at 6:30 PM, *Hootie said:I would probably say that you've heard wrong. That's without doubt the best BPS baitcasting reel made. Just the comments and reviews on here, never mind the reviews on their website. I am also speaking from personal experience, since I have four of these reels and have "NEVER" experienced a problem with any of them.
Hootie
I also have four with many miles on them that are my workhorse reels. I have had no trouble with them. I also have a couple of the old Extremes. They get used often. They are not of the same quality as the PQs, but they have held up well.
I think that BPS offers good value for the money on many products, including some reels. I also know that buying anything based on price only is not always the best value. Buying entry level stuff increases the risk of getting something that won't perform as desired. Doing your research first is always a good idea.
On 10/25/2015 at 8:06 PM, PourMyOwn said:I have three of the old Johnny Morris reels, I believe the first two generations they put out. Yes, they are heavy b today's standards, but I've put a ton of miles on all three without an issue.
Slightly off topic, where would I go to look into bearing replacement? I'm mechanically inclined, but would like to learn more before I dig into a reel that works. Thanks in advance.
Give me a call or email and I'll give the low down on bearing replacement and reel upgrades in general.
On 10/26/2015 at 10:17 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Give me a call or email and I'll give the low down on bearing replacement and reel upgrades in general.
Will do as soon as I retire them for the year. Thanks.
On 10/26/2015 at 8:07 AM, PourMyOwn said:I had two of those, they came with a rod for 99 bucks. I still use the rods, those reels were putrid.
Are you talking about the PQ Rod and Reel? The ones that are around during the holidays sales? If so, I believe those reels are not the same as the the PQ reels that come separate in the box. Are they more silver in color by chance?
On 10/26/2015 at 11:17 PM, GetJigginWithIt said:Are you talking about the PQ Rod and Reel? The ones that are around during the holidays sales? If so, I believe those reels are not the same as the the PQ reels that come separate in the box. Are they more silver in color by chance?
Wow. Huge brain fart there. I was actually thinking of the Extreme reels that came out way back when. I'll edit my post so the misinformation stops...
I have many bps reels and they have all been great solid performers. I have 5-6 PQs, 2 Rick clunns ( blue ones from back in the day), a new white carbonlite, and if I remember right, a David fritts one as well.
Great reels.
I fished with my white Carbonlite all day yesterday..its super light and buttery smooth. Probably the smoothest BPS reel I've ever had was the PQ Tournament Edition. The the black one with the metal flake paint. Best $79 reel I've owned.
This one:
http://answers.basspro.com/answers/2010/product/10224165/bass-pro-shops-bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-tournament-baitcast-reel-questions-answers/questions.htm
On 10/23/2015 at 3:11 AM, Evan K said:I like the Pro Qualifier spinning reel I have. I've heard the PQ baitcasters aren't very good.
Then you haven't heard correctly.
Not a big fan of BPS reels - not a big surprise, as I'm a Shimano guy through and through. Several years ago, I purchased a couple of bait casters - forget the model # but they said David Fritts on them. They were marketed as distance casting cranking reels. They didn't cast as well as any of my Shimano's. However, load them up with 25 lb mono and they make decent catfish reels. It is good to go cat fishing and not rear up and of my bass gear.
On 10/28/2015 at 1:28 AM, bassh8er said:Then you haven't heard correctly.
Obviously I'm not speaking from experience when it comes to the PQ baitcaster; I guess my opinion was probably influenced by Tackle Tour's review which listed it as only Fair.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewbassproqualifierbaitcaster.html
You can get them for $79 on sale and can't compare them to $300-$500 Shimanos also. They are quality reels that take a beating. When parts go bad they are easily replaced very cheap from Outdoor World in Springfield, MO.
Great thanks for all the insight and replies, you guys never let me down. I plan on buying one very soon this all will help with my decision.
Good point about the mid higher end Goose52, I guess i meant the mid higher end within the lower range of reels if that makes sense ahahah.
-Joshua
I have had BPS TS10ha tournament series for about 6 years now.Still working great.My got it on sale for 39 bucks.Been abused in the river wading trips still going strong. I still get some reel from BPS,Love there sales
On 10/26/2015 at 9:36 PM, Scarborough817 said:i have the tournament special it's ok nothing to write home about but it hasn't given me any problems this year thought the "anti backlash system" just seems like they have put a permanent brake on the spool i use it for topwater and flipping and it's reliable but i don't know if i would buy more than one
Just got mine from FedEx yesterday. This is my very first baitcaster. I've never even casted one until this morning. I caught a few decent Largemouth on a 1/2 oz. black and blue justice jig with a black and blue craw Rat-L-Trailer. I love it, it took a while to get the casting down but once i did i fell in love can't believe i haven't been fishing with one sooner. I believe its a good beginner reel because of the anti-backlash mechanism. Anybody that's wanting to start baitcasting this is a good reel to learn with
The gray Carbonlite is on sale right now for $89. Thats a steal!
I think PQ's are one of the best of not the best budget reel you can get when they have the sales. It's the same platform as Abu or Lews reels. I have one around that's like 5 years old and still works fine. It is a bit geary now from abuse but I am not sure there is a reel that won't eventually start to do that over time. During the spring sale they have my brother bought a PQ 7' MH combo for $80 I think. The rod is a pos and you can hardly feel anything with it but when you don't have a rod and reel that's a amazing deal.
On 10/24/2015 at 7:13 AM, PondHopper270 said:How about the tourney special, any comments?
I have two and I'm not impressed. Don't seem to cast well, spool adjustment is very sensitive, it is to tight or back lash.
Both reels bought the same day and both are 6:3:1 each reel feels and works differently. If I was you I would wait for the PQ to go on sale in March you can get them for about the same price. I have 3 PQ'ers and I like them very much, how ever I have only fished them for about 10 months.
On 10/30/2015 at 8:52 AM, reb67 said:I have two and I'm not impressed. Don't seem to cast well, spool adjustment is very sensitive, it is to tight or back lash.
Both reels bought the same day and both are 6:3:1 each reel feels and works differently. If I was you I would wait for the PQ to go on sale in March you can get them for about the same price. I have 3 PQ'ers and I like them very much, how ever I have only fished them for about 10 month
Thanks I've already gotten the Tourney Special combo. It seems decent but, I'm also a beginner with baicasters i've only had it about a week and i've caught a few decent bass, once i learned how to operate it. I will most definitly give the PQ's a try once they go on sale. I currently have my Tourney Special spooled with 30# power pro braid will that be okay for fishing plastic worms? or do i need lighter line or a different combo all togethor
Any 6'6"-7'MH combo will work just fine. I can't stand braid, but if you are using 30# its the same diameter as about 8# mono which is quite thin for a baitcaster. As a beginner, I think 12-14# test is more forgiving to learn on. If its not giving you problems then don't change it. Once they make braid that doesn't make all that noise going thru your guides then I may consider it. I see why people break rods...that stuff has NO stretch!