Citica Or Pro Qualifier 2024

birdy reply :

I'm getting my first baitcaster at the Spring Sale at BP. I've narrowed it down to the Bass Pro Qualifier and the Shimano Citica. I really like my two Shimano spinning reels, can not beat the quality and durability. Wanted to get any last minute advice on either of these two reels, why would you pick one over the other etc. Thanks.

roadwarrior reply :

Among Shimano fans the Citica is very popular and has had great reviews:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast11shimanobaitcasterspg2.html

shootermcbob reply :

I have some of each, and like them both. I could not give you "cons" for either reel and feel you can not make a bad choice with either reel.

I really like how the shimano feels in my hand, casts, and smoothness on the retrieve.

Pro qualifier is available in wide range of gear ratios, although the new citica now comes in 3 gear ratios as well.

I say get one of each and write us a report about which one you ultimately like better???

Ima Bass Ninja reply :

If you are already happy with the performance of the shimano line then I would go with the citica. Both are quality reels and neither stands heads and shoulders above the other. It comes down to personal preference when comparing the two. FWIW I use pq's but have nothing negutive to say about shimano citica

birdy reply :

On 2/11/2012 at 9:40 PM, shootermcbob said:

I have some of each, and like them both. I could not give you "cons" for either reel and feel you can not make a bad choice with either reel.

I really like how the shimano feels in my hand, casts, and smoothness on the retrieve.

Pro qualifier is available in wide range of gear ratios, although the new citica now comes in 3 gear ratios as well.

I say get one of each and write us a report about which one you ultimately like better???

I like this idea, wish I could get both now.

shootermcbob reply :

Birdy, whichever one you choose, in my opinion, will be the right reel. they are both outstanding products. It may come down to which one feels better in your hand.

Make sure to put both reels on the rod you intend to use them with. One may end up "fitting" your hand.

Good luck with your decision.

j.bruno reply :

Never tried a PQ but i have a Citica 201e . Great reel. Just put 2 or 3 brakes on casts like a dream.

Al Wolbach reply :

I recomend you buy the reel you can get to best deal on or the one that fits your best. They are both good reels, can't make a wrong decision............Al

Goose52 reply :

I own six PQs (and seven other BPS BC reels) but I would also say that either reel will give fine service. Now that the Citica is available in three ratios (it used to only be available in 6.3) the lineup is well rounded as is the PQ with it's four ratios so you can find a ratio in either reel to suit just about any need.

The one significant difference between the two is that the Citica is centrifugal braking only, while the PQ has dual-braking - both centrifugal and magnetic. Some folks will say that dual-braking is not necessary and that centrifugal-only is all you need. Other folks will say that dual-braking gives you more options in cast management and is a nifty feature. If you search the forums, you'll find several threads on dual-braking.

Another difference is cost. The PQ costs a bit less, and frequently goes on sale for $80. Don't know if that cost diff is important to you.

You'll have fun with either reel...

Flippin & Pitchin reply :

I own both, and have to say I like the PQ a little more.

Both are great reels though. Either one would be an excellent choice.

OnthePotomac reply :

Look to parts needed in the future. I have never had a problem getting anything for all of my Shimanos and many of their reels have interchangeable parts regardless of reel model. I recently completed a reel parts compatability chart for my reels and was amazed at how many parts are common throughout the Shimano reel family.

NorcalBassin reply :

I have a couple PQ's and a Citica and find them both to be excellent reels in their price points. If BPS has the PQ's marked down so you basically get a marked down price and a trade in, I'd probably go that route (I think they were on sale fro $79.99 last year - $15 trade in = $64.99). If they're not on sale, the Citica may be worth the extra few $.

The Rooster reply :

I have a Citica E and love it. But I hate the fact that the new Citica G has a plastic drag star. Just feels cheap now, but it went up in price over last year. I'm going to the Bass Pro Shops classic too, and this year I may pull the trigger on a Pro Qualifier just to see how good a reel it is. I've read so much about it, I've been wanting one just for the heck of it.

bootytrain reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 3:41 AM, The Rooster said:

I have a Citica E and love it. But I hate the fact that the new Citica G has a plastic drag star. Just feels cheap now, but it went up in price over last year. I'm going to the Bass Pro Shops classic too, and this year I may pull the trigger on a Pro Qualifier just to see how good a reel it is. I've read so much about it, I've been wanting one just for the heck of it.

Sorry to break it to you but the Citica E also has a plastic drag star dude. Doesnt diminish its performance though

aavery2 reply :

I know you were asking about the PQ and Citica, and of the two I prefer the Citica. With that being said, maybe a good alternate would be the Carbonlite, much like the PQ, but lighter with a CF handle. During the BPS classic sale they will be 89 dollars as long as you have an old useable reel to trade in.

Ineedanewscreenname20170204 reply :

Although both are very nice reels for the money I give the nod to the Citica. Parts are very readily available for the Shimanos and the Citica has a proven history of durability and performance.

Packard reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 11:40 AM, CincyFisher said:

Parts are very readily available for the Shimanos and the Citica has a proven history of durability and performance.

Isn't that a contradiction?

Ineedanewscreenname20170204 reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 12:30 PM, Packard said:

Isn't that a contradiction?

Well now that I read it...it does sound funny. But I'm kind of hard on stuff and it's nice for me to know that if I need to replace a bearing or a handle nut I can easily find one. It may also be the case with the BPS reel but I'm guessing not so much so.

Packard reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 12:37 PM, CincyFisher said:

Well now that I read it...it does sound funny. But I'm kind of hard on stuff and it's nice for me to know that if I need to replace a bearing or a handle nut I can easily find one. It may also be the case with the BPS reel but I'm guessing not so much so.

I'm just messing with you. I am a shimano guy myself and know exactly what you mean. BPS is actually pretty good with parts though.

Tmmytomato reply :

Citica - hands down. Two or three years from now you'll appreciate the sturdiness and quality of the Shimano.

*Hootie reply :

Anyone else for some Shimano lemmingade?

birdy reply :

Thanks for all of the advice. I really think I'm leaning Shimano, mostly for the durability. Will let you know how it works out this spring.

LAO162 reply :

As your first reel, you may find that the Dual Brakes of the PQ act like training wheels while you are learning to use BC reels. If you have to pick out a birds nest for 5 of you first 10 casts, you may get discouraged pretty quickly:) You will also want to consider whether you want LH or RH retrieve. I almost gave up on BC reels because my first one had a RH retrieve and I found it too distracting.

birdy reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 11:07 PM, LAO162 said:

As your first reel, you may find that the Dual Brakes of the PQ act like training wheels while you are learning to use BC reels. If you have to pick out a birds nest for 5 of you first 10 casts, you may get discouraged pretty quickly:) You will also want to consider whether you want LH or RH retrieve. I almost gave up on BC reels because my first one had a RH retrieve and I found it too distracting.

Good advice, I've been practicing with a friends, will be using the left handed retrieve. Had a few hours of practice and worked out the kinks in the casting. I think that is why I'm going the rout of the Shimano, I want a realable reel that I can count on for years.

Diggy reply :

I much prefer how my carbonlite feels over my citica. Can't talk about long term but if the pq feels the same way Id be satisfied as I've never used one.

LgMouthGambler reply :

I own both, in my opinion, I get more from my Shimano's. It casts better, and reels smoother. I have the new G Citica, and it feels better than all the Citicas evr made. PQ is good too, but its not the Citica.

LgMouthGambler reply :

Bryce C reply :

My vote is for the citica. If you look on ebay you can get an E series for less than $90 brand new. I have had two of mine for a long time and they still preform like the day I got them and I fish a LOT! The reason I prefer the citica is the braking and free spool system....I do everything with my citicas from skipping jigs to throwing traps as far as I can and never have had a problem with dialing in the reel to do what I want.

*Hootie reply :

I take it, you prefer the Citica?

*Hootie reply :

On 2/13/2012 at 2:24 AM, LgMouthGambler said:

I own both, in my opinion, I get more from my Shimano's. It casts better, and reels smoother. I have the new G Citica, and it feels better than all the Citicas evr made. PQ is good too, but its not the Citica.

On 2/13/2012 at 2:25 AM, LgMouthGambler said:

I own both, in my opinion, I get more from my Shimano's. It casts better, and reels smoother. I have the new G Citica, and it feels better than all the Citicas evr made. PQ is good too, but its not the Citica.

I take it, you prefer the Citica?

LgMouthGambler reply :

On 2/13/2012 at 3:05 AM, hootiebenji said:

I take it, you prefer the Citica?

Haha, I dont know what hapened there. Sure you could say Im 3 times as strong about it, lol.

*Hootie reply :

On 2/13/2012 at 3:10 AM, LgMouthGambler said:

Haha, I dont know what hapened there. Sure you could say Im 3 times as strong about it, lol.

I think it's great to be enthusiastic about what you like!

I know I am.

j.bruno reply :

Gonna have to check out a Citica G myself. I wish they made it in all the gear rations for leftys

OnthePotomac reply :

Our Gander Mountain still had 20 Citica 200E's available as of last week. The price is now $89.99. (Fredericksburg, VA)

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 2/13/2012 at 4:09 AM, j.bruno said:

Gonna have to check out a Citica G myself. I wish they made it in all the gear rations for leftys

x2: I need the Citica G in 7.1:1 lefty!

ClackerBuzz reply :

make sure you take an old reel in working condition. bps is doing a reel trade in--they donate the reels to kids in need. and shimano is participating. my closest shop told me its from march 2-6th. the rod trade is going on too so maybe you'll end up with a new rod too

birdy reply :

On 2/14/2012 at 3:22 AM, ClackerBuzz said:

make sure you take an old reel in working condition. bps is doing a reel trade in--they donate the reels to kids in need. and shimano is participating. my closest shop told me its from march 2-6th. the rod trade is going on too so maybe you'll end up with a new rod too

That is the plan. Of course the PQ is now 79.99, almost too good to pass up. I'm torn between my cheap nature and buying what I think is the more durable product in Shimano.

LgMouthGambler reply :

you can get a Curado 50E on Ebay. I just picked one up for $120, its 2x the reel the Citica is. Might even be a ble to get a 200E if you can get a good deal. These reels are bullet proof.

Flukeman reply :

If you are buying new just try both out on the rod you will be using. If you have to, take your rod with you. People give good reviews on both, so it is going to depend on which one fits our hands the best. There are a lot of good reels out there these days at all price points and people tend to buy whats hot at the time instead of what is comparable and fits them best.

That fit will make a huge difference in how that reel feels for sensitivity and how it works for you. Especially when you are tournament fishing and casting/cranking a 1000 times a day. It is amazing what a difference a well balanced and good fit set up makes to your finger joints, wrists, arms, and shoulders under those conditions.

ClackerBuzz reply :

I have 4 PQ and also a Curado I absolutely love them all. However the Shimano drag system is much better than the BPS reels. I throw a jig alot and I'm often in heavy cover so my drag is often set at 80-90%. It is easy to achieve with the Curado. But the PQ have to be almost completely tightened down to the point where its almost impossible to set properly. I know they probably came with too much grease packed in from the factor so I'm going to open them in the next day or two to clean the and see if it helps. Let me knw if anyone has any suggestions. Maybe replace them with carbon drag washers? Hope this inside helps

jignfule reply :

citica

The Rooster reply :

On 2/12/2012 at 10:56 AM, bootytrain said:

Sorry to break it to you but the Citica E also has a plastic drag star dude. Doesnt diminish its performance though

The following Tackletour review states that the Citica E has an aluminum drag star.

http://www.tackletou...eview09pg2.html

I've always taken their word for it, and it seems I've read a time or two in other places that it was also metal, but not the same exact material as the Curado E was.

Just now I went in and examined mine closely. The handle is cold, as would be expected of aluminum. The drag star is not though, and it does feel plastic. Now I don't know what to think. I've had this thing for 2 years and always thought it was metal. It doesn't seem to take away from it now that I know, but I now wonder if I would have bought it at the time knowing it wasn't quite as good as I had originally thought. I'm glad I did though, it has been a great reel.

Ej Thomas reply :

I am a little late to the party but a have 5 PQ'S and i love them. Great price, good durability, I pitch,flip throw cranks, jigs, everything. I love the duel breaks I have good control with all my fishing styles. I wish I had more older reels to trade in so I can grab another during the spring classic.

birdy reply :

I'm reporting back with my purchase, my cheap nature won out, I purchased the Pro Qualifier, with the rebate I ended up paying 54.00 with 10 off for credit I had built up on other purchases (I live 10 minutes for Bass PRO). I know after using it this weekend that I will be purchasing more reels in the future, one of course with be a Shimano. I think the PQ will be perfect for learning baitcasting techniques. Took it out back to my pond and cast it for about a hour on Saturday and really liked the way it performed. Smooth, only one cast where there was a little loosening of the line, easily corrected. Really like the way it casts.

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

The PQ is a great value. Durability is not a major concern with them nor is availability of parts. They may not be as industructable as Shimano's but you'll get your money's worth and then some.

endless reply :

Yea I feel like you can't go wrong with either choice. I have PQ and I love it. I don't own a Citica but I do have a Curado that made me be a believer you can say, lol.

DRhodes reply :

For the price I would go with the Citica if I was you.

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Citica Or Pro Qualifier 2024

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