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PQ2, The new "best $100 reel"? 2024


fishing user avatarnameiztaken reply : 

Has anyone checked out the new BPS Pro Qualifier 2? I know the original was a hit with the under-100 market. How is this one? Quality wise, better or worse? How does it compare to other reels at the same price point? 

 


fishing user avatarFun4Me reply : 

I can't imagine it's any better than a Tatula CT for $100 on the Ebay. I imagine it's a good reel though.


fishing user avatarfishnkamp reply : 

BPS PQ2 is not likely going to compare to the Daiwa Tatula CTs. If the old ones were so good they would have never had them on an annual sale. I am sure they copied somebodies work in order to build this new design, but I doubt it is equal to the CTs.


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 

Not with the Tatula CT on the market


fishing user avatarJustinJ reply : 

I'm digging the new fuego ct for 100 bucks


fishing user avatarNYBasser reply : 

Tatula CT or Casitas. Both are awesome reels


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 

Not saying the Tatula CT isn't  better, probably is...but are you all basing on your experience with the PQ 2?  Or just because it says Daiwa and Shimano on the reel.  I really think you shouldn't make claims unless you used the reel too.


fishing user avatard-camarena reply : 

^^^ bingo

I have both, i dont see any one better than the other. Both are just average. Although the tatula looks nicer, doesnt mean it fishes nicer. I think diawa really knows how to sell a reel by making it look really nice. 


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 
  On 3/25/2017 at 11:49 PM, lmbfisherman said:

Not saying the Tatula CT isn't  better, probably is...but are you all basing on your experience with the PQ 2?  Or just because it says Daiwa and Shimano on the reel.  I really think you shouldn't make claims unless you used the reel too.

Let me ask you this.Have you ever used the Tatula CT or the PQ1?


fishing user avatarnew2BC4bass reply : 

Never used a PQ.  Although the CT can be had for $100 or less (and the original for $95) you have to remember you are comparing a $130 reel to a $100 reel (list).  It should be a better reel based on list price.  I can say the Tatula is a very nice reel probably worth more than what it sells for.  Some house reels also fish better than their price.  Take the older grey colored Prodigy (made by Daiwa for Cabela's).  A reel I feel was worth more than the $100 asking price.

 

Not a "new" reel, but I'd guess the best $100 reel on the market at the moment is the Diawa Exceler for $37.48 at TW.  Reviews are good for the most part.  No doubt someone fishing hard several days a week would find it not as smooth sometime down the road.  But that is to be expected.

 

As I said, never used a PQ, and at the price I can get a Tatula model, never will.  Admitedly I like Daiwa reels.

 

However.........I would never choose a reel just because it had a Daiwa or Shimano nameplate.  Absolutely love my Primmus Xi HS and Helios Air reels.  These are not reels many on here would even consider owning.


fishing user avatarfishnkamp reply : 

I have fished original PQs, EXtremes, even BPS special edition Ricky Clunn reels for years ( the purple ones). Then I started converting over to Curado Es and Chronarchs. All of my Shimano and most of the BPS reels are gone from my inventory. Their replacement was made due to the major upgrade the 1 Exceler, 4 Tatula Type R reels and the 2 Tatula CTs provided me. MY Exceler, and Type R reels have had several years of hard fishing on them, the CTs one year of use. I do not expect the PQ2 to be much of a competitor in actual use. I have 6 more Extremes I will slowly upgrade from and most of those replacements will be more CTs and CT SVs. Their braking system is just far superior.

Go cast one and then let us know what you think. I will not buy any of Johny's reels, when I can get top of the line stuff from Daiwa.


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 12:44 AM, MassBassin508 said:

Let me ask you this.Have you ever used the Tatula CT or the PQ1?

Yes I do have 3 PQ 1s and they are rock solid.  Never fished a CT.  Do you own a PQ 2?  Comparing it to the CT?  I'm trying to understand the relevancy of your question to me.  I don't believe I said one was better than the other.  I just see people making a judgement call without using.


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 

@lmbfisherman The only difference between the PQ1 and 2 is the weight reduction.The PQ2 comes in at 7.3 and the Tat CT at 7.4 which is a wash.Ill take the effortless Magforce-Z braking system over the dual braking system on the PQ all day long.I also love the TW system.Its a no brainer which is the superior reel.Not saying the PQ isnt a good reel,because it is.I am saying its not in the same conversation as the Tat CT for the same price.


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 4:18 AM, fishnkamp said:

I have fished original PQs, EXtremes, even BPS special edition Ricky Clunn reels for years ( the purple ones). Then I started converting over to Curado Es and Chronarchs. All of my Shimano and most of the BPS reels are gone from my inventory. Their replacement was made due to the major upgrade the 1 Exceler, 4 Tatula Type R reels and the 2 Tatula CTs provided me. MY Exceler, and Type R reels have had several years of hard fishing on them, the CTs one year of use. I do not expect the PQ2 to be much of a competitor in actual use. I have 6 more Extremes I will slowly upgrade from and most of those replacements will be more CTs and CT SVs. Their braking system is just far superior.

Go cast one and then let us know what you think. I will not buy any of Johny's reels, when I can get top of the line stuff from Daiwa.

Sounds like you have a preference good that it works for you.  But again you are making a claim and assumption that the PQ 2 without using yourself isn't well made or good.  Ironically this reminds me of the Kastking thread in a way.  


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 4:33 AM, lmbfisherman said:

Yes I do have 3 PQ 1s and they are rock solid.  Never fished a CT.  Do you own a PQ 2?  Comparing it to the CT?  I'm trying to understand the relevancy of your question to me.  I don't believe I said one was better than the other.  I just see people making a judgement call without using.

Never said you did.What you did do is imply we were basing our claims out of ignorance and not personal experience.We're not all "Daiwa fanboys" on here.


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 

Also how do you see people making "judgement calls" without using? Have you seen any of our setups or are you simply assuming we dont own the reels in question?


fishing user avatarbigturtle reply : 

based on my experience with the previous PQ, I would not be buying the new one if the only thing thats different is the weight. Tatulas have a smoother drag, better brake system and feels more solid in hand when fighting a fish.


fishing user avatarJason Penn reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 4:34 AM, MassBassin508 said:

@lmbfisherman The only difference between the PQ1 and 2 is the weight reduction.The PQ2 comes in at 7.3 and the Tat CT at 7.4 which is a wash.Ill take the effortless Magforce-Z braking system over the dual braking system on the PQ all day long.I also love the TW system.Its a no brainer which is the superior reel.Not saying the PQ isnt a good reel,because it is.I am saying its not in the same conversation as the Tat CT for the same price.

they changed the frame of the reel.  i have the carbonlite 2.0 and it's definitely a smaller reel than the gold carbonlite & pro qualifier tournaments i have.

 

i haven't had any problems with the older cl/pqt. granted i haven't fished them as hard as some probably would.  i haven't used a tatula at all, but i have no doubts they are fine reels.


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 6:39 AM, Jason Penn said:

they changed the frame of the reel.  i have the carbonlite 2.0 and it's definitely a smaller reel than the gold carbonlite & pro qualifier tournaments i have.

 

i haven't had any problems with the older cl/pqt. granted i haven't fished them as hard as some probably would.  i haven't used a tatula at all, but i have no doubts they are fine reels.

The smaller frame is the reason for the weight reduction on the PQ2.Nothing else has changed.Same reel,just smaller


fishing user avatarDelaware Valley Tackle reply : 

Just like the prior pq the gen2 is a good value at retail and even better on sale. Probably not going to unseat any name brand models from their current spot in the marketplace. 


fishing user avatarBaitFinesse reply : 

There have been many PQs over the years.

 

 PQ2 is an inaccurate way to refer to the current gen PQ.

 

 Both the current and previous gen reels are actually Doyo reels but in different platforms.

 

While Doyos are great, I'd rather have a Daiwa or Shimano.  

 

 


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 

Its literally called the Pro Qualifier 2.Not sure you can get any more accurate than that.;)


fishing user avatarBaitFinesse reply : 

They have been selling PQs for years in numerous generations of platforms from at least two OEMs.  At one point the PQ was a Pinnacle Vision round reel.  We're on like the 5th iteration at least.


fishing user avatarfishnkamp reply : 

Bass Pro Shops itself is calling their new reel "The PQ2" right on their website.  It says right in the description that  "it is a smaller framed aluminum housing, and still has the same dual braking with click adjustable magnetics and a 6 pin centrifugal cast control". That is essentially the same system it has had for quite some time.

 

I dislike that cast control as compared to that of the Daiwas. It is the same reason I sold my Curados and Chronarchs. The Shimanos are beloved by many,  just not me!   This is what my fishing experience from using many reels has taught me. I make my comments based on that experience only.  If Bass Pro Shops had said it had an improved cast control, than I would have had to test one for comparison. I could care less about 1 ounce of weight on a reel. I love my original Type Rs and they weigh 7.9 ounces, so that is .6 more than a PQ2. That is irrelevant.   

 

My preference is based strictly upon my experience that has come from actually fishing the braking system that Daiwa developed and uses in all of the different versions of the Tatulas. It is called Magforce Z.  In my opinion, until Johnny Morris has a truly new reel designed (or like always he buys someone out so he can steal their technology) then BPS sell nothing that compares to the Tatula family.  The Daiwa Tatula CT is the least expensive of the Tatula lineup and it shares almost all of the goodies that the more expensive versions offer.  As the price goes up, so do the extras each version offers. Some versions offer a weight reduction and a size reduction, some offer lighter weight "sv" spools and better bearings etc. They all add up to reels I can enjoy fishing with and rely on for years of service. They also offer the ability to easily obtain aftermarket parts to customize them with. This is also an area many Diawa and Shimano users share.


fishing user avatarChance_Taker4 reply : 

I don't understand how you can compare a PQ2 to a Tatula CT. These reels are in two different price points. Yes you can get a CT for $100 on eBay but that is below MSRP. When doing comparisons you must compare in same MSRP price category. To give a PQ a fair comparison it should be against a Fuego CT, Apex Ranger, Orra SX, LFS, Caenen, or Cerros. 

 

Anyway I am excited to try a pq2 I really liked the first gen one.


fishing user avatarFun4Me reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 8:50 PM, Ohio Bassin said:

I don't understand how you can compare a PQ2 to a Tatula CT.

 

For me, it's because the CT is readily available on the Bay most all of the time. I don't tend to compare reels at MSRP, because I rarely buy reels at MSRP. If I have $100 to spend on a reel, I'm going to look for the best deal.

 

 


fishing user avatarChance_Taker4 reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 9:12 PM, Fun4Me said:

 

For me, it's because the CT is readily available on the Bay most all of the time. I don't tend to compare reels at MSRP, because I rarely buy reels at MSRP. If I have $100 to spend on a reel, I'm going to look for the best deal.

 

 

I understand that, I tend to do the same thing. But the features of a PQ2 are to compete with other $99 reels and Tatula CT features compete with other $129 reels. The consumer wins with getting the Tatula CT for under MSRP. But degrading (not you but the other posts in is topic) a reel because it is in a lower MSRP price point because the other reel has deals on them is unfair and doesn't give a true assessment on reels.


fishing user avatarJaxBasser reply : 

It might not be a "fair" comparison but it's a valid one when someone is shopping for a $100 reel. Yes MSRP is $129 but when you can get it 365/7 from a couple different websites as well as eBay for $99 it's always worth recommending to someone looking for a reel at that price.

 

I'm sure the pq2 is a fine reel that will do well for anyone though. I had a older pq that lasted me 6 years until i gave it away. I even used it heavily in saltwater. It was always smooth and the DBS worked very well. 


fishing user avatarFun4Me reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 9:22 PM, Ohio Bassin said:

I understand that, I tend to do the same thing. But the features of a PQ2 are to compete with other $99 reels and Tatula CT features compete with other $129 reels. The consumer wins with getting the Tatula CT for under MSRP. But degrading (not you but the other posts in is topic) a reel because it is in a lower MSRP price point because the other reel has deals on them is unfair and doesn't give a true assessment on reels.

 

I don't think people are degrading the reel, they're just giving legitimate options for $100. Whether or not it's unfair that I can get a CT for $100 and can't get a PQ2 for less, almost every day like I can with the CT, doesn't upset me :)

 

I would imagine the PQ2 is a solid reel. Different strokes for different folks as they say.


fishing user avatarCTBassin860 reply : 
  On 3/26/2017 at 9:44 PM, Fun4Me said:

 

I don't think people are degrading the reel, they're just giving legitimate options for $100. Whether or not it's unfair that I can get a CT for $100 and can't get a PQ2 for less, almost every day like I can with the CT, doesn't upset me :)

 

I would imagine the PQ2 is a solid reel. Different strokes for different folks as they say.

Exactly.The OP is "Is the PQ2 the best reel for 100$"If i can get a NIB CT for 100 then it falls into the category regardless of MSRP.


fishing user avatarfishnkamp reply : 

My $100 source for a CT is a brick and mortar store so I consider it a $100 reel.  I would even take a Fuego over the PQ2.


fishing user avataroffsidewing reply : 

Man this forum needs a mute function.

 

 


fishing user avatarBig-Bass reply : 

The PQ2 will be on sale for $79 in no time.  And it will stay there almost all the time.  The Chinese and/or Korean factories that make this reel and all of the Lew's, Abu, etc. reels have almost all the same specs in all those reels based on price point.  Companies just add their touch to the base reel and sell it for what they want as a brand name reel.  Shimano and Daiwa produce their own products without outsourcing to secondary companies.  Those factories that produce Shimano and Daiwa in any of the countries they use are owned by Shimano and Daiwa...not like Doyo, Dawon, etc.


fishing user avatarnameiztaken reply : 

I didnt realize this would become so heated... When you guys get to use the PQ2, please let me know how it performs!

  On 3/26/2017 at 11:14 PM, fishnkamp said:

My $100 source for a CT is a brick and mortar store so I consider it a $100 reel.  I would even take a Fuego over the PQ2.

Are you talkin' about this type of brick-and-mortar? :P 
500px-Ebay-building.jpg


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 3/27/2017 at 5:00 PM, nameiztaken said:

I didnt realize this would become so heated... When you guys get to use the PQ2, please let me know how it performs!

Are you talkin' about this type of brick-and-mortar? :P 
500px-Ebay-building.jpg

It is funny, although I'm a Shimano fan boy, I don't push it on people unless they ask my opinion about the product.   I don't try and sell them on marketing. (Especially the big 2 has fancy words.) I try and give a honest review.  In the end though it is all personal preference.  If you like the PQ 2, wait for the sale because in my opinion, if it is just as good as the previous reel, then great you have a work horse reel.  This season after some off season acquisitions, my three PQs are now my back ups or loaners.  The last 4 years they were part of my rotation that consisted of numerous high end Shimano.  Not saying they are just as good, just rock solid performance.


fishing user avatarFun4Me reply : 

Here's a thread from earlier on the PQ2 with a little bit of info.

 

 

 


fishing user avatarJaderose reply : 

The best $100 reel?  Probably not.  I have 4 of them and have paid either 79 or 49 for them.  Now..is it the best 79 or 49 dollar reel?  I think so......I love mine.


fishing user avatarwebertime reply : 

A used TDZ for $100 is the best $100 reel


fishing user avatarrobster80 reply : 

Thing looks identical to a Lews 


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 3/28/2017 at 3:10 AM, webertime said:

A used TDZ for $100 is the best $100 reel

:P




3115

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