Suggest A New Sub-$100 Baitcasting Reel 2024

jason41987 reply :

i just recently got into baitcasting with a small (135 yards of 12lb mono) round baitcaster.. unfortunately, i settled for a right hand retrieve which im quickly regretting, though ive grown to really like these baitcasters, ive never gotten used to switching hands to reel in so im looking for a left hand retrieve model.. the rod i currently have is a 6'6 abu garcia vengeance medium-heavy rod which is good for 1/4oz-1oz lures

criteria..

need:left hand retrieve, low profile baitcaster, under $100,

prefer: braid ready spool, and no red on it (sounds juvenile, but i simply hate the color)

some other aspects i would like more information on in making a selection is retrieve speed.. see roughly 5:1, 6:1, and 7:1 gearing.. why would i want a faster retrieve? why wouldnt i want a faster retrieve?...also, are braid ready spools really that useful? do they work as well in tying braid as having a backing of monofilament or tape?

as of yet, i dont have any brand allegiances, my current reels is the abu garcia 5600WS round baitcaster and a shakespeare spinning reel ive had for 10 years or more i got out of a kit

and what im looking for within that price range is a good value.. what will offer me the best quality and the best features for a specific price, so id even be willing to go with an inexpensive shakespeare baitcaster if the value was there.. but as of right now the reel im considering most is the abu garcia pro max.. only about $80, 15lb drag, plenty of bearings, and actually matches the color pattern of my vengeance rod perfectly, so theyd look like a perfectly matched pair

well, let me know what youd suggest, and why?

pbizzle reply :

Silver Max is good for $60.

Dave P reply :

BPS Pro Qualifier

jason41987 reply :

im not sure how i feel about the abu garcia max series.. they use graphite frames and im not sure how well this is going to handle when the fish i typically go for are large.. northern pikes, walleye, and soon i intend to start fishing for salmon and muskie.. the BPS however does offer the aluminum frame

Fishwhittler reply :

On 7/14/2013 at 3:10 AM, jason41987 said:
im not sure how i feel about the abu garcia max series.. they use graphite frames and im not sure how well this is going to handle when the fish i typically go for are large.. northern pikes, walleye, and soon i intend to start fishing for salmon and muskie.. the BPS however does offer the aluminum frame

IMO graphite frames have no place in baitcast reels, not even for bass. They just aren't rigid enough. In your case this is doubly true. Between the Pro Qualifier and the Silver Max, I'd go with the BPS reel eleven times out of ten.

jason41987 reply :

ok.. im also not ruling out round baitcasters like the abu garcia c3/c4 reels, so im trying to find what the best "value" in low profile baitcasters for roughly the same price would be, and then see how that reel compared to a C3 or C4 reel to make my decision.. also, i do most my fishing on a lake shore.. no boat yet, ive considered a getting a longer rod for longer casts too.. but even a low profile can hold plenty of line for that if i use 20lb braided

MDBowHunter reply :

I just picked up a Daiwa Aird, it was like $89 and seems to be a pretty nice reel so far. I got the 4.9:1 because I'm using it for a crankbait rod, but they come in 6.3:1 and 7.1:1 also. Oh and I'm using 20lb PP Braid

Fishin Hard reply :

Lews speed spool for $99. You can find the tournament speed spool for around $110-120 on eBay if you look

Diggy reply :

h20 express mettle

jason41987 reply :

ok.. so now added to the criteria since i want longevity and strength... no graphite frame reels, aluminum only..

i looked into the mettle reels.. aluminum frame, 10 bearings, they seem to offer a lot of features of a much more expensive reel at only $50, and normally, id be inclined to try a deal like this, but no left handed models and thats the #1 reason, could even be a sole reason why im looking for a new reel, i need something with a left hand retrieve

what id truly like to find is something customizable, modifyable.. something i can perhaps change gears in, find or make different crank handles for, upgrade bearings, whatever.. i like to tinker with objects and if i can find a baitcaster that lends itself really well to this type of person id be inclined to go for it

Crestliner2008 reply :

Try an "old faithful" - the Ambassadeur 5500C. Also made in left hand, if that's what you prefer. Probably around $80.00 these days. I have four of these round reels. Like the old Ranger once said, "it'll do to ride the river."

Diggy reply :

On 7/14/2013 at 6:48 AM, jason41987 said:

ok.. so now added to the criteria since i want longevity and strength... no graphite frame reels, aluminum only..

i looked into the mettle reels.. aluminum frame, 10 bearings, they seem to offer a lot of features of a much more expensive reel at only $50, and normally, id be inclined to try a deal like this, but no left handed models and thats the #1 reason, could even be a sole reason why im looking for a new reel, i need something with a left hand retrieve

what id truly like to find is something customizable, modifyable.. something i can perhaps change gears in, find or make different crank handles for, upgrade bearings, whatever.. i like to tinker with objects and if i can find a baitcaster that lends itself really well to this type of person id be inclined to go for it

I missed that part, same reason I dont have one

check dicks sporting goods, many shimano citicas are on clearance for about 75 bucks 100 and 101 model in store...if there is one near

c5500s were being thrown out also pretty cheap

jason41987 reply :

so far:

Abu Garcia Orra SX

Abu Garcia Revo S

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3

Lew's Speed Spool SS1HL

BPS Pro Qualfier

Okuma Citrix

Quantum Antix

Quantum Accurist

Daiwa Exceler

Wright & Mcgill Skeet Reese Victory

Shimano Citica

as of now, this is the list of reels that so far fit the criteria of offering left handed models and having aluminum (not graphite) frames

i will just edit this post to update the list

JeziHogg reply :

Abu Garcia is releasing a new Orra, looks pretty neat.

jason41987 reply :

is it a redesign of current models or something new to the orra line?

also, which reel is the best to tinker with?.. im willing to get one that might have weaker gears or lesser bearings if im able to upgrade or tweaks to the reel

moguy1973 reply :

The new BPS Bionic Plus is on sale until Aug 1st for $60. Super smooth, aluminum frame, lots of gear ratios to choose from, left hand reel available, it's white, large spool capacity(not braid ready though), mag and centri brakes.

It's like the pro qualifier's baby brother.

Can't go wrong with the Pro Qualifier either.

lmbfisherman reply :

If the Citica is at that price mentioned, Citica all the way over all the reels listed (Shimano is known to make reels last forever). The 2nd choice would be the BPS PQ, look at Goose52's thread about his longevity tests for the PQ.

lmbfisherman reply :

BTW if you look in the flea market right now, a member is selling a used BPS PQ LH reel for a very good price. Check it out.

basshole8190 reply :

On 7/14/2013 at 2:53 AM, pbizzle said:
Silver Max is good for $60.

silver max best value plus its functional and versatile not to mention it can handle abuse

jason41987 reply :

whats the difference between the pro qualifier and the bass pro shops extreme?.. i notice it has more drag

also, will these low profile baitcasters do all i want? or should i consider a full size round baitcaster such as the abu garcia ambassadeur C3?

jason41987 reply :

im not alone in having issues with a right hand retrieve.. am i?.. i mean, surely other people think it dont make sense to both cast and retrieve with the same hand?.. maybe i should consider training myself to cast with my left hand?.. i dunno, but it would be a lot easier to find reels if i did that.. heck, id keep this 5600WS i have now (round baitcaster, looks identicle to a 5600c4, but is scaled down to hold only 135 yards of 12lb test)

Fishwhittler reply :

On 7/14/2013 at 3:34 PM, jason41987 said:
im not alone in having issues with a right hand retrieve.. am i?.. i mean, surely other people think it dont make sense to both cast and retrieve with the same hand?.. maybe i should consider training myself to cast with my left hand?.. i dunno, but it would be a lot easier to find reels if i did that.. heck, id keep this 5600WS i have now (round baitcaster, looks identicle to a 5600c4, but is scaled down to hold only 135 yards of 12lb test)

You're not alone. The trouble is that in the past most people have just used the RH-retrieve reels without questioning which is more efficient, including some people who would have probably been more comfortable with LH-retrieve reels all along had they been available. In recent years there's been more of a trend as more and more anglers have begun using LH reels, liking them, and complaining that there aren't more LH-retrieve options.

I use both retrieves with a preference for LH. I started out using LH-retrieve but trained myself to use RH-retrieve reels so as to be able to use more reels. I still can't work a topwater stickbait with a RH-retrieve reel, but I can do most anything else.

If you do decide to try a RH-retrieve reel, it's simplest just to cast with your dominant hand and switch hands to retrieve. Casting with your weak hand is probably something you can learn if you really need to, but it really doesn't take much time to swap hands and is easier.

Of the reels you've mentioned, I'd avoid the W&M Skeet Reese Victory like the plague. Other than the braking, handle, and palm-side plate material, the Victory is the same as the Pinnacle Producer X, a reel that didn't last me a full fishing season. It's life was probably shortened somewhat by my attempts at learning how to service and tune baitcasters on it, but that just makes it an even worse choice for you.

If you want an upgradable reel, you'll be hard pressed to beat a Shimano Citica. I'd go with an E or D; you can probably find the D for less though it's much larger and may be more difficult to palm if you have small hands. A Citica 100D will be easier to palm than a 200D, but they're also harder to find.

In terms of upgrade options the Citica E is better because of the new Chronarch E. If you want you can buy a Citica 201E and then swap the gears out for 7:1 gears from a Chronarch, or swap the entire drag stack for 5:1 Chronarch gears if you want a power retrieve. Bearings can be added until there are a total of 8+1, and there are lots of polishable parts on the inside.

The Citica 201G doesn't have so many gear options since the gears are only exchangeable with the Curado G, and overall the G isn't quite so nice as the E. You can probably find a Citica E for cheaper anyway.

The Pro Qualifier is also a great reel to upgrade, though parts might be slightly harder to find.

Jolly Green reply :

My choice would be one of the Abu round reels, but I have relatively big mitts; I know a lot of people don't find them comfortable to palm.

And speaking of palming, the LH vs. RH debate came down to just that for me. Initially I wanted a lefty because switching hands made no sense to me, but when I actually tried one, I realized that I was passing the rod to my left hand after casting anyway as part of the process of switching from a casting grip to a palming grip. If you haven't done so, get your hands on ANY lefty reel and try it out first. You may realize that you're a righty after all.

jason41987 reply :

i have an abu round reel right now that i like, but its a right hand model.. it has the thumb bar ive really grown to like.. on the abu C3 series though its a push button and on a left hand reel its on the left side which requires me to cast left handed.. doesnt really do me any good.. but the C4 has the same design as my reel now but i can get in a left hand retrieve.. i might go with basically that left hand version of what i have now.. but ill give the citica and pro qualifier equal consideration too... i wish someone near me stocked either of these, but they dont

jason41987 reply :

i dont think i really want any of the daiwas, akumas, or shimanos listed.. i like the orra sx and revo.. both 8 bearings, 15lb and 20lb drags respectively.. and i dont know much about the lews speed spool but thats the other one i think id consider

as for the revo S vs the orra SX.. i dont know what differences there are between the two besides the revo having more drag and id like to eat more info on the lews, and the quantums

lastly, whichever reel wins will then have to be compared in a low profile vs round baitcaster decision ill have to make next between this low profile reel, and an abu 5600c4

Arv reply :

On 7/15/2013 at 7:05 PM, jason41987 said:

i dont think i really want any of the daiwas, akumas, or shimanos listed.. i like the orra sx and revo.. both 8 bearings, 15lb and 20lb drags respectively.. and i dont know much about the lews speed spool but thats the other one i think id consider

as for the revo S vs the orra SX.. i dont know what differences there are between the two besides the revo having more drag and id like to eat more info on the lews, and the quantums

lastly, whichever reel wins will then have to be compared in a low profile vs round baitcaster decision ill have to make next between this low profile reel, and an abu 5600c4

I'm selling a PQ in the fleamarket if you're interested.

As far as reels under 100, the only two that I would feel comfortable recommending are the PQ and the Lews SS. Of the two the PQ gets my vote because of the dual braking system.

jason41987 reply :

drag is kind of weak on the lews and BPS PQ though.. i go for northern pike, large lake trout, catfish, and soon hopefully musky and stergeon.. might need that extra drag

Arv reply :

IMO, you'd probably have to increase your budget to get a reel that is both a 1 peice aluminum frame and a much larger drag than what you find on the Lews SS and PQ unless you stick with a round reel.

jason41987 reply :

the orra sx has an aluminum frame an 15lbs of drag, and if i search around i can get the revo S with 20lbs of drag for the same price

Arv reply :

Didn't know about the Orra. The Revo S is a great reel too though. You can usually find them used for well below 100. I just sold a first generation Revo S for $55.

jason41987 reply :

im still not sure if i want to go with the revo S, or 5600C4 round baitcaster.. but it seems ive narrowed it down to these two.. is the revo as easy to strip down, repair, and maintain as the 5600C4? i want something thatll last me 20+ years

jason41987 reply :

i have to do more thinking.. a lot more thinking.. i mean, it seems so easy to just cast, leave hand in place, retrieve, then cast again.. fewer motions, less work.. but.. then many people with baitcasters tend to hold the reel in the palm of their hand, should i do that, it would take one extra step with a left crank reel than a right as id have to grab the rod with the left hand, then remove my right hand from the grip and place it on the reel as opposed to just grabbing the reel (as opposed to the rod) with the left hand

so now i have to ask myself if i intend to hold the reel (not the rod) with the left hand, do what i sometimes do is hold that little piece of grip above the reel after casting, or if casting right and reeling left truly is the better way to go... another technique ive done before is cast, then turn my right hand over and reel with the left hand... so now i must think about this more and determine if i really want a left handed reel afterall

Fishwhittler reply :

On 7/16/2013 at 10:56 AM, jason41987 said:
im still not sure if i want to go with the revo S, or 5600C4 round baitcaster.. but it seems ive narrowed it down to these two.. is the revo as easy to strip down, repair, and maintain as the 5600C4? i want something thatll last me 20+ years

If those are your criteria, the C4 is the reel for you. There are few reels as simple and rugged as an Ambassadeur (not including the Kalex and BCX), and the Ambassadeurs will keep going through abuse that will kill other reels.

There will be an upgraded C4 coming out later this year, if you want to wait. Don't know how the price will compare to the current generation.

jason41987 reply :

i think i will wait to see that new C4.. hopefully they use a better color scheme on it.. blue and gold is incredibly ugly.. actually, i might take mine and have the frame re-annodized or powder coated or something.. but ill wait

anyway, the reel im using now is a C4.. its basically a 5600C4 but different in the fact that it has a wiffle spool like the record series reel

Fishwhittler reply :

On 7/17/2013 at 7:57 AM, jason41987 said:

i think i will wait to see that new C4.. hopefully they use a better color scheme on it.. blue and gold is incredibly ugly.. actually, i might take mine and have the frame re-annodized or powder coated or something.. but ill wait

anyway, the reel im using now is a C4.. its basically a 5600C4 but different in the fact that it has a wiffle spool like the record series reel

In that case you're not going to like the new C4. This is what it looks like:

You might look around for a D-series Curado or Citica. Both are tough reels that will last for a very long time with care, and there are quite a few upgrade options out there.

jason41987 reply :

no, i actually like that new color scheme, thats not blue and gold.. the frame is black and silver, the spool and crank look more of a bronze or dull brass color.. i like it, that shiny gold everywhere is kinda cheesy looking, but i really like that restyle

on another note.. i think im going to stick with a right hand retrieve.. ive learned a new way to hold my reel, which i guess is what people do when they "palm" a reel.. basically, i cast, and before my line even hits the water i place the rod in my left hand with the trigger hook part of the rod between my middle and ring finger, middle finger runs the along the edge of the rod, and my index finger and thumb on the reel.. keep in mind i am using a 5600C4 round baitcaster, and i find it to be quite comfortable, so im just going to keep what i have for now

im even fixing a habbit i have with my thumb where ive accidently been slipping it off the reel and hitting the thumb bar on a hook set and backlashing.. but now i put my thumb on the spool when i set a hook and now that handling this reel is becoming second nature, i dont think im going to change it.. i like it

Capt.Bob reply :

BPS PQ or Lew's SS, in that price range, the used Curado or Citica are get options and would be my choice if you get a good one.

tomustang reply :

If you really need more drag you could just tighten your thumb down on the spool when it slips.

jason41987 reply :

well, as stated im going to keep the C4 i have now, ive actually become quite used to the way im holding it in my left hand, if i got a left hand retrieve id have to grab it with the left and then again with the right to change grip.. so keeping a right hand retrieve would be best afterall, and with my new left handed grip it allows me to place my thumb on the spool quicker as ive learned to do that during hook sets

MCS reply :

Quantum code, kinetic and catalyst. Know a few that have the code, say it is good for the price. You can snag an older energy pt for 99-130 range since they are closing it out.

Smallmouth Hunter reply :

On 7/15/2013 at 9:04 PM, jason41987 said:
drag is kind of weak on the lews and BPS PQ though.. i go for northern pike, large lake trout, catfish, and soon hopefully musky and stergeon.. might need that extra drag

If you're going to target larger fish like musky and sturgeon, you should definitely get a round reel.

DogBone_384 reply :

My vote is for QPS Pro Qualifier $99. It's 97.375% of the BPS Johnny Morris Signature Series I bought recently.

dddyfz27 reply :

I found a Lew's tournament MG on ebay last night new for 107.00 shipped to your door. I will be buying one shortly. I know its a couple bucks about your 100 limit but I think it will be well worth it.

SwampLife reply :

I don't tinker but out of that list I would chose the lews or the orra... Go read reviews on the lews or the bps pro qualifier...it will be hard to find a bad review on either of the two.. I never owned a pro qualifier so I couldn't pick it over the lew's

Dingah reply :

Bass pro pro qualifier

abu garcia silver max

bps extreme

bps tourney special

pbizzle reply :

On 7/16/2013 at 10:56 AM, jason41987 said:
i want something thatll last me 20+ years

Then your only option is a C3.

2747

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