Top 10 Basitcasting Reels For The Money? 2024
KentuckyDave reply :
If you had to make a top 10 list of best baitcasters for the money.....
What would they be?
jbsoonerfan reply :
For what money?
$100 to some people is a lot. $300 to some people isn't a lot.
I think the Core is worth every penny. I also think the Citica is a good real for the price.
Teal reply :
This is hard thing to do. Its hard to make a fair assessment if i dont know the range of reel or theres alot that i can refer you to but i havent actually used.
retiredbosn reply :
I agree we need a price point to look at. The BPS Pro Qualifier is a great 100 dollar reel, even better at 80. The most I've ever paid for a reel is 160 for a nib Curado E. So I can not give any suggestions past that price.
0119 reply :
For the Money. Like best buy. Like worth the money. Like not over done or over priced. I'd say at this date and time, none of them are worth their price. Unless your into brand worship and just must adore something just for its name....or....just have to have that color coordinated reel/rod combo to look like your bass 'pro' idol.
flyfisher reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 7:12 AM, 119 said:For the Money. Like best buy. Like worth the money. Like not over done or over priced. I'd say at this date and time, none of them are worth their price. Unless your into brand worship and just must adore something just for its name....or....just have to have that color coordinated reel/rod combo to look like your bass 'pro' idol.
Really? Reels are worth whatever someone is willing to pay, simple supply and demand. Reels have a lot of machining and workmanship involved not to mention higher priced materials.
Personally I think as far as baitcasters go the citica is a great value.
jhoffman reply :
None of them are worth squat if they dont have brass gears. Then you get the reels that have bearings in places bearings arent needed. Reels with a high price point with junk bearings, reels packed full of grease to hide their flaws.
You need someone who services a lot of reels from every manufacturer to really give you the best reels at their price range and their intended purpose.
Maico1 reply :
For my money....Anything Calais ,Calais DC, Antares,Antares HG, Conquest, Calcutta GT,Conquest DC and Calcutta DC....
-badhabit- reply :
You can't beat the Diawa Zillion Reels for about any price. I use the two 100sha and two 50th aniversery zillions 90% of the time and they are the cheapest reels I own. They take a beating and have never given me a single problem (17lb-20lb line and in heavy cover). My reel sponsor has worked on every reel I own but the Zillions.
shootermcbob reply :
I too really think the citica is a great reel ...in the 200E7...which is what I own.
If you really want to soop? it up, send it to Mike at DVT, have him replace the drive shaft bushing with the bearing and do a thorough cleaning on it. I am AMAZED at how good these reels perform.
That said, I also had really good luck with the pro qualifier and really liked the way they performed. Again, I sent a couple to Mike at DVT and the improvement in performance after his servicing them is astounding.
Teal reply :
You gotta throw the Lews Tournament Pro in the ring as one of the best for the money.
At least i think so.
EdRitchie reply :
How bout for the newer guys on here say a good combo, baitcaster/ rod ?
I think at BPS had a $80 Bill Dance combo
Ed
Mud River Matt reply :
I personally think the Lew's Speed Spool is a super good reel for $100 bucks. Also, the Lew's Tournament Pro is an awesome reel, personally, I think Lew's makes some of the best reels out there, and they are VERY resonably priced. I have a couple Shimano Coratta's and the older ones are some of the toughest reels ever built in my opinion. The new ones dont seem to be a tough as the old ones but are still very good reels. Thats my 2 cents, Matt
KentuckyDave reply :
As a beginner the most I would be willing to pay and I would like to stay under would be about $115...sorry for not including pertinent information before...I have previously used spinning reels and would really like to get into flipping and pitching and would like to throw a baitcaster for more accuracy..I hope this helps
Catt reply :
Y'all will be hard pressed to beat a Citica 
thehooligan reply :
For two of the baitcasters ive owned, i really thought the lews tourney pro and curado 201e7 performed really well for the money. Im somewhat in the market for a baitcaster right now, not definitely sure but ive had my eye on the core 51 and pixy, just wish i could get a reel of that quality for a bit less....
Thats why i like my spinning reels. Besides the stella, you can get really nice reels like the sustain and stradic ci4 at awesome prices....
Goose52 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 10:23 AM, Catt said:Y'all will be hard pressed to beat a Citica
Holy Cow - a Catt sighting! Good to see you around...
flippin and pitchin reply :
My local tackle shop has Citica 200G and 201G models marked down to 71.99. That is a heck of deal no matter how you look at it.
retiredbosn reply :
You can get a Lews Speed Spool on Ebay NIB for 79 (msrp 99) bucks. I think that is a great deal. You can also get Quantum Energy PT's NIB 99 (msrp 179), Catalysts 79 (salt water version msrp 149), it takes some searching but they are there. NIB Curado G's 139(msrp 159), NIB Citica 99 (msrp 129), Gen 2 Revo 89 NIB (msrp 129). All of these are great deals, and no I won't provide the link for the Speed Spool until I've purchased mine, lol. Hint the listing says 99 obo, read the description it reads 79. Another reel that is intriguing on paper is the 2013 Bionic by BPS 79.99, aluminum frame, 7 bearing, dual brake (both cent), has equal or better features than the PQ, will probably pick one up during the Spring sale. BTW I recommended these based on your budget, and also what brands I've actually handled/fished with, with the exception of the Speed Spool (handled never fished) and Bionic (never seen or handled one but have 3 PQ'S). FWIW the only place I would buy a used reel is this site's flea market.
Messed up with the Lews model, edited to correct model.
retiredbosn reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 10:55 AM, flippin and pitchin said:My local tackle shop has Citica 200G and 201G models marked down to 71.99. That is a heck of deal no matter how you look at it.
Absolutely, how about shipping one to me? lol
aavery2 reply :
Daiwa Sol
Shimano Citica E
Abu Garcia Revo Premier Gen 2
BPS Carbonlite - Gold Model
Shimano Chronarch B
Abu Garcia Revo Winch
Shimano Curado E
Pflueger Patriarch
Lews Tournament Pro
Daiwa Zillion
Maybe not the best, but certainly worthy of consideration.
ww2farmer reply :
For me, they are all Shimano's
#1 Citica D: Good used ones can be had for $60-$80, and are as rugged and bullet proof as any low profile reel ever made.
#2 Citica E: I have picked them up in good used shape for $75
#3 Cruxis: This reel has always flown under the radar, every bit as solid as the Citica D's, performs the same, I have never paid more than $50 for one, they are great reels for the money.
#4 Curado B's: they were not the reel for the masses for so long for no reason, good used ones are abundant and often can be had for less than $100
#5 Curado D's: For some reason deals on used ones of these seem to be few and far between......which is good. They are a solid reel that holds it's value
#6 Curado E's : especialy the 50/51E. While most used ones still bring good money, it is money well spent
#7Calcutta B's: I don't own one, nor have I ever. BUT I do know of guys who do, and in perticular one guy who is brutally hard on his stuff and performs ZERO maint. on them, all the while fishing almost more than anyone I know and they just keep going and going and going. If and when I ever buy a round reel, it will be a Calcutta B
#8 Bantam Citica's: same platform as the classic Curado B's, can be had dirt cheap, and Shimano still supports them with parts.
#9 Chronarch E's: When I look at what you get for the price, the options in RH/LH retreive,built on the proven platform of the Curado/Citica E, my next NEW Shimano will be a Chronarch E.
#10 Chronarch B's: Same reason as the Citica/Curado D's. Rugged, reliable, still around, still supported by Shimano. With some looking and waiting can be had for a lot less then they were new. You can spend a wad of money of newer, lighter, flashier reels and still not have anything as rock solid WITH high end performance as the Chronarch B. Every one I have ever used has been a pleasure, and am waiting for one to come along at the right price.............for me..........to pounce on.
I left off the newer G series Citicas and Curados, not because I don't like them, or want one, but because being fairly new ( yes the Chronarch E's are new, but they are built on a solid proven platform) they have a little way's to go to crack my top ten.
Things like the Core, and Calais, always have been,and might always will be out of my price range. Chronarch MG's and D's I have little to no expeirance with, so I don't feel qualified to comment.
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 7:12 AM, 119 said:For the Money. Like best buy. Like worth the money. Like not over done or over priced. I'd say at this date and time, none of them are worth their price. Unless your into brand worship and just must adore something just for its name....or....just have to have that color coordinated reel/rod combo to look like your bass 'pro' idol.
I'm with this guy. Every reel is overpriced, stop worshipping your favorite basspro and get off of your brandwagon.
katmandew reply :
Considering most are made in China or Malaysia, or other countries that have cheap labor, I agree they are all over priced, but I've got 2 Patriarch XT's and they are flat out awesome. I found mine for $200 on ebay. Also have a Lew's tourney pro and it is very good as well $150 on eBay. Got one of the newer Revo STX's last week. Haven't used it enough to form an opinion on it yet though. Shimano makes great reels tho I don't own a current model. I know several guys use the Citica and love them.
BasskingKeith reply :
Team Daiwa TD pro is on sale at BPS now. I've had mine for 3 years, fish nearly everyday down here in Florida.
Hi Salenity reply :
50e As good as it gets !
*Hootie reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 2:16 PM, skeletor6 said:I'm with this guy. Every reel is overpriced, stop worshipping your favorite basspro and get off of your brandwagon.
Now that is NO fun at all!!
Hootie
LgMouthGambler reply :
#s 1-10 are Shimanos....pick one.
Teal reply :
The team daiwa td pro is a bass pro exclusive. Their normal price is like 119. (I could be wrong) but if you ask me it looks EXACTLY like a daiwa exceler. Which can be had for 89.99: retail and most places for 79.99. Now i dont know how that one is a value.
*Hootie reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 6:38 PM, LgMouthGambler said:#s 1-10 are Shimanos....pick one.
I knew it!!....I knew it!!...... I was just waiting...lol
Hootie
0119 reply :
Since the OP has clarified that as a beginner he isnt willing to pay over $115, all the Curado, Core and Lews talk is just bandwagon dribble.
You can flip and pitch just as good or better with the spinning gear you have now. You really arent missing out on anything. If you gotta fit in look at the Revo S, 4600C4 or Caenan. Stay away from the big box stores in house brands unless they're near by because a regular reel repairman wont touch them or get parts for them.
Hanover_Yakker reply :
When I hear the question best baitcaster for the money, the first word that comes into mind for me is LONGEVITY. That means a reel that requires minimal service and when service is required is simple and straightforward without a PhD required to know how to disassemble it. If you approach it from this perspective, the list narrows real quickly.. In my mind considering the longevity factor, then my list would be:
1. Shimano Curado B (older silver ones) - my DPV is a tank and has held up for years now.
2. Abu Garcia old school 5500 round reels - one of the easiest reels to maintain in my opinion
3. Shimano Calcutta 200B series - probably equivalent to the older Abu round reels in simplicity and ease of maintaining.
FWIW - I have one of each, so no brand bias here.
Now for the rest of the top 10.....(all personal preference at this point on)
4. Abu Garcia Revo S
5. Shimano Citica D series
6. Abu Garcia Revo Inshore
7. Daiwa Coastal Zillion
8. Shimano Bantam Curado 100
9. Abu Garcia C3
10. Pinnacle Inertia (sold at Wallie world for a song and dance)
Flukeman reply :
In that $100 price range you can't beat the BPS Pro Qualifier. During the classic you can get them for $80, during the "reel trade in" during the classic I think it is another $10 off if I remember correctly. If you search for posts by Goose52 on here, he has been doing a 5 or 6 year review on how this reel is performing over time. If you ever have any issues BPS will do a full exchange within a year, $18.95 and they will service one for you, and if you are handy they have all the parts you will ever need. also some of the upgraded parts from higher end reels are interchangable. I just upgraded the handles on some of mine to carbon fiber and they took the time to go through the savage pile vs new so I could have them for $4 a piece and then sent two different styles of knobs to put on the handles. So I can not comlain about their service either.
roadwarrior reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 10:55 AM, flippin and pitchin said:My local tackle shop has Citica 200G and 201G models marked down to 71.99. That is a heck of deal no matter how you look at it.
Geez...now that's a deal!
I think today's reels are a great value at their pricing point and I make every effort to buy them on sale.
So, these are my suggestions to get the best bang for your buck:
Citica for around $100, but for $72 it's a steal!
Curado 50E $125
Pinnacle Optimus XLT $200
Core 50MG $275
CTE200GT $240
deep reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 11:29 AM, ww2farmer said:For me, they are all Shimano's
#1 Citica D: Good used ones can be had for $60-$80, and are as rugged and bullet proof as any low profile reel ever made.
#2 Citica E: I have picked them up in good used shape for $75
#3 Cruxis: This reel has always flown under the radar, every bit as solid as the Citica D's, performs the same, I have never paid more than $50 for one, they are great reels for the money.
#4 Curado B's: they were not the reel for the masses for so long for no reason, good used ones are abundant and often can be had for less than $100
#5 Curado D's: For some reason deals on used ones of these seem to be few and far between......which is good. They are a solid reel that holds it's value
#6 Curado E's : especialy the 50/51E. While most used ones still bring good money, it is money well spent
#7Calcutta B's: I don't own one, nor have I ever. BUT I do know of guys who do, and in perticular one guy who is brutally hard on his stuff and performs ZERO maint. on them, all the while fishing almost more than anyone I know and they just keep going and going and going. If and when I ever buy a round reel, it will be a Calcutta B
#8 Bantam Citica's: same platform as the classic Curado B's, can be had dirt cheap, and Shimano still supports them with parts.
#9 Chronarch E's: When I look at what you get for the price, the options in RH/LH retreive,built on the proven platform of the Curado/Citica E, my next NEW Shimano will be a Chronarch E.
#10 Chronarch B's: Same reason as the Citica/Curado D's. Rugged, reliable, still around, still supported by Shimano. With some looking and waiting can be had for a lot less then they were new. You can spend a wad of money of newer, lighter, flashier reels and still not have anything as rock solid WITH high end performance as the Chronarch B. Every one I have ever used has been a pleasure, and am waiting for one to come along at the right price.............for me..........to pounce on.
I left off the newer G series Citicas and Curados, not because I don't like them, or want one, but because being fairly new ( yes the Chronarch E's are new, but they are built on a solid proven platform) they have a little way's to go to crack my top ten.
Things like the Core, and Calais, always have been,and might always will be out of my price range. Chronarch MG's and D's I have little to no expeirance with, so I don't feel qualified to comment.
Yup. He got it covered. I'd like to add the Cardiff to the list if anyone's into round reels. My new Curado 201G7 is doing great btw; and another Citica D should be here sometimes next week.
webertime reply :
NOS Daiwa Advantage HSTA's for $70-100 or Tierra for slightly less, on eBay from Simmons Sporting Goods has to be on this list.
Citica B, D, E & G are locks.
Pro Qualifier
Curado B's.
I can't really go beyond that as far as readily available <$100 reels. If you have good timing you can score amazing deals on used gear. I have a Revo Premier I paid less than $70 for, Zillion HSLA for $125, Citica E for $44.
retiredbosn reply :
IMO if you are talking longevity, has to be Abu Garcia round reels. Built like tanks, almost as heavy, but they flat out last.
*Hootie reply :
On 1/20/2013 at 12:10 AM, retiredbosn said:IMO if you are talking longevity, has to be Abu Garcia round reels. Built like tanks, almost as heavy, but they flat out last.
The reels I learned bass fishing with. Heck, back in the 70's, that's all the pros used.
Hootie
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 4:44 PM, hootiebenji said:Now that is NO fun at all!!Hootie
I was being sarcastic you should read that post I quoted lol
WRB reply :
Buy the highest quality reel you can afford and stay away from store brands like BPS.
Diawa
Shimano
Lewis
Ardent
Any of the above are good brands. Abu Garcia are all made in China today, unless you are able to get a reel made by the Swiss, they are rare, but good reels.
Tom
Shoalamfishin reply :
I'm not trying to ruffle feathers, Shimano make great reels but I don't follow the crowd in that respect or, as has been said jump on the bandwagon. I have have great success with Lews reels from the Speed Spool to the Tournament Pro and just feel that the general value is better as far as general bang for your buck. All things said I would recommend a Lews Speed Spool or Tournament MG both of which you can new and in your price range. They carry Shimano fan base or have the popularized duragear system, but they have a very solid "instant" anti-reverse, are extremely smooth, and strong. I'm by no means a Lews rep. or anything like that; both manufacturers produce top quality reels. Ultimately I would suggest (if possible) choosing what is most comfortable and feels best to you.
new2BC4bass reply :
I can't make too many suggestions in that price range. I have an older model Cabela's Prodigy (the gray one) that I think was a great deal. Purchased on sale when they were getting ready to announce the new model. These are solid (and smooth) reels that like the Zillion do best with 3/8 or heavier lures. Picked up a Daiwa Procaster 100HN for my grandson when TW was closing them out. I've used it a few times and like it fine. Bought a couple Trions based on all the excellent reviews I read. Unfortunately I only used the one reel for one day. Can't make any comments about it other than to say it casts as well as most of my other reels.
I bought my Curado 51E new when on closeout for less than your limit. Has to be the best money I ever spent on a reel. Good luck finding a used one at your $115 price point. My limited experience with round Abus has me also recommending them. I purchased three Black Max 1600s as a package deal. Has to be another case of being one of the best deals I spent money on...$100 for all three. These babies cast light lures into the wind like you wouldn't believe. Apparently there are plenty of options for upgrading them, and I definitely want to go that route with at least one of them.
Now if you were willing to raise your budget limit, I'd have to say that some more great reels for the money are my Patriarch XT, Sol, Lews TP, Premier and Zillions. My Gen 1 STX-L with 40 lb. Sufix Performance makes the trip to Florida every year with me. I totally love my Fuegos. Just an all-around great reel in looks and performance.
Jrob78 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 6:44 PM, Teal said:The team daiwa td pro is a bass pro exclusive. Their normal price is like 119. (I could be wrong) but if you ask me it looks EXACTLY like a daiwa exceler. Which can be had for 89.99: retail and most places for 79.99. Now i dont know how that one is a value.
You are correct. The TD Pro is an Exceler made exclusively for BPS with some added bearings and a different paint job.
Fishin24/7 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 2:16 PM, skeletor6 said:I'm with this guy. Every reel is overpriced, stop worshipping your favorite basspro and get off of your brandwagon.
So should we stop buying reels alltogether?
skeletor6 reply :
On 1/20/2013 at 3:41 AM, Fishin24/7 said:So should we stop buying reels alltogether?
If you read the post I quoted its a complete flop. I was joking. Supply and demand sets the prices if that were true than any product is overpriced.
I have a lews tournament, shimano curado e's, Daiwa Sol, quantums and abu garcias etc. I try just about every namebrane i can to get an idea of whats out there. I love my reels and at the prices I bought them they are a great value in my eyes.
If I had to choose my favorite and what I would consider the best value it would be the green Shimano Curado 50e or 200e. Its not bcuz of brand they just perform better than the other reels I have period.
rippin-lips reply :
For the price the BPS PQ is a great starting reel. I had one and it treated me good. I now use all Lews tournament or tournament pro models. The Tp is a better reel but cost more but is a great buy at 145. The Abu pro max is also a good reel. Pretty equal to the PQ. Good starter reel too. I've thrown my friends Shimanos and they were ok but I really don't see why they are spoken about as they're the best thing since sliced bread. It was a citica and curado but I don't know the exact models. I can't speak for their high dollar stuff though. I'd suggest picking up a PQ during the spring classic and a spool of BPS fluoro and you'll come in at $100 plus taxes.
kickerfish1 reply :
There alot of good budget reels out there around $100+/- that will last a very long time if maintained. Lately I have been moving towards lighter weight reels that still have very good components and performance. These reels don't come cheap but I find them to be more pleasant and refined to fish with plus they fit my style of fishing best. To me a lighter weight reel is one that is under 7 ounces. For long days on the water I tend to opt for my Alphas, core 50 mg7, curado 50e, Komodo, TDZ 100m etc.
However for around $100 I prefer the Lews speed spool and shimano citica. The BPS PQ is a good buy and the BPS Johnny Morris carbonlite isn't bad if you get a good one.
flippin and pitchin reply :
I've said it over and over. In the 129 to 199 price point, there's at least a dozen ( or more ) great reels from Abu through Shimano. It's got to be one of the most competitive segments in fish tackle. If it makes you feel good, fish with it.
Arv reply :
It depends on the price range.
$100 - BPS PQ
Anything over that, get a Citica or a Curado, especially a used E if you can get your hands on one.
volchuck reply :
Citica on 2 of my rods and would be my value choice. I put a BPS carbonlite on last year and its ok, little light for my personal preference.
I have a Quantum PT tour (the chrome one) that I got on super sale at Dicks last year. It sorta ruined me on baitcasters now as its my fav by far, Its $290ish regular price though, way outside my 'value' price range, if not on a closeout sale price I wouldnt have it. Man I love the thing though...
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