I've used dozens of high quality reels over the years. Great ones that stand out to me are the Core50MG, Zillion Type R, and Z2020.
I have to say, I previously owned a Metanium MG7 with upgraded bearings and I've yet to use a smoother better caster. I think I might start looking to buy another.
I haven't used too many high end reels $165 is the limit my wife set me at. So the best reel I have ever used was the Tatula Type-R. I have used Revo S and SX, Shimano Curado and Citicas. I also have a Quantum Smoke 150 and Exo 100 that I got used on here that I like a lot but nothing compares to the type-R I have. The close second would be The Gen 2 Revo STX.
So far the diawa tatula is my favorite reel....
Its the best reel I've used for 100$
Core/Stella .... have had for number of years and really don't need to experiment. But then if money wasn't an option I would probably experiment.
I have also owned a good amount of high end stuff and so far Top 3 would be.
Chronarch D7 (I have two). One has an avail spool/upgraded bearings with 30lb and it can literally throw ANYTHING with a single brake on. I think the combination of the aluminum frame/sideplate and bearings is what puts it above the core for me.
Alphas Type R - all purpose finesse baitcaster
Zillion Type R - all purpose heavy application reel....soooooo smooth
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Top marks also go to my pixzilla, zillion 50th anniversary and core 50.
Antares HG
Smoothest would be the new conquest 101.
Lightest and all around great reel would be the aldebaran bfs xg
Reel that can do everything, Core 51
Give me a core 51 and bfs xg and im good to go...
Shimano Excense DC. I've never spent over 300 dollars though. I can tell you this. If Daiwa made an aluminum T3 with no pop up hood it would take the cake as far as I'm concerned.
Low profile is the Antares HG
Round reel is the Conquest 2014
Revo Elite IB - This reel has no weakness
Revo MGX - Great caster, very smooth
Daiwa Zillion - It's a Zillion, put a 100M spool in these and they are casting machines.
Others that I like a lot, Core 100, Daiwa Sol, Daiwa Tatula
My two Chronarch ci4's.
On 8/20/2014 at 8:53 PM, Grantman83 said:I have also owned a good amount of high end stuff and so far Top 3 would be.
Chronarch D7 (I have two). One has an avail spool/upgraded bearings with 30lb and it can literally throw ANYTHING with a single brake on. I think the combination of the aluminum frame/sideplate and bearings is what puts it above the core for me.
Alphas Type R - all purpose finesse baitcaster
Zillion Type R - all purpose heavy application reel....soooooo smooth
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Top marks also go to my pixzilla, zillion 50th anniversary and core 50.
I've actually never tried the Alphas but I always hear good things.
The Chronarch 100D7 is amazing too. Very similar to the Metanium MG7.
I also put an Avail spool and Air bearings in mine that I recently bought. I forgot to get extra bearings for the upgraded handle I got for it though and will use the original knobs so I am patiently waiting for the knob bearings I ordered. Can't wait to fish it when I get it. Plan to use it for finesse applications.
On 8/20/2014 at 8:52 PM, Oregon Native said:Core/Stella .... have had for number of years and really don't need to experiment. But then if money wasn't an option I would probably experiment.
I like those choices, too!
I've got a core 100mg super tuned its hard to beat that reel.
My three Curado 100B's still humming and my new Chronarch 150's.
Zebco 33. It served me very well before I knew any better, lol.
Core 50mg7/TD-Z.
Can't afford any of that high end gear. Just one reel is too tough a choice. I love my 50th Anniversary Zillion, Purple Alphas and tuned Curado 51E (or the factory one for that matter). The Chronarch 100B is another great reel I just started using. I am also very fond of the T3 1016 variants.
I don't know how you guys can pick just one. I'm sure if money were no object I could add several more to my favorites list.
Man there are way too many Shimano users on the forum. Where are the Abu and Diawa guys at.
My Daiwa PXL-R is the best I've ever used. Smooth, lightweight, and puts a smile on my face everytime I hold it.
All my reels are the best I have ever used.
On 8/20/2014 at 9:44 PM, Dwight Hottle said:Low profile is the Antares HG
Round reel is the Conquest 2014
You know Dwight, I think your results on the water would improve if you invested a bit in some halfway decent equipment
the new curado i is my fav as of now
My Shimano Chronarch Ci4+, best thing is that my wife got it for me. Otherwise I wouldn't have bought such a nice reel for myself.
Metanium XG, it excels at everything.
Currently my Aldebaran bfs xg. My Core 51 should be here tomorrow.
Shimano Sustain spinning, and Team Lew's Gold casting, that is for bass size gear. for pike muskie salmon and trolling, Calcutta 400TE, but a little large for most Bass and Walleye fishing!!
On 8/21/2014 at 12:30 AM, Chance Brown said:Man there are way too many Shimano users on the forum. Where are the Abu and Diawa guys at.
They're in the flea market section, trying to upgrade to a Shimano.
Looks - Daiwa
Features - Daiwa
Technology - Daiwa
"Fishability"- Shimano
I have never fished a Lew's that I didn't like
On 8/21/2014 at 3:19 AM, fishballer06 said:They're in the flea market section, trying to upgrade to a Shimano.
That's funny!
Chance Brown: Slightly over half of my reels are Daiwas. Rest are Abu round, Revo, Shimano, Lews, BPS and Pflueger. I don't dare say too much about my Diawas here.
Steez w/ 1016 spool and zillion w/ 100m spool.
I'm also impressed by the tatula for the money. In my area they're aren't many enthusiast that I've encountered so I'm basically on my own. I'm sure if I joined and made friends with any of the local clubs I'd meet more but as of now my friends think I'm crazy. They should meet some of you and they'll realize I'm in the minority haha
Easily Daiwa TD Z with so many choices of spools.
Curado I
Curado E
JM Sig Series
In that order
Mike
Calais DC 201
Spinning Reels,
Okuma Exiptor
FIN-NOR AHAB or FIN-NOR LITE
VIVA
GLOBE
US REEL SUPER CASTERS 180/240
Bait Casters, I don't use that much.
Quantum Code Red
US REEL SUPER CASTERS HIBDON/HOUSTON
Calcutta 201 TE DC
Shimano Conquest 250 DC or Calcutta 200 TE GT
Antares 100HG, Stella 2500FE
On 8/21/2014 at 1:29 AM, Chris at Tech said:You know Dwight, I think your results on the water would improve if you invested a bit in some halfway decent equipment [/quote
Chris just trying to look good while I'm getting skunked.
Smoothness> Shimano Calais
Function> Shimano Core
Power> Shimano Calcutta
On 8/21/2014 at 3:19 AM, fishballer06 said:They're in the flea market section, trying to upgrade to a Shimano.
Smart man!!
Zebco 808
Old school basser...
I have a couple Curado Es and three Tatulas that I love.
The best fresh water bait casting reel that I have ever owned was my first reel at age 12, 1955; Langley Lure Cast. Jason Lucas recommended this reel to me and still have it. This little reel casts 50 yards with Dacron braid with ease, incredible light weight bullet proof knuckle buster, love this reel.
Tom
Daiwa Alphas ITO custom and modified to the max - Full upgrade - Most palmable and smoothest reel I have used
Daiwa TDZ 100m US Trails - Again fully modified and custom - Casting distance is excellent for such a light reel without using a DC system or complex breaking system
Shimano Core 50mg7 / Scorpion 1000XT - For all around usability they are among my favorites
Shimano Chronarch 100SF - Casting distance was phenominal and the reel is smooth
So far my Steez with a RCS 1016 spool is the best I've used. Smooth, refined, and cast so much better with the 1016 spool.
Time for hate. I've only owned a handful of reels and all were low costs. My best reel so far is my Quantum Accurist. Until I get a better reel, I will continue to call it the best I've owned. Mainly because it is.
Each and every Shimano reel I have owned over the last 30 years has been special, but the Calais 100A, Calais 200A, Calais 200DC and now the Antares HG are the best.
My favorite would probably be the old Curado 200B. For a pure workhorse reel that was affordable and could do just about anything and was easy to work on, pretty tough reel to beat.
If they hold up like I think they will the new Curado I will be at the top of the list too, man they are sweet reels.
For spinning reels the Stradic C14 is awesome, so is the Pfluegar Supreme XT.
Guys, I'll tell ya': I've been on a quest to find the "best for me" reel this year.
I keep coming back to the Abu Garcia 5000 and 5500 reels, both with bearings and bushings. All are 4.7:1 ratios. This translates into about 23 IPT for this type of reel.
When I need faster, I do have a 5600MagTrax that is 6.3:1, I believe. In addition to the magnetic brake, I installed the centrifugal brakes of the standard 5600. It's a really good reel but just a bit large for my uses.
I'm waiting on payment from a commercial contract to come in. I'll be ordering a 5500c3. After very careful study and consideration, I believe this will be the best reel for my uses (in addition to the old 5000 and 5500).
The Shimano reels intrigue me. I will probably end up getting one; I'm researching them right now in fact. They are rare around here, though, and I've not been able to lay hands on one, let alone try one out. I need to make a trip to a larger city and find a sale sample or something.
Regards,
Josh
Best ever used is my tricked out shimano metanium xg. I would like to own an Antares and try one as well. For spinning it would have to be my daiwa certate 2506. That reel is beyond smooth.
Quantum cabo 40
On 8/21/2014 at 12:11 PM, WRB said:The best fresh water bait casting reel that I have ever owned was my first reel at age 12, 1955; Langley Lure Cast. Jason Lucas recommended this reel to me and still have it. This little reel casts 50 yards with Dacron braid with ease, incredible light weight bullet proof knuckle buster, love this reel.
Tom
You mean, like this?
Hootie
Quantum 100 EXO PT the sheer distance I got in casting was ridiculous
But, I did pre-order the new Lew's Tournament Lite Speed Spool casting reel. Lew's reputation at 5.8 oz, I have a lot of high hopes for that reel.
Probably the only reels I currently use that never seem to screw up and cast consistently well are my TD-X HSDL pitching reels. They are beat to hell, and still tick like new. I'll give a nod to my Chronarch Es and the Optimus hand tuned, though I haven't had them nearly as long as the TD-Xs.
Even though im a diehard shimano guy, and ive dabbled with plenty of daiwas, ill most likely give another alphas a shot as they are great reels. Had the ito, type f, and purple model. Would consider giving an alphas R a shot. One of the only legendary daiwas i havent tried yet is the td-z, also on my list.
Shimano calais was the smoothest reel I've owned - it was flawless - I gave it to my grandson after years of use and it's still butter smooth.
Curado 201e. Better than any daiwa I've ever used including tdz r+ and zillion R. Kick myself everyday for getting rid of it but I will have another soon.
On 8/21/2014 at 8:02 PM, J Francho said:Probably the only reels I currently use that never seem to screw up and cast consistently well are my TD-X HSDL pitching reels. They are beat to hell, and still tick like new. I'll give a nod to my Chronarch Es and the Optimus hand tuned, though I haven't had them nearly as long as the TD-Xs.
I have only fished the Pinnacle Optimus XiHS for a few months, but it has the potential
to be among the best reels I have ever fished. Time will tell.
Chronarch CI4 and Chronarch E.
Core. It's an AWSOME reel.
TD Fuego with a 100M spool. Zoom!
I would say Conquest 51 but I'm not yet brave enough to fish mine. (Don't tell Matt!)
On 8/21/2014 at 11:53 PM, Cgrinder said:TD Fuego with a 100M spool. Zoom!
I would say Conquest 51 but I'm not yet brave enough to fish mine. (Don't tell Matt!)
Haha, if your scared to fish it send it back my way
On 8/21/2014 at 8:16 PM, thehooligan said:Even though im a diehard shimano guy, and ive dabbled with plenty of daiwas, ill most likely give another alphas a shot as they are great reels. Had the ito, type f, and purple model. Would consider giving an alphas R a shot. One of the only legendary daiwas i havent tried yet is the td-z, also on my list.
How about try a Zonda?
Spinning, Daiwa ss1300. Get a few extra bail springs and your good to go for many years.
For casting reels I'd have to go with the Daiwa Zillion.
Conquest 100 is pretty much all I need for a reel. Not too small not too big. Can take the beating for both salt and fresh water.
Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA. This reel comes very very close to the performance level of the Zillion but for half the cost. The ultimate bargain was the Cabela's Prodigy A. The only difference between the Prodigy A and the HSTA was the Prodigy had no bearings in the handle grips. Big deal. At $79 on sale it was the ultimate score!
On 8/22/2014 at 6:02 AM, hzzhangc said:How about try a Zonda?
I almost pulled the trigger on a hedgehog not too long ago. I liked the fact of getting a regular & finesse spool, and a cool looking paint job. Talked myself out of it though. My alde bfs feels better in hand, and I have a ktf spool that will perform better... I might consider an alphas platform or td ito in the future for a project though.