What's Your Preferred Brand Of Baitcaster? 2024
CiMo reply :
What's your most trusted brand of baitcasters? If its not listed feel free to comment and I may add it to the poll if I'm allowed.
deaknh03 reply :
oh boy
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
This kinda of topic usually turns out not so well. But maybe this one will be different. I voted bps and Pflueger. Both pretty much the same reel internally and construction wise. Maybe you could
Change the bps, pflueger, Abu parts to just pure fishing and then it would be a more accurate poll. just a suggestion. I do have a shimano scorpion 1000 and it's a good little Reel although I don't see any noticeable difference from my other reels at this point . I need to put in more time with it though to give an accurate comparison.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Never met a shimano I didn't like. Just like some more than others.
rockchalk06 reply :
In my best Michael Buffer voice "Letsssssss Get Ready to Rumbllllllllllllle"
Shimano here. I have tried 3 other brands and ended up being plagued with problems. So far, Shimano has held up and treated me pretty good
Fishwhittler reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 5:17 AM, Ima Bass Ninja said:This kinda of topic usually turns out not so well. But maybe this one will be different. I voted bps and Pflueger. Both pretty much the same reel internally and construction wise. Maybe you could
Change the bps, pflueger, Abu parts to just pure fishing and then it would be a more accurate poll. just a suggestion. I do have a shimano scorpion 1000 and it's a good little Reel although I don't see any noticeable difference from my other reels at this point . I need to put in more time with it though to give an accurate comparison.
Better add Lew's to the "Pure Fishing" trio—they've got the same insides. Though only Abu Garcia and Pflueger are actually owned by Pure Fishing.
I like Daiwa, sort of—the H2O Xpress reels are built by Daiwa, and those are my current favorites. Shimano's my #2.
Hooked_On_Bass reply :
Shimano and Daiwa.
CiMo reply :
Suprised so far not even a single quantum vote.
dodgeguy reply :
used to be a pflueger patriarch.i have since purchased an abugarcia mgx and love it.the patriarch does have a better finish but the mgx is so light it's unreal.
Bass Junkie reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 6:17 AM, CiMo said:Suprised so far not even a single quantum vote.
Buy one (keep the receipt) and use it for a couple trips. You'll understand 
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I have abus 50 yrs old still rollin..enough said
coak reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 6:17 AM, CiMo said:Suprised so far not even a single quantum vote.
I use primarily Quantum gear. However I will say that if you fish Quantum, you need to be willing to wait on killer deals or splurge for the upper echelon equipment. I'm just saying their top notch gear is wonderful in my humble opinion and Quantum doesn't get nearly enough respect. Not trying to start anything, just stating that Quantum gear as I see it is underrated by far. 
thehooligan reply :
Shimano and daiwa has me covered.
JunkYard814 reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 8:40 AM, coak said:I use primarily Quantum gear. However I will say that if you fish Quantum, you need to be willing to wait on killer deals or splurge for the upper echelon equipment. I'm just saying their top notch gear is wonderful in my humble opinion and Quantum doesn't get nearly enough respect. Not trying to start anything, just stating that Quantum gear as I see it is underrated by far.
Looking at getting the Smoke. Hopefully they drop the price on it when they come out with their newer models, like they do every year.
Goose52 reply :
My favorite baitcaster is the one with a 14lb 9oz bass on the end of the line...
Silas reply :
I like the Shimanos: have a Curado 100D, Scorpion 1000, Curado 200E5, Curado 50E, Calcutta GTB, Calcutta 200, Stradic 1000, 2 Sustains, and 2 Twinpowers.
They have never failed me and are always reliable and enjoyable. Sort of fantastic "workhorses" with a little flair. Not much fiddling with them either. They will work well even if not set quite correctly.
BUT......
I LOVE the Daiwas: started with the Daiwa Sol, and also a Sol 2000 spinning reel, 2 Pixies, 2 Alphas, 3 TDZ's , and 2 Steez.
While the Shimanos are workhorses, the Daiwas are the Lamborghini's of reels for me. Ultra refined and smooth, and effortless. However......one DOES have to "fiddle" with them, but they are will worth the adjustments that make them so precise
kickerfish1 reply :
I have a few dozen casting reels from all manufacturers. The Daiwa and Shimano reels see the most use followed by the BPS reels and Lews reels.
From my own findings...
Daiwa reels look the best, are built well, and are highly upgradeable.
Shimano reels are great performers, are reliable, and last quite awhile.
BPS and Lews give good performance at a good price. Very smooth retrieves. For a bang for your buck reel these help fill the void for several techniques.
Abu Garcia reels are very good but the ones I have are the canister style reels for big baits. Great reels with superb drag systems.
Okuma is like Lews and BPS in that they give great performance for the price and also have decent looks. A pretty under appreciated reel. Waiting to see how they hold up over years of use.
Quantum is a comapny where most of the products have been hit or miss. The only downfall seems to be longevity. Their newer offerings seem to be better.
Good products can be found from all manufacturers. It is just a matter of finding the right fit for a price that is doable.
Bass Junkie reply :
You, sir, need to treat yourself to a Revo!On 5/28/2013 at 10:10 AM, kickerfish1 said:Abu Garcia reels are very good but the ones I have are the canister style reels for big baits. Great reels with superb drag systems.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 10:16 AM, Bass Junkie said:You, sir, need to treat yourself to a Revo!
Perhaps at some point I will obtain one but most of the reels in my regular rotation range from $100 - $500. To expect the Revo to be a treat, would be a pretty small chance. However, I am not writing one off after fishing a friends a few times. Could potentially be swayed by a MGX or the new Winch or possibly a Gen 2 premier in good shape.
Bass Junkie reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 10:24 AM, kickerfish1 said:Perhaps at some point I will obtain one but most of the reels in my regular rotation range from $100 - $500. To expect the Revo to be a treat, would be a pretty small chance. However, I am not writing one off after fishing a friends a few times. Could potentially be swayed by a MGX or the new Winch or possibly a Gen 2 premier in good shape.
Out of the ones you've mentioned, by all means pick up a Gen. 2 Premier while you have the opportunity. While its not a Steez, it is a tremendous reel.
Teal reply :
Lews Casting, Shimano spinning, and Daiwa/Daiwa JDM is my eye candy.
I voted Lews and Daiwa. But that does not mean that i dont own or wouldnt fish others. Shimano and Abu make fine reels. I really like the Chronarch and the Revo line up and would be prouud to own them. Not a Quantum fan tho.
I feel i get the most bang for MY buck from Lews casting reels. But if i had a money tree in the back yard, Im sure I would have some JDM Daiwa candy...lol. love my zillion and would love more but daiwa just seems too overpriced (for me)
basseditor reply :
I have so many reels that I have every major and some minor brands covered. Believe it or not, while I use some higher priced reels for specific purposes (for example cranking or finesse), I use Academy Mettles more than any other reel for all my mid range casting needs. Some Mettles have braid, but most have 20# flouro. I bought 10 Mettles during Black Friday sale for $25 each. Only drawback is line capacity if I use 65# braid; I can cast the Mettles right down to the knot on the spool with baits like spooks.
That's why I got some Revo 3s. They hold a little more line.
MrSwimJig reply :
I have tried lots of reels and always come back to Abu Garcia.
Jrob78 reply :
I own reels from many of the major brands, I like variety. I have more Daiwas and Shimanos than anything else though. I really like the Pflueger Patriarch and the XT is an awesome reel. I'm not a big fan of Revos but I do have a couple. All that said, Daiwa is by far my favorite with Shimano coming in 2nd.
loodkop reply :
I'm happy with my Shimano's. To be fair I have not tried top end gear from other manufacturers but have been disappointed every time I thought a 10+ bearing reel must be better than my 5 bearing Shimano. Now that I can afford to buy an occasional from dad to dad treat I would rather spend my monet where I know what I'm getting. Think I'm gun/reel shy.
Sam reply :
Shimano.
Maico1 reply :
Shimano....
*Hootie reply :
LEWS, Then, Shimano.
Hootie
Quitlimpin reply :
I fish regularly with Daiwa, Shimano, and Abu. If I absolutely had to choose one, it would be Daiwa.
deep reply :
Shimano
tholmes reply :
My vote goes to Abu, but there's a caveat. I prefer the Swedish-made round reels. While I'm sure there are much more modern designs out there, and certainly lighter, faster reels with higher bearing counts, I'm more comfortable with the round reels vs. low-profile designs. They're easy to work on and parts are readily available, even for my 40+ year-old reels. I can't say that about any other brand of reels that I've owned.
Tom
lmbfisherman reply :
On 5/28/2013 at 8:11 PM, hootiebenji said:LEWS, Then, Shimano.
Hootie
Capt Bob, that you? Did you hack Hootie's account?
lmbfisherman reply :
I didn't realize when I voted I could vote more than 1, I would've also voted BPS. Anyway, I voted Shimano - I own 4 200s (B, E, G) Curados, (G) 3 Citicas, 1 Chronarch 50E, 1 Curado 50E, 2 Chronarch 50 MG, 1 Stradic 1000 FJ. However, I do own a few BPS reels 1 PQ and 1 PQT, 1 Extreme, and Prolite. I also own 2 Daiwa Lexa 100s, 2 Abu Spinning and a Quantum Energy PT. The Shimanos see most of the days fishing as well as the BPS reels.
Bankbeater reply :
I voted abu. I have more of them than any other type of bc.
PABASS reply :
I try something that's not a shimano and then I always come back. Although I might be giving a team diawa a try this year. I have a cheap shimano reel that I used when I was 8-9 and I just used it this weekend for my son, reel is 23yrs old, most of shimanos are 15+ years old..
TNBassin' reply :
If you would have asked me a month ago, Abu. Now, I don't own any Revos after buying one Chronarch. The Chronarch must be a Gremlin, because I got one wet and that Chronarch turned into 3 Chronarchs. So for me, Shimano. Either way you can't go wrong though.
BenBassmaster reply :
Abu Garcia for me, but everyone has a preference. Go to your tackle shop and feel each brand.
A-Jay reply :
"My Brand is better than Your Brand" threads are perhaps my least favorite topic on the entire BR fishing forum. Rarely if ever, do these threads add anything constructive to what is otherwise such an excellent site.
I can't even call them entertaining as they routinely cause disharmony.
Question regarding certain brands / models are routinely answered with inadequate information provided by members who have minimal experience using the equipment. Posts offering the opportunity to debate brand quality, performance and dependability, illicit responses that appear defensive, misrepresented and hard to interpret; completely different from so many of the high quality response elsewhere on the forum.
In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. However, it can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analyzing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs.
Opinions regarding tackle inferiority are a waste of time. It doesn't matter. This site is loaded with photos of amazing fish landed with every brand imaginable.
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 2:15 AM, A-Jay said:"My Brand is better than Your Brand" threads are perhaps my least favorite topic on the entire BR fishing forum. Rarely if ever, do these threads add anything constructive to what is otherwise such an excellent site.
I can't even call them entertaining as they routinely cause disharmony.
Question regarding certain brands / models are routinely answered with inadequate information provided by members who have minimal experience using the equipment. Posts offering the opportunity to debate brand quality, performance and dependability, illicit responses that appear defensive, misrepresented and hard to interpret; completely different from so many of the high quality response elsewhere on the forum.
In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. However, it can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analyzing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs.
Opinions regarding tackle inferiority are a waste of time. It doesn't matter. This site is loaded with photos of amazing fish landed with every brand imaginable.
A-Jay
In my opinion you could be correct. 
flippin and pitchin reply :
One more time,
The quality of gear available to anglers right now is incredible. I could fish any of it and be pretty happy. I just have my own preference as do the rest of you. Just fish.
TNBassin' reply :
This thread is staying civil. Not sure why guys are getting their panties in a bunch and trying to make more of this thread than what it is. Thread title is "What's your favorite brand of bait caster", not "which brand is best".
A-Jay reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 3:50 AM, TNBassin said:This thread is staying civil. Not sure why guys are getting their panties in a bunch and trying to make more of this thread than what it is. Thread title is "What's your favorite brand of bait caster", not "which brand is best".
You're right and I do apologize for directing your thread that way - but so often these threads get loaded up with all kinds of wacky responses that just lead no where.
A-Jay
lmbfisherman reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 4:51 AM, A-Jay said:You're right and I do apologize for directing your thread that way - but so often these threads get loaded up with all kinds of wacky responses that just lead no where.
A-Jay
Hey aren't you the Quantum junkie? I think you are just mad that no one likes them junkie reels!
Just kidding.
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 4:51 AM, A-Jay said:You're right and I do apologize for directing your thread that way - but so often these threads get loaded up with all kinds of wacky responses that just lead no where.
A-Jay
No need for apologies. I know exactly how heated and crazy "brand x vs brand y" threads can get and I don't like to partake in them either. This one seems to be on the right track though.
deaknh03 reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 2:15 AM, A-Jay said:"My Brand is better than Your Brand" threads are perhaps my least favorite topic on the entire BR fishing forum. Rarely if ever, do these threads add anything constructive to what is otherwise such an excellent site.
I can't even call them entertaining as they routinely cause disharmony.
Question regarding certain brands / models are routinely answered with inadequate information provided by members who have minimal experience using the equipment. Posts offering the opportunity to debate brand quality, performance and dependability, illicit responses that appear defensive, misrepresented and hard to interpret; completely different from so many of the high quality response elsewhere on the forum.
In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. However, it can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analyzing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs.
Opinions regarding tackle inferiority are a waste of time. It doesn't matter. This site is loaded with photos of amazing fish landed with every brand imaginable.
A-Jay
Are you mad because Zebco wasn't an option in the poll? 
LgMouthGambler reply :
These topics always end up the same way. Im not gonna say what my vote is, but we do have another on "our" side, right Mr. 3 Chronarchs? 
A-Jay reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:28 AM, deaknh03 said:Are you mad because Zebco wasn't an option in the poll?
Check my avatar - do I look mad to you ?
If you're referring to my mad skills - then yes.
A-Jay
deaknh03 reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:53 AM, A-Jay said:Check my avatar - do I look mad to you ?
If you're referring to my mad skills - then yes.
A-Jay
You know I'm teasing... anyone that can catch that hog with a zebco and an ugly stik has mad skillz..
A-Jay reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:56 AM, deaknh03 said:You know I'm teasing... anyone that can catch that hog with a zebco and an ugly stik has mad skillz..
Yes Sir ~ and don't forget all those margaritas I was forced to consume while doing it . . . .
A-Jay
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:53 AM, LgMouthGambler said:These topics always end up the same way. Im not gonna say what my vote is, but we do have another on "our" side, right Mr. 3 Chronarchs?
Why LMG....who could you be referring to? :Idontknow:And I only have 2. My 3rd hasn't arrived yet.
Fattygreens reply :
Anything but a shitmano! Unless your talking about my curado lol. I have Quantum, Abu's and Shitmanos and they are all pretty slick IMO
TNBassin' reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 7:16 AM, Fattygreens said:Anything but a shitmano! Unless your talking about my curado lol. I have Quantum, Abu's and Shitmanos and they are all pretty slick IMO
This is the exact post that no one wanted in this thread. Why you couldn't just say what you liked is beyond me.
rockchalk06 reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 1:31 AM, TNBassin said:If you would have asked me a month ago, Abu. Now, I don't own any Revos after buying one Chronarch. The Chronarch must be a Gremlin, because I got one wet and that Chronarch turned into 3 Chronarchs. So for me, Shimano. Either way you can't go wrong though.
I told you man.....don't feed em after midnight and stay away from water! Lol
trupp30 reply :
I voted for Lew's. A close second would be Shimano. Also, I have an Abu, BPS and a Diawa, but I prefer the Lew's over all of my other baitcasters.
CiMo reply :
Wow shimano is kiling it..... maybe one day ill have to save up for a decent/good shimano and see why its so liked.
thehooligan reply :
On 5/30/2013 at 10:15 PM, CiMo said:Wow shimano is kiling it..... maybe one day ill have to save up for a decent/good shimano and see why its so liked.
I know this gets beat to death, but pick up a curado 50/51e and you'll understand why people love shimano so much.
Over the past few years ive had some pretty high end baitcasters in my hands from jdm revos, to daiwa px-r's, core 50/51's, and regular reels like daiwa alphas, lews tourney pros, chronarch 50/51mgs.
And you know what i always seem to grab, that old curado 51e, lol.
SmokeRise1 reply :
Shimano.
I need to get my post count up.
*Hootie reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 5:53 AM, LgMouthGambler said:These topics always end up the same way. Im not gonna say what my vote is, but we do have another on "our" side, right Mr. 3 Chronarchs?
Shhhhh!!.....lol
Hootie
Capt.Bob reply :
On 5/29/2013 at 2:15 AM, A-Jay said:"My Brand is better than Your Brand"
Question regarding certain brands / models are routinely answered with inadequate information provided by members who have minimal experience using the equipment.
Opinions regarding tackle inferiority are a waste of time. It doesn't matter. This site is loaded with photos of amazing fish landed with every brand imaginable.
A-Jay
OH how true, you hit that nail directly on the head! It is a shame but been there done that rarely comes into play! But the responses and mine is bigger than yours are offered anyway!! 
TNBassin' reply :
This thread hasn't turned into that though.
The Commodore reply :
Shimano has never really failed me. But I always like to play the field. I have a Lew's Tournament Pro that I am currently using and it is great so far. Much less backlashes than the Curado 201E7 but I do not think it is a better reel than the Shimano yet. It's on par.
Just ordered a Quantum Smoke 150. Played with one in Bass Pro and feel in love. I think next I will be getting a Diawa. I have a Abu Garcia T6600CL round baitcaster that has been reliable and durable with abuse.
I think people have a tendency to became brand fans too often. I used to be like that with a lot of things.
Having said that Shimano has been tried and true in my book for freshwater and saltwater. I am sure other brands can be too but I have not extensively used them yet. The only other brand that I can definitely recommend are Penn reels but they are a saltwater brand.
CiMo reply :
I'm planning on getting at least one high end reel of most ( hopefully alll brands ) eventually.. sadly the highest i'll pay is about 250 $ per reel... and getting one of all will take me a few years at least.. but after that I feel I could actually have a preferred brand... right now though out of the few I own/owned..... my lews tournament has been the smoothest reel hands down, but the only other reel in its price range I own are the revo sx and revo s.. everything else has been sub 100$.
CiMo reply :
Not sure what the ***** means but guessing it's not a nice word lol, but you're saying every baitcaster you've bought out of the oned listed suck? You must have some really bad luck with buying bum reels or something cause I'm not sure how out of all those brands you haven't had a reel you absolutly love or at least enjoy using. Good luck and I hope you eventually find one you can love.
buzzfrog reply :
lol not brand loyal, okuma is nice, but love my shimanos and abus, BUT as said seem to be hit and miss, my 150 smoke and tour burner Pt are my workhorses, they are my pitchin and frog rod. they ge abused... now watch me go out and the d**n things fall apart 
mikeeasttn reply :
My favorite is Shimano with Daiwa running a close second. Although for my big swimbaits I must say my Ambassedeurs 5500D and 6600D are tops.
ColdSVT reply :
shimano here
however tjere are abus in my aresenal, and there is going to be a lews in there soon as well
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