Your Best Gear Purchase? 2024
Darren. reply :
Following off of this post:
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/112593-your-worst-gear-purchase/
I thought I'd ask the opposite question.
My best, thus far:
Shimano Stradic 1000FI + Shimano Compre 5'9" spinning rod
(My Daiwa Lexa 100 is too new, but so far it's flat out awesome).
rippin-lips reply :
My best gear purchase was my first casting setup. It made me see the light and now I don't know how I went all those years with just a few spinning rods.
flyfisher reply :
I would have to say braid. It opened my eyes to increased sensitivity and more fish.
Darren. reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:12 AM, flyfisher said:I would have to say braid. It opened my eyes to increased sensitivity and more fish.
That's a great point. I wasn't thinking line, but yeah, it's gear of course. Definitely changed the game.
jignfule reply :
As of right now, in this frame of mind, it's my two GLX MBR 844
War Eagle 44 reply :
This is an easy one for me, I consider all 3 of these equal.
Calais DC
Calcutta DC
Stella FD
Goose52 reply :
I don't know how to answer. "Best" can mean: most expensive, most productive, most satisfying, most game-changing, etc.
I think for my answer I will use - a fishing product that continually exceeds my expectations and gives me pleaure every time I use it.
BPS Prolite Finesse BC reel - the last model (PRL05HC) - I have 3 - average price for the three = $57. I don't know what it is about these little reels...but every time I fish one, I smile...
Teal reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:12 AM, flyfisher said:I would have to say braid. It opened my eyes to increased sensitivity and more fish.
Fly is on to something...i would agree and add to that.
Best gear purchase -- when i started using Braid, and Tungsten. (Was about the same time)
I really feel that this made a hude difference in how many fish i was putting in the boat.
Gear im most proud of --the Lews Tournament Pro reels, IMO is comparable to the Revo Premeir at half the cost.
JigMe reply :
My best gear is not necessary the most expensive gear I own, but I can't fish without my polarized sun glass made by WileyX.
rockchalk06 reply :
Not to sound sappy, but my best purchase so far in the last year is this place. Ive learned more about bass fishing in the last year, than I have in the first 32
flyfisher reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:52 AM, Teal said:Fly is on to something...i would agree and add to that.Best gear purchase -- when i started using Braid, and Tungsten. (Was about the same time)
I really feel that this made a hude difference in how many fish i was putting in the boat.
Gear im most proud of --the Lews Tournament Pro reels, IMO is comparable to the Revo Premeir at half the cost.
Can you elaborate on why tungsten is better? I was going through my gear and need some new weights and was thinking about getting tungsten as a replacement for lead.
The one that got away reply :
Canoe with trolling motor
bowhunter63 reply :
I bought a lighting rod shock and was really impressed with it for the money.Also all the new braid out there is a real game changer.
JigMe reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:38 AM, Goose52 said:I don't know how to answer. "Best" can mean: most expensive, most productive, most satisfying, most game-changing, etc.
I think for my answer I will use - a fishing product that continually exceeds my expectations and gives me pleaure every time I use it.
BPS Prolite Finesse BC reel - I have 3 - average price for the three = $57. I don't know what it is about these little reels...but every time I fish one, I smile...
I saw your name, and immediately I knew you were going to say BPS gears. Haha
iabass8 reply :
Dobyns rods.
SudburyBasser reply :
The best thing I did was in the past year -- moving from general purpose rods to technique specific set ups. So I suppose the Shimano Compre worm and jig rod I bought last year would be it. Opened up a new world for me and I now have several technique specific rods.
kylek reply :
Mine would have to be my 2 Lews speed spool reels and my 2 Veritas rods. They make for a great combo!!!
Darren. reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:52 AM, Teal said:Fly is on to something...i would agree and add to that.
Best gear purchase -- when i started using Braid, and Tungsten. (Was about the same time)
I really feel that this made a hude difference in how many fish i was putting in the boat.
Gear im most proud of --the Lews Tournament Pro reels, IMO is comparable to the Revo Premeir at half the cost.
Interesting. I've never used tungsten yet, hear good things that it's smaller profile, better "clicks" underwater as opposed to lead's thud. Only thing that's kept me from jumping in is the price. I don't fret when I lose a lead bullet, but the cost per pack of tungsten is more than I want to spend.
Of course I'm fine to spend that money elsewhere ... maybe a matter of priorities.
BradGuenette reply :
Shimano Cumara 7'2" medium light fast paired with a Stradic Ci4.
I change up my gear quite often, but I can't seem to part with this combo, the rod has the PERFECT tip for drop shot, since making the switch to all Dobyns this is the only Shimano I have left. I can't see myself ever parting with this setup.
38 Super Fan reply :
I grabbed 5 Falcon Caras when TW had them on sale at $100 a piece... that worked out pretty well. :cool:
00 mod reply :
My best gear purchase is my Pinnacle 7' ml spinning rod paired with Shimano CI4 2500.
Jeff
deaknh03 reply :
tungsten is more dense than lead, giving you a smaller size for the same weight and also giving you a better feel as it transmits vibrations better. You do pay for these qualities, so start small and see if you like it.On 2/3/2013 at 8:57 AM, flyfisher said:Can you elaborate on why tungsten is better? I was going through my gear and need some new weights and was thinking about getting tungsten as a replacement for lead.
A-Jay reply :
The Lamiglas Skeet Reese Special SR705R fiberglass crankbait rod
A-Jay
Hi Salenity reply :
I'll say my fish finders. Without them I'd never know the contours or structure below.
kickerfish1 reply :
I would say the most enjoyable outfit I have is dobyns dx 742 rod paired with a TD alphas ITO. The reel has a custom paint job to match the rod and full internal and external upgrades.
Dirtnasty- I have the same cumara / CI4 spinning outfit for a dedicated drop shot rig. It is a stellar spinning rig... light, functional, and balanced!
papajoe222 reply :
Mine has to be my first Daiwa ProCaster. I only purchased one round baitcaster for bass fishing after that first Daiwa and it didn't take long to fall in love with low profile reels. I still have it, but rarely use it, but it still brings a smile to my face every time I hold it.
VolFan reply :
7'6" H Daiwa Cielo when TW was closing out the old model. $300 rod for under a bill. And it is an incredible stick.
deep reply :
Love my Mattlures MH swimbait rod and the Curado 301E that I have on it!
A close second would be my Powell Max 733 spinning rod. The reel on it keeps changing though (from a Sonora to a Symetre to a Sedona to a Sahara).
And a not-so-distant third would be my current jig/T-rig setup: Powell Max 753/ Citica 201D. I haven't caught as many memorable fish on this one as the other two setups, but with the unreal balance this combo has, it's practically weightless, and a pleasure to fish with.
bmlum415 reply :
My dobyns champions for sure followed by my lews reels and keeper custom worms
basseditor reply :
Kistler Zbone LE
All 10 of them.
thehooligan reply :
My first real purchase that put me in the game was a stradic 2500 ci4
LgMouthGambler reply :
Best gear purchases? My Shimano reels. All others have not made the cut.
Darren. reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 12:41 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Best gear purchases? My Shimano reels. All others have not made the cut.
Then don't fish the Lexa!! 
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 12:47 PM, DarrenM said:Then don't fish the Lexa!!
I have been eyeing that reel. The good reviews have tempted me to try one. Would like to cast one that someone has before I would pull the hammer on a purchase. Its a mag only brake reel right?
Darren. reply :
Dude, the reel is sweet. I'm a Shimano guy for spinning reels, but when I tried the Lexa 100 I was floored at the quality. I believe it is mag-brake only.... here's the official specs:
http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=632
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 12:57 PM, DarrenM said:Dude, the reel is sweet. I'm a Shimano guy for spinning reels, but when I tried the Lexa 100 I was floored at the quality. I believe it is mag-brake only.... here's the official specs:
http://www.daiwa.com/reel/detail.aspx?id=632
Wow
Darren. reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 1:00 PM, LgMouthGambler said:Wow
If I were nearby, I'd let you take my 7.1:1 for a spin. It's a sweet reel. I've had it in both salt and fresh water and she's as fresh as the day I bought her. Love it.
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 1:05 PM, DarrenM said:If I were nearby, I'd let you take my 7.1:1 for a spin. It's a sweet reel. I've had it in both salt and fresh water and she's as fresh as the day I bought her. Love it.
I llike that it comes high speed.
Darren. reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 1:06 PM, LgMouthGambler said:I llike that it comes high speed.
It was weird buying it and it didn't have "Shimano" on the box.
But when it comes to reels, Shimano and Daiwa are hard to beat, 
LgMouthGambler reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 1:11 PM, DarrenM said:It was weird buying it and it didn't have "Shimano" on the box.
But when it comes to reels, Shimano and Daiwa are hard to beat,
This is true.
Silas reply :
My 2 Dobyns rods!
And my 2 Pixies....Orange and Red!
What absolute JOY in casting they bring!!
new2BC4bass reply :
Tough, tough question. Best bang for the buck is easier to answer. Curado 51E less than a bill, Falcon Experts at a bill plus shipping, Daiwa Cielo spinning rod for $75 shipped, set of 3 Ambassadeur Black Max 1600 reels for a bill shipped. Before anyone makes fun of my including the Abu reels, let me say you should first try casting one of these into a strong wind before making any disparaging remarks about a reel costing less than $35. I really enjoyed using my 51E/6'10" Smallmouth Medium combo last year. Tuned Fuego/Cumara 7'2" MH Fast is another combo I grab a lot.
I've purchased a few more reels since season ended of which I feel 3 will quickly become favorites, Cosmetically upgraded Zillion 100SHLA, tuned Sol, and a like new Purple Alphas 103L (picked up from this site...thanks Eddie). The Zillion was easy to add considering how much I like my 50th Anniversary model.
I *** Silas his red Pixy. It is a reel I would love to add to my collection.
Bluebasser86 reply :
All of my LTB rods are my best purchases but the best of those would be the 2 of them I bought this winter for $110 each from the bargain room. 2 for less than the price of one for a brand new rod is tough to beat
nwmike reply :
powell rods.best gear purchase as far as a deal was the quantum tour edition reel i bought brand new from dicks on a crazy clearance sale for $25.00.
SirSnookalot reply :
My $30 bubble wrapped spinning reel with the handle sticking out of the package.
Fishes in trees reply :
Best gear purchase ever? Without a doubt my set of Cabelas Guide Wear. Not too heavy, comfortable to wear, I've had this suit for a number of years now. I don't wear it all the time, but when the weather turns wet and/or chilly this suit solves the problem.
roadwarrior reply :
The year was 1997...I had never heard of a Senko.
flippin and pitchin reply :
My original LEWS BB1N. in 1979 it was a hundred bucks. It's still (and the other four I own) one of the best reels ever manufactured. Anyone remember Shag Shegrud ?
.RM. reply :
8 Curado CU201B's @ 50$ ea......................
Tight Lines! 
McAlpine reply :
My Minn Kota trolling motor. I can't remember the model but it's an 80lb thrust with the gps auto pilot. This tool changed my fishing more than anything I have ever purchased.
Tons of power and it almost runs itself. Awesome!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 7:26 PM, Fishes in trees said:Best gear purchase ever? Without a doubt my set of Cabelas Guide Wear. Not too heavy, comfortable to wear, I've had this suit for a number of years now. I don't wear it all the time, but when the weather turns wet and/or chilly this suit solves the problem.
Never thought about clothes (or lines), but I bought some fishing shirts and pants from Cabela's last year for wearing in the hot sun. It was a wise investment. Braid makes fishing in slop a lot easier. Back in the day Beetle Spins were a terrific find for me. Caught hundreds of fish on them from bluegills to pickerel.
RyneB reply :
hands down its my Gen 2 Premier i got on clearence last year before the Gen 3's came out. 2nd is the Phenix Recon rod i also got on clearence.
The Next KVD reply :
Tough to pin anyone thing down so:
Twin Power Poles
109lb Motorguide
Shimano Chronarch B's
St.Croix Legend Elite rods (Custom made)
Braided fishing line
Tungsten sinkers
Without anyone of these things I'd be lost but of that group if I had to pick just one item it would be the Powerpoles.
LuckyHandsINC. reply :
NRX 893 no doubt the most unbelievable rod I've ever fished. Got it for well under retail as a rep.sample from The Hook Up Tackle.
scbassin reply :
This: Ranger Z-21/250 Yahama
Rangerphil reply :
Rapala dt fat03. This crankbait has changed the game for me when it comes to putting big females in the boat! Also tungsten weights! For those wo have not tried them go and buy a few fish them then you will know what everyone is talking about.
RyneB reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:38 AM, Goose52 said:I don't know how to answer. "Best" can mean: most expensive, most productive, most satisfying, most game-changing, etc.
I think for my answer I will use - a fishing product that continually exceeds my expectations and gives me pleaure every time I use it.
BPS Prolite Finesse BC reel - the last model (PRL05HC) - I have 3 - average price for the three = $57. I don't know what it is about these little reels...but every time I fish one, I smile...
Althought its not my best gear purchase. The Pro lite was my 2nd baitcasting setup iv ever bought. I have since moved away from Bass Pro reels and onto Abus, but i sitll own my Pro Lite Finesse. I dont use it often, but when i do im still impressed. Last year i foul hooked a 17 lb asian carp on my pro lite finesse with M Pro Lite 6-6 rod and 10 lb mono. Fought it for over 10 minutes, the little Pro Lites drag worked flawlessly and i landed the fish. I think i have only cleaned it 3 times since iv owned it (6 years ago i believe) and it still works as good as the day i bought it. Looks kind of beat up though, but thats character.
Bass Junkie reply :
Hmm...
Daiwa Fuego Baitcaster. Just enjoy using it every time out. I have "better", more expensive reels, but this ones my favorite.
Duckett Micro Magic rod. Light, sensitive, strong, and my first contact with micro guides. I just wish the power ratings were a little more detailed.
Spro Bronzeye Frog. The whole series catches fish, and they are the best frogs I've used in terms of hook-ups, walking ability, snag resistance, durability, and overall utility.
Anything Lucky Craft. Yeah, their pricy, but they all catch fish, and I love the quality and attention to detail, as well as the confidence when I throw them.
Abu Garcia Revo STX. My first Revo, and an amazing casting machine. It's also extremely powerful.
XCalibur Xr50s. Great little baits that just flat out catch fish. The same can be said for the Rapala Rippin Rap.
0119 reply :
An Abu Ambassadeur 1600CIAR,2600CIAR and first generation 5500C3Pro Rocket with laser etching, in a trade for a tool box full of NIB taps and dies.
plumworm reply :
Prior to a trip Rayburn in '97, I was talked into buying a Curado bantam reel. I now own 10 of them, the last was purchased in '2005. All were $120 This led me to buy 6 stradics, 2-100s,3-2500s and a 4000. All $120. Not one of these reels have ever seen a repair shop. They are cleaned and lubed each winter and are a pleasure to fish with. And, to the person who gave me my first Senko to "try", My everlasting gratitude
Crookedneck reply :
This might sound weird but this last summer I got a sun Buff. To protect my face and lips from the sun. It is comfortable to wear, and I don't have to worry about sun burn.
Seaguar florocarbon has made a huge deal in my fishing in the last couple years.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/4/2013 at 4:38 AM, Bass Junkie said:Hmm...
Daiwa Fuego Baitcaster. Just enjoy using it every time out. I have "better", more expensive reels, but this ones my favorite.
Duckett Micro Magic rod. Light, sensitive, strong, and my first contact with micro guides. I just wish the power ratings were a little more detailed.
Spro Bronzeye Frog. The whole series catches fish, and they are the best frogs I've used in terms of hook-ups, walking ability, snag resistance, durability, and overall utility.
Anything Lucky Craft. Yeah, their pricy, but they all catch fish, and I love the quality and attention to detail, as well as the confidence when I throw them.
Abu Garcia Revo STX. My first Revo, and an amazing casting machine. It's also extremely powerful.
XCalibur Xr50s. Great little baits that just flat out catch fish. The same can be said for the Rapala Rippin Rap.
A Fuego was my first low profile baitcaster. I now have 3 and agree 100% with you. Simply a great looking and great performing reel. My STX is loaded with 40# Sufix Performance and goes with me on every trip I take to Florida where I am throwing a Junebug color 10" weightless worm probably 90% of the time.
bassh8er reply :
On 2/4/2013 at 4:35 AM, RyneB said:Althought its not my best gear purchase. The Pro lite was my 2nd baitcasting setup iv ever bought. I have since moved away from Bass Pro reels and onto Abus, but i sitll own my Pro Lite Finesse. I dont use it often, but when i do im still impressed. Last year i foul hooked a 17 lb asian carp on my pro lite finesse with M Pro Lite 6-6 rod and 10 lb mono. Fought it for over 10 minutes, the little Pro Lites drag worked flawlessly and i landed the fish. I think i have only cleaned it 3 times since iv owned it (6 years ago i believe) and it still works as good as the day i bought it. Looks kind of beat up though, but thats character.
I have been actively searching for this reel on eBay and finally won one last week. Can't wait to have another one and will continue to buy every one I can find.
katmandew reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:52 AM, Teal said:Fly is on to something...i would agree and add to that.
Best gear purchase -- when i started using Braid, and Tungsten. (Was about the same time)
I really feel that this made a hude difference in how many fish i was putting in the boat.
Gear im most proud of --the Lews Tournament Pro reels, IMO is comparable to the Revo Premeir at half the cost.
I'd have to agree. Bought the STX Gen 3 this year and after about 3 trips to the lake, I'm wishing I had just bought another Lew's TP. Personally, I don't see what all the "Revo" buzz is about. It's not that the Revo is a bad reel, but I'm thinking the Lew's is the better buy.
Topwaterspook reply :
I'll agree with the Cabela's Guidewear. There's nothing better than being dry and comfortable when the weather turns sour. I put off spending the money for years, then finally just did it! I've never second-guessed the decision.
J Francho reply :
After having a boat all through my teens and 20s, and then not having a boat for many years, I'd have to say the kayak. I now have a couple kayaks and two bass boats, but that kayak really catapulted my skills and opened endless possibilities to fishing new water.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
Without a doubt my boat, but on a fishing gear side, my G Loomis NRX DSR 822S. This rod is incredible in picking up the lightest taps while drop shoting in 30+ ft. of water. I feel it really increased my success drop shot fishing for smallmouth in Lake Erie expenetially.
Felix77 reply :
Discovering Seaguar Invizx last season was my best "gear" purchase. I am moving all my baitcasters to Seaguar FC next season.
My Drop Shot Spinning rod also has 8lb Invizx.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Not gear maybe but buying my first bass boat. Its a whole new world and game out there with one!
piscicidal reply :
My best bass gear purchase was one of my first...
Three years ago I bought my neighbors golf cart as he was moving away. As I went to pick it up, he asked (begged) me to take his fishing stuff. 22 bass rod/reel setups (18 baitcasters/4 spinning)...a nice round wood rod carosel and 2 tackle boxes FULL of gear for $100, total. The rod/reel setups were not new...5-10 years old....but there was some good stuff. Reels were all good...curado Bs, chronarch As, quantum accurist. Rods were decent: many BPS tourney, berkley lightning stick, etc, however some were really good ones...Falcon, St Croix. Many of the reels were left handed...I sold all those on craigslist. That purchase awoke the bait monkey in me BIG TIME...as I rooted thru keeping the stuff I wanted and selling the other stuff off on EBAY/craigslist and turning them over into new stuff. I still have many of the rods/reels from that transaction, and the money from those transactions have fueled most of the many baitcast combos I currently have.
Each of the tackle boxes had way over $100 in baits, themselves..and that stuff was mostly new. For example...there were 42 rattle traps in the tackle boxes. At least 20 poppers/spooks. 20-30 spinnerbaits. countless sinkers/hooks.
The guy knew what his stuff was worth, also. He was quite weathy, was in a hurry to move out of the house and into his new one. He was too busy and just didn't want to deal with it. He told me if I didn't take it he was going to leave it in the house for the next owner (who may or may not be a fisherman). I tried giving him more money, but he wouldn't take it.
J Francho reply :
If we're talking rods, My LTBC70MF "Teaser." That rod is so good at so many things, I have two. Reels, honestly, I like them all. The two TD-X 103HSDL I picked up used on eBay for like $40 a piece are two of my smoothest, and for pitching, there's no better reel. Having that button on top, in a left hand form factor really simplified my technique.
Pleiades reply :
A down-imaging depth finder. It removes all doubt about what is under the boat.
PABASS reply :
My first real eye opener
to Bass fishing was with a Rapala original jerkbait, I didn’t even
know what a jerk bait was at the time it just imated the minnows I used to
catch with my net. I caught 16 bass that day in an hour, they were
schooling in a beach area with sand and feeding on the minnows. It’s not my best gear or my favorite but it
is the one that made me fall in love with fishing so many years ago. Next would be my Shimano reels, I just can’t
find any better and I am left handed as well so that feed into it since not as
many companies made left handed bait casters.
tholmes reply :
The "most for my money" gear purchase I ever made was a Shimano Sonora spinning reel. i paid ~$30 for it several years ago, and it's still going strong.
Tom
Hanover_Yakker reply :
After a little more thought, the best bang for the buck for me in gear was actually three separate deals in the last 2 years......
1. St. Croix AVID casting 6'8 MXF - retail $179, mispriced at last year's Fishing Expo for $79
2. Shimano Curado 200DPV - used less than 5 times for $100
3. Shimano Calcutta 200B - used three times for $125
The smartest choice I made was switching to a Hobie kayak for hands free fishing.
Teal reply :
On 2/8/2013 at 10:09 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:After a little more thought, the best bang for the buck for me in gear was actually three separate deals in the last 2 years......
1. St. Croix AVID casting 6'8 MXF - retail $179, mispriced at last year's Fishing Expo for $79
2. Shimano Curado 200DPV - used less than 5 times for $100
3. Shimano Calcutta 200B - used three times for $125
The smartest choice I made was switching to a Hobie kayak for hands free fishing.
I can never find deals like that when I have the extra money.
The only exception is when i bought my boat. 1996 Javelin 400 TE 19'10" 200hp Johnson, meticulously garaged kept. I drove it once, liked it. The next day my wife stole the boat for 5000. The guy originally asked 7500.00. Besides gear, i guess that is our best purchase!
38 Super Fan reply :
About a dozen new Xcalibur Jimmys at around $6 a piece recently was a good buy for me....closest walking bait I've seen to a LC Sammy.
Goose52 reply :
On 2/8/2013 at 10:19 AM, Teal said:I can never find deals like that when I have the extra money.
The only exception is when i bought my boat. 1996 Javelin 400 TE 19'10" 200hp Johnson, meticulously garaged kept. I drove it once, liked it. The next day my wife stole the boat for 5000. The guy originally asked 7500.00. Besides gear, i guess that is our best purchase!
Wow! 
Bankbeater reply :
Curado E7 on a St. Croix rod. Love that rig.
endless reply :
I would say my wife's casting setup. Not my choices but she loved it and loves it. Abu Black Max, All Star pro series 6'10 MH-F. I was just excited watching her pick out her own gear for the first time and seeing how excited she was. It really makes my day! She wanted it for buzzbaits.
Jake Coucoules reply :
Id say my first casting setup because it allowed me to use new lures baits and lines and really inprove as an allaround angler instead of just a senko, drop shot, shakey head guy.
5fishlimit reply :
I'd have to say the best is the Daiwa Zillion I got this weekend at Bass Pro Shops for $170.
RyneB reply :
On 2/26/2013 at 12:26 AM, 5fishlimit said:I'd have to say the best is the Daiwa Zillion I got this weekend at Bass Pro Shops for $170.
say what. how did that happen?
5fishlimit reply :
On 2/26/2013 at 5:44 AM, RyneB said:say what. how did that happen?
The 100SHLA model was discounted to $199,and then I got $30 off for the reel trade in.
BrettD reply :
Costa 580g sunglasses followed very closely by the powerpole.
Felix77 reply :
This is going to sound really stupid but for me it was the $13 Shakespeare fishing setup I bought and caught my 1st bass on. I learned all the basics on that thing.
The reel is long gone. The rod stays in my trunk for those Bassin-Emergencies along with a new reel to compliment it.
21farms reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 8:38 AM, Goose52 said:I don't know how to answer. "Best" can mean: most expensive, most productive, most satisfying, most game-changing, etc.
I think for my answer I will use - a fishing product that continually exceeds my expectations and gives me pleaure every time I use it.
BPS Prolite Finesse BC reel - the last model (PRL05HC) - I have 3 - average price for the three = $57. I don't know what it is about these little reels...but every time I fish one, I smile...
the BPS prolite finesse was the poor man's daiwa sol. even though i had two sols, i also collected the prolites because they were just fun to fish with. i had one of each: the original PRL05H, the 2nd generation B model (PRL05HB), and the 3rd generation C model (PRL05HC) such as the one in your pic. the C model was by far the best of the bunch. too bad BPS went from the 05-size frame of the prolites to the 10-size for the carbonlite reels.
Capt.Bob reply :
I almost forgot about the day me and a pal got blew off Lake Erie one day early back about 15 years, it was April and the day was ended early and spring fever was on, so we decided to
stop at a Gander Mountain as we drove home. I was just looking not
intending to buy, when I saw this St. Croix Legend Elite in 6'6" mf
$320.00, told my buddy he should buy it, being a "THRIFTY GUY (tight
a$$) I Knew he wouldn't, and knows nothing about Quality Gear he just
said ya, RIGHT! But all the Croixs were together and mixed on the rack,
Premier, Avid, etc. He picked one up close and said why is this $69.99
It was a Legend Elite, marked 69.99, a 6'3" MXF spinning rod. I said it
had to be a second, it wasn't????? I went back and looked at every
Croix, all marked as expected, so I went back to their fly rods, there I
found all correct except one St. Croix 9' 2 piece Legend Ultra 7
weight, marked $69.99?????? I told my buddy when he was done looking I
was ready. That is when he said I ain't buyin nothing, this place is too
expensive for me??????? You gotta know Norm!! So we started for the
front of the store with both rods, that was when I remembered the sold
G. Loomis. So yep, I quickly checked every IMX and GLX they had. Sure
enough there was an IMX 6' L.F. marked--------you guessed it $69.99, off
to the cashier with all three. The lady at the desk asked iif those
were right, and I asked what do you mean, that was what they were marked
and if it wasn't get the manager. She rang him and he said if that is
what their marked ring em up, and I think this is the best and only day
buying any fishing gear, I got MORE than my moneys worth!!! It was one
day I was glad we got blew off the water! and truly proves the Lord
surely does move in mysterious ways!!
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Best reel '03 $70Pinnacle Deadbolt Classic still wokrs great and gets used often.
Rod my 8' ML Mod Avid Lightweight sensitive and an action that I like very much.
Darren. reply :
On 2/27/2013 at 3:28 AM, Capt.Bob said:I almost forgot about the day me and a pal got blew off Lake Erie one day early back about 15 years, it was April and the day was ended early and spring fever was on, so we decided to
stop at a Gander Mountain as we drove home. I was just looking not
intending to buy, when I saw this St. Croix Legend Elite in 6'6" mf
$320.00, told my buddy he should buy it, being a "THRIFTY GUY (tight
a$$) I Knew he wouldn't, and knows nothing about Quality Gear he just
said ya, RIGHT! But all the Croixs were together and mixed on the rack,
Premier, Avid, etc. He picked one up close and said why is this $69.99
It was a Legend Elite, marked 69.99, a 6'3" MXF spinning rod. I said it
had to be a second, it wasn't????? I went back and looked at every
Croix, all marked as expected, so I went back to their fly rods, there I
found all correct except one St. Croix 9' 2 piece Legend Ultra 7
weight, marked $69.99?????? I told my buddy when he was done looking I
was ready. That is when he said I ain't buyin nothing, this place is too
expensive for me??????? You gotta know Norm!! So we started for the
front of the store with both rods, that was when I remembered the sold
G. Loomis. So yep, I quickly checked every IMX and GLX they had. Sure
enough there was an IMX 6' L.F. marked--------you guessed it $69.99, off
to the cashier with all three. The lady at the desk asked iif those
were right, and I asked what do you mean, that was what they were marked
and if it wasn't get the manager. She rang him and he said if that is
what their marked ring em up, and I think this is the best and only day
buying any fishing gear, I got MORE than my moneys worth!!! It was one
day I was glad we got blew off the water! and truly proves the Lord
surely does move in mysterious ways!!
Man o man, would I love to have found a deal like that!!
Goose52 reply :
On 2/26/2013 at 6:21 AM, 21farms said:the BPS prolite finesse was the poor man's daiwa sol. even though i had two sols, i also collected the prolites because they were just fun to fish with. i had one of each: the original PRL05H, the 2nd generation B model (PRL05HB), and the 3rd generation C model (PRL05HC) such as the one in your pic. the C model was by far the best of the bunch. too bad BPS went from the 05-size frame of the prolites to the 10-size for the carbonlite reels.
The ProLites are indeed great reels. I now have quite a few higher-end reels that perform very well...but they SHOULD - they're expensive. The ProLite has features and performance at a level quite a bit above it's original price, and at my average price of $57, they are just incredible values. I fished one the other day - with a big smile.
Yes - too bad BPS isn't offering that 05 size in their mid-range reels. In fact, there really is a hole in the reel market for a reasonably priced "finesse" type BC reel having a line capacity of about 80-100yds of 10lb line, a light spool, and the ability to handle lighter baits. The current production reels that fit that bill are expensive, and that leaves people with looking for used Sols, Pixys, etc. Even used ProLites have gone up in price - especially the "C" models. I bought two of my ProLite C's used (but as new) - one for $30, one for $40.............can't get them for that any more! 
SoCalFisher reply :
I love my Phenix recon PHX-C682L and shimano curado 50e. I even plan to buy another recon.
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