baitcast reels 2025
booyahfish reply :
best recomendations for high end baitcast reels?
OHIO reply :
That's a little vague...
What's your idea of high end?
booyahfish reply :
have tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??
grimlin reply :
If I had the money to blow.It would be a Daiwa steez.
OHIO reply :
Quotehave tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??
Probably is something better, but my Pro Qualifiers work just fine for me.
tnbassfisher reply :
For the money, you nearly can't beat a Shimano Citica.
TBendBassin reply :
My favorite high end reels are the Shimano core series.. i promise you WON'T be disappointed and by some impossible reason you dont like it ill gladly take it off your hands 
Nibbles reply :
Tell us what qualities you would want in your ideal reel and we will be able to help you more.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
How's this for high end??
http://www.thehookuptackle.com/product-details.php?Category=Japan%20Tackle&Manufacturer=Megabass&Product=IS73%20Competition%20Baitcasting%20Reel
jeb2 reply :
Current baitcasters in my boat are:
Calais 200 DC
Core 50MG7
Curado 200E7
2010 Revo Premier (4)
2010 Revo SX
Daiwa Steez 103HA
BPS Johnny Morris Gold
The 2010 Premier's are the standouts. Smooth as glass in every way, super strong drag, extremely versatile and easy to dial in for any conditions or lures. They are an ounce heavier than my core or steez, but I personally don't notice it while fishing. And they do show boat rash a little quicker than some. These are a much different reel than the older versions, which did not get the stellar reviews of these 2010, 10 bearing models.
The Calais is 2nd, and 1st when it comes to casting distance in any condtions. The only reason it's not #1 is it's very heavy and it's not as smooth when retrieving big cranks or big fish. Price is quite high, too. I did catch a 15lb striper with it the other day while fishing for black bass, and it did a great job. But you could hear it working, although the drag was very smooth and very adequate for the job. I caught a 19lber last winter on one of my Premier's and it was unreal how smooth and quiet it was. It blows me away that Shimano has not come out with a lighter version of the Calais with the full DC system it has yet.
The Steez, quite honestly, is at the bottom of the list. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but what a fussy reel. Forget about fishing it on a windy day. It's getting customized right now by a reputable tuner, so hopefully that will bring it around, but it's very, very disappointing, especially at its price point.
The rest are all nice reels, but nothing special. Core is okay, small and light like the Steez, but much less fussy. Does not like small lures when loaded with #12 flouro. I understand it's a much better small bait reel with mono on it.
grimlin reply :
QuoteCurrent baitcasters in my boat are:Calais 200 DC
Core 50MG7
Curado 200E7
2010 Revo Premier (4)
2010 Revo SX
Daiwa Steez 103HA
BPS Johnny Morris Gold
The 2010 Premier's are the standouts. Smooth as glass in every way, super strong drag, extremely versatile and easy to dial in for any conditions or lures. They are an ounce heavier than my core or steez, but I personally don't notice it while fishing. And they do show boat rash a little quicker than some. These are a much different reel than the older versions, which did not get the stellar reviews of these 2010, 10 bearing models.
The Calais is 2nd, and 1st when it comes to casting distance in any condtions. The only reason it's not #1 is it's very heavy and it's not as smooth when retrieving big cranks or big fish. Price is quite high, too. I did catch a 15lb striper with it the other day while fishing for black bass, and it did a great job. But you could hear it working, although the drag was very smooth and very adequate for the job. I caught a 19lber last winter on one of my Premier's and it was unreal how smooth and quiet it was. It blows me away that Shimano has not come out with a lighter version of the Calais with the full DC system it has yet.
The Steez, quite honestly, is at the bottom of the list. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but what a fussy reel. Forget about fishing it on a windy day. It's getting customized right now by a reputable tuner, so hopefully that will bring it around, but it's very, very disappointing, especially at its price point.
The rest are all nice reels, but nothing special. Core is okay, small and light like the Steez, but much less fussy. Does not like small lures when loaded with #12 flouro. I understand it's a much better small bait reel with mono on it.
He already stated Premiers are garbage...he doesn't like them. It boggles me how much of a nice review you gave it yet so hated by him.
I find it quite hard that the steez can be at the bottom of your list.Then again I never fished one.I think I need to pay a visit to steezy down in Texas...LOL
Nibbles reply :
There's a pretty big difference between the 09 and '10 Premiers. Same with the Revo STX's.
roadwarrior reply :
Based solely on the reels I own:
#1 Core 50MG
#2 Calais
#3 CTE100GT or (2) CTE200GT
#4 CH50MG
#5 Core 100MG
#6 Curado 200E7
#7 Scorpion 1000
#8 Chronach
#9 Metanium
#10 STX
Spinning
Stella 2500FE
Stella 2500FD
Stella 1000FA
Symetre 500
Sustain 2500
I suggest having all your reels serviced right out
of the box and annually thereafter. Supertuning
can significantly impact performance as well.
Also note, gross weight means very little, the key
is balance.
8-)
ww2farmer reply :
Quotehave tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??
: :
fenderville reply :
QuoteFor the money, you nearly can't beat a Shimano Citica.
+1
bilgerat reply :
Quotehave tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??
It almost seems you are basing a purchase solely on price without regard to anything else. Makes no sense to me at all.
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
If I could build and arsenal from the reels that I have, it would be full of Alphas/Sols, Curado 50s, a few e7s and e5s, and probably a few Zillions.
Nibbles reply :
You would take Zillions over TD-Z's?
BASSclary reply :
QuoteYou would take Zillions over TD-Z's?
Wait.... I thought TD-Z was just short for Team Daiwa Zillion.
skunked_again reply :
you could hire someone to cast for you, then you could do the retrieve.....
skunked_again reply :
QuoteYou would take Zillions over TD-Z's?
does weight matter? its a push for me.
Nibbles reply :
QuoteQuoteYou would take Zillions over TD-Z's?does weight matter? its a push for me.
Well, if you shop around you can essentially get TD-Z's for about the same as a new zillion, if not cheaper sometimes. If I had to choose between a TD-Z and Zillion for the same price, I'd choose the TD-Z simply because it's lighter, smoother and casts just as well as the Zillion as both will have Magforce Z.
Nibbles reply :
QuoteQuoteYou would take Zillions over TD-Z's?Wait.... I thought TD-Z was just short for Team Daiwa Zillion.
TD-Z's are Team Daiwa Z's. They were for the most part JDM-only reels, although I think the TD-Z 100M made it to the US. They're the precursor to the Zillion. A lot of people, myself included, still like them more than the Zillion because they are lighter and have a higher bearing count than the Zillion.
Go on ebay and type in "Daiwa TD Z" and see what comes up.
J Francho reply :
I'd take a Zil over the Z. Aluminum frame is a must have for me. If I want a lighter reel, I'll go with my Alphas/Sols.
Nibbles reply :
Why? Is it because you occasionally fish brackish waters or is there something else about aluminum frames that I'm missing?
J Francho reply :
Just a durability thing for me. Although, I will break from that, I do own a CI4. Also, the TD-Z and the Zil aren't exactly ultra lo-pro. I prefer the Alphas profile. Just fits better fishing all day.
Nibbles reply :
I hear ya about the Alphas thing - I'm addicted to those reels! They seem to multiply in my closet like rabbits, although I wish they didn't hit my pocketbook so hard.
My most recent Alphas though, wow, it was a heck of a deal. I managed to trade my Sol outright for an Alphas R. Crazy huh?
J Francho reply :
Probably had the cork knobs scavenged off it......
Nibbles reply :
Yeah - in fact the guy replaced the whole original CF swept handle. But it's cool because he replaced it with a 90mm bassart CF handle with aluminum knobs.
Still, for a Sol, I feel like I got the better end of the deal by quite a bit.
northern basser reply :
Out of reels I've owned;
1) shimano core50mg7
2) pflueger patriarch xt
3) shimano chronarch 50mg
4) shimano curado 200e7
5) shimano citica 200e
6) abu garcia revo sx
I just purchased a 2011 revo premier 7 to 1 thats coming soon. Also, I haven't used any diawa bc's yet.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteCurrent baitcasters in my boat are:Calais 200 DC
Core 50MG7
Curado 200E7
2010 Revo Premier (4)
2010 Revo SX
Daiwa Steez 103HA
BPS Johnny Morris Gold
The 2010 Premier's are the standouts. Smooth as glass in every way, super strong drag, extremely versatile and easy to dial in for any conditions or lures. They are an ounce heavier than my core or steez, but I personally don't notice it while fishing. And they do show boat rash a little quicker than some. These are a much different reel than the older versions, which did not get the stellar reviews of these 2010, 10 bearing models.
The Calais is 2nd, and 1st when it comes to casting distance in any condtions. The only reason it's not #1 is it's very heavy and it's not as smooth when retrieving big cranks or big fish. Price is quite high, too. I did catch a 15lb striper with it the other day while fishing for black bass, and it did a great job. But you could hear it working, although the drag was very smooth and very adequate for the job. I caught a 19lber last winter on one of my Premier's and it was unreal how smooth and quiet it was. It blows me away that Shimano has not come out with a lighter version of the Calais with the full DC system it has yet.
The Steez, quite honestly, is at the bottom of the list. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but what a fussy reel. Forget about fishing it on a windy day. It's getting customized right now by a reputable tuner, so hopefully that will bring it around, but it's very, very disappointing, especially at its price point.
The rest are all nice reels, but nothing special. Core is okay, small and light like the Steez, but much less fussy. Does not like small lures when loaded with #12 flouro. I understand it's a much better small bait reel with mono on it.
He already stated Premiers are garbage...he doesn't like them. It boggles me how much of a nice review you gave it yet so hated by him.
I find it quite hard that the steez can be at the bottom of your list.Then again I never fished one.I think I need to pay a visit to steezy down in Texas...LOL
its possible he was just listing the reels and not ranking them.
flippin and pitchin reply :
Interesting. Look at the mix of brands guys have. I have owned reels under 8 different brand names and only found one that was a true dissappointment and soured me on that brand. There are so many reels today that are all outstanding performers. There is no BEST, just what might be better for you. It's great to be " dialed in " with your gear but you can only decide what meets your expectations.
Sam reply :
Shimano!
bwell reply :
QuoteQuotehave tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??:
I'll take that revo off your hands if you dont like it!
SeanW reply :
QuoteCurrent baitcasters in my boat are:Calais 200 DC
Core 50MG7
Curado 200E7
2010 Revo Premier (4)
2010 Revo SX
Daiwa Steez 103HA
BPS Johnny Morris Gold
The 2010 Premier's are the standouts. Smooth as glass in every way, super strong drag, extremely versatile and easy to dial in for any conditions or lures. They are an ounce heavier than my core or steez, but I personally don't notice it while fishing. And they do show boat rash a little quicker than some. These are a much different reel than the older versions, which did not get the stellar reviews of these 2010, 10 bearing models.
The Calais is 2nd, and 1st when it comes to casting distance in any condtions. The only reason it's not #1 is it's very heavy and it's not as smooth when retrieving big cranks or big fish. Price is quite high, too. I did catch a 15lb striper with it the other day while fishing for black bass, and it did a great job. But you could hear it working, although the drag was very smooth and very adequate for the job. I caught a 19lber last winter on one of my Premier's and it was unreal how smooth and quiet it was. It blows me away that Shimano has not come out with a lighter version of the Calais with the full DC system it has yet.
The Steez, quite honestly, is at the bottom of the list. I've only had it a couple of weeks, but what a fussy reel. Forget about fishing it on a windy day. It's getting customized right now by a reputable tuner, so hopefully that will bring it around, but it's very, very disappointing, especially at its price point.
The rest are all nice reels, but nothing special. Core is okay, small and light like the Steez, but much less fussy. Does not like small lures when loaded with #12 flouro. I understand it's a much better small bait reel with mono on it.
Interesting thing about the Steez, well and a few others. I stopped by the local tackle shop today, I have a friend there. His main job is commercial fishing, rod and reel type. We got to talking about reels, and he whispered that the Steez is not a good quality reel. He takes all the reels apart and checks out the design and quality of parts inside, then said it is a problem reel. Ive not fished em, and would never buy one as Im not into spending that for a reel. He is a Diawa guy by the way, and he said that the Zillion is a much better reel.
flippin and pitchin reply :
Quotehave tried revo premiers... that was a waist of money, have tried curados.. better..but still looking for something more.. have been using the new lews speed spools and have been quite a bit better with the tournament pro versions for $180 but is there still something better? most likeley $200 and up??
Looks like you can move up to the Lews Team model at 249.99.
baluga reply :
CTE 100 DC - this one is a piece of art.
Core 100 - light weight, cast far and smooth drag.
Calais 200 - cast far and super smooth, smoother than cte 100 DC.
Shimano all the way..
jeb2 reply :
QuoteInteresting thing about the Steez, well and a few others. I stopped by the local tackle shop today, I have a friend there. His main job is commercial fishing, rod and reel type. We got to talking about reels, and he whispered that the Steez is not a good quality reel. He takes all the reels apart and checks out the design and quality of parts inside, then said it is a problem reel. Ive not fished em, and would never buy one as Im not into spending that for a reel. He is a Diawa guy by the way, and he said that the Zillion is a much better reel.
Yeah, I didn't do my research well enough on this one, it seems. Seemed like a lot of folks swore by it, so I popped it onto the Xmas list along with a Stella. Wife got me both of them. So hard to take it back, you know? But there does seem to be a bit of the "emporer has no clothes" with the Steez, at least in the 103 version for a casting reel. I'm also buying a 100 spool for it, which has a different mag system on it. Supposedly, that will help a lot for making it behave in all conditions. Going to be one very expensive reel by the time I get it setup, and really for no good reason that I can see at this point. My core is lighter and just as small, but much better behaved out of the box. Steez has a weak drag too, but I knew that before I put it on the list.
At this point, I just don't get the hype over the Steez.
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