Pq Baitcaster Negative Review.........operator Error???

[crankbait2009]

This is neither hore nor there.......but I was reading the reviews on BPS's website in regards to the PQ Baitcaster (there are about 570 of them). I am highly thinking about purchasing one of these, but while reading some of the negative reviews, I ran across a few that made me think. "This sounds more like operator error, and NOT the BC's fault". There are a lot of negative comments how this reel does not cast far. Maybe 20-30ft max. The users claim to adjust all settings on the reel and it won;t cast far at all. One person even claimed that he turned off all braking, and attached a 1/2oz weight to it and still couldn't cast past 30ft. That seemed odd to me. Also, since when is backlashing the reels fault? But here are a couple complaints I am quoting:

"Bought a couple of these reels. Had Open Face spin-casters on the reel prior. Using 14lb test, pole is 7 ft. I tried following the directions to set the internal brake and the Magnetic brake, but no matter what setting I've tried I can't get the reel to cast very far. When I do cast I have to stop the spool with my thumb as soon as the lure hits the water to keep the line from "bird nesting" on me. Very disapointed with the product. Bearing are very quiet and there is no backlash in the gears. Just wish it would cast a lot better than it does."

"I have not had a chance to fish with this reel yet, but I found that it was prone to backlash after I spooled it with 20 lb. braid and tried a few casts."

"I would have given this reel 5 stars, if I were the type of person who loved to pick out backlashes. However, I love to fish and find myself longing for the reels of yesteryear--the Ambassador 5000 and 4500 series reels. To be honest, I've only used this thing twice, but it is the most backlashing reel I've ever used. No matter how hard the cast, or how far or near, I can expect to pick out at least 20 yards of tangled line EVERY TIME I CAST. I'll kieep using it for the near term in the hopes that will somehow, break-in, but given its performance to date, I'm not terribly optomistic."

I could go on and on, but the complaints are all the same, for the most part. Either the reel backlashes, it doesn't cast far, or is NOT smooth.

[Goose52]

I have 6 PQs. All are smooth (for a $100 reel). They don't backlash with proper adjustments and reasonable skill by the angler. My primary PQ that gets the most use, usually 5/8oz lipless cranks (granted - about the farthest casting bait), will probably make 150 feet easy enough when I do my part and there's no headwind.

Of the comments you posted - I'd wonder about the skill and experience level of someone that calls a fishing ROD a pole. On the one about 20lb braid - there is often some additional skill required to successfully use braid on a BC reel - especially as light as 20lb. Lastly, I'm puzzled by the commentor that says he has mastered old-school Ambassadeur reels but can't handle a modern, dual-braking, BC reel.

I'd take some of the BPS reviews with a grain of salt. All you know for sure about the commentor is that they have a computer or other web-enabled device and know how to leave a comment....

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I have 6 PQs. All are smooth (for a $100 reel). They don't backlash with proper adjustments and reasonable skill by the angler. My primary PQ that gets the most use, usually 5/8oz lipless cranks (granted - about the farthest casting bait), will probably make 150 feet easy enough when I do my part and there's no headwind.

Of the comments you posted - I'd wonder about the skill and experience level of someone that calls a fishing ROD a pole. On the one about 20lb braid - there is often some additional skill required to successfully use braid on a BC reel - especially as light as 20lb. Lastly, I'm puzzled by the commentor that says he has mastered old-school Ambassadeur reels but can't handle a modern, dual-braking, BC reel.

I'd take some of the BPS reviews with a grain of salt. All you know for sure about the commentor is that they have a computer or other web-enabled device and know how to leave a comment....

I agree with goose. I have 2 of the actual pqs and then 5 other variations ( 2 carbonlites ,1 ltd, 1 tournament pq, and a rick clunn edition). The regular pqs are on my crank Bait rods and I was chunking square bills and medium divers 80-90 ft with ease. Probably could have gone more if it was needed.

[K_Mac]

I have 4 PQs. They are my primary reels. I find them to be very user friendly, and could not be happier with them. I have compared them to much higher priced reels, and for the money they compare very well. That is not to say that all are perfect, but my guess is the problems mentioned are more related to the user than the reel. BPS customer service is exceptional, and if a reel does not meet expectations they would certainly make it right. I would also guess most of the complaints are from the same people who have problems with reels by all manufacturers at every price range...

I find it interesting that with 570 reviews of this reel on the BPS site, the reel rates 4.8 of 5 stars. That is a 96% approval rating. I also don't put a lot of stock in the reviews, but I think with this high a number of responses and a rating this high, one gets the impression the reel is a quality product. It gets a 5 based on my experience.

[NBR]

I have many bait casters and I guarantee you I can backlash any of them when I pay no attention to what I am doing or when it has been a while since I was able to fish. The word with or without practice is operator error unless by some real mistake the reel is very poorly set up.

Let me see. I have Shimano's, Daiwa's, Quantum's Pflueger's and BPS' reels and the above applies to all of them.

[Dave P]

I can cast mine a hell of a long way. If my head's up my behind, I can make one hell of a birds nest, too! You will find idiots that can break an anvil with a glass hammer everywhere.

[tomustang]

I've read many reel reviews from all over the web about many different brands, the 'changed settings, only cast 20-30' line is the most common thing found in a negative review.

It is funny though, baitcasting isn't a like a spincaster, you need to learn how to use it well enough to not have problems, you would think a good set of instructions would come with every one.

[The Guy]

A lot of the time guys that don't have much experience with a baitcaster and are only getting those 20-30 foot casts are letting their thumb off the spool too late, sending the lure at a downward angle straight into the water. Or they could be taking their thumb off too early and sending it skyward.

[J Francho]

People that leave reviews are nut cases. I could sit all day and read them. Some are quite funny. Get your info from the good people here.

[LgMouthGambler]

No problemo with mine

[iceintheveins]

I have three PQs and they are awesome. I would say the old Curado is barely any better and is another 80 bucks. They cast far and preventing backlashes is pretty easy. You just have to set the spool tension right, and use the least amount of braking possible to prevent overruns. These reels are smooth too. I don't think a better baitcaster is made for under $150.

[Stasher1]

People that leave reviews are nut cases. I could sit all day and read them. Some are quite funny. Get your info from the good people here.

X2

My favorite ones are the folks that give a product a five-star rating, but go on to say "I just bought this XYZ today and won't get to use it for another three months because our lakes are frozen, but it's the best XYZ for the money."

Morons.

[Bluebasser86]

I had a PQ and two of my buddies have them and none of us like them. They seem to be a very finicky reel with their settings, at least the one I had was. I could cast the same bait 20 times with mine and it would work perfect, cast 21 it would blow up for no apparent reason. Both of my friends have the same problems. Other than that it was a good reel but more of a hassle and headache than I was willing to deal with.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

X2

My favorite ones are the folks that give a product a five-star rating, but go on to say "I just bought this XYZ today and won't get to use it for another three months because our lakes are frozen, but it's the best XYZ for the money."

Morons.

x3 I also read the reviews but strictly for entertainment and put zero stock in them. One the reviews quoted was by a guy disappointed that he had to stop the spool with his thumb. If that's the sign of a bad reel I've got one expensive junk collection.

[J Francho]

One the reviews quoted was by a guy disappointed that he had to stop the spool with his thumb.

What body part did he think he should use?

[roadwarrior]

Get your info from the good people here.

[Nice_Bass]

I have found folks with negative reactions tend to make the most noise- which is a shame, that when someone has had a pleasant experience they usually keep the noise level low.

[J Francho]

Those people generally start out noisier than most. Once identified, it's easy to tune them out.