Pro Qualifier Vs. Other $100 Reels

[iceintheveins]

I have found IMO the pro qualifier to be the best baitcaster in it's price range, and nearly as good as the old curados. I have also heard good things about the Citica and the Caenan by Shimano.

What are your thoughts on this one? What are some other good reels that compare with or exceed the PQ for $150 or under?

[Dave P]

None.

[Kevinator1]

Lew's Speed Spool. Awesome reel.

[LgMouthGambler]

The PQ is good, but disposable.

[bassh8er]

I've got 4 PQs and won't buy a different product until they do me wrong.

[K_Mac]

I also have 4, a couple of which that have served me well for several years now. For my money they are are a very good value. At $80 on sale they are a steal IMO.

As far as disposable, are we really going to have that discussion again LMG? Goose52 has spent much time reporting his experience with the PQs and the availability of parts. DVT has said several times they are a decent value reel. They are no more disposable than any other reel in this class, and with proper care will last a long time. Best is a relative term that is completely subjective when it come to reels. To answer the posed question, I believe PQs are the best in class iceintheveins. I don't give a rip if anyone disagrees. It is just fishing.

[BASSclary]

The PQ is good, but disposable.

A shimano is just as disposable. I've had three Curado 50Es take a dump on me, all with a different issue.

The only reason I keep buying them is I found a local place to get the E's for cheap.

[Capt.Bob]

Lew's Speed Spool, Lew's Tournament MG, Lew's Tournament, all from $79.99 to $119.99 heck you can find the Tournament Pro for $149.99, The first year it might a been hype, these are serious reels for serious hard core fishin. I'm over wondering, they are, I think, gettin better the more I use em. Each there own but there all available cheaper than their retail.

[Mike L]

Well I have a PQ that I really like.

But I like my Revo S even better.

Mike

[craww]

_{Had an issue from the initial model I purchased, but the Johnny Morris Carbonlite has grown on me overtime. Love the lightweight and it handles light baits pretty good. Now that I own a few sub 6oz reels, my 8+oz revo and PQ feel like a brick. As someone whos spent a TON of hours workin big topwater type baits over the years those 2-3 ozs are important to me.}

[Jake P]

I have used reels from 40$-130$ and have had only 1 issue with 1 reel and that was a BPS Nitro Z reel. Abu Garcia Revo S is easily my favorite in that price range though. As far as a budget reel under 100$ the Abu Garcia Pro max is just plain awesome. The PQ is nice and a favorite of just about everyone and for good reason. Like previously mentioned, if you can find it on sale for 80$ its a steal.

[iabass8]

There are quite a few reels in the 150$ range i would choose over a PQ. In tthe 80$ range though, the PQ for sure.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There is nothing wrong with the PQ, especially on sale which is frequent. Parts are readily available and sometimes upgradeable by swapping out Revo parts. They are by no mean what I would classify as a "throw away" reel. The Citica is also a very good value reel. The Caenan and down not so much. The Lew's design amd machining in very "Revo/Pfluegerish" as is the PQ. For a sub $100 reel no need to look much further than the PQ or clearance Revo S and Citica's.

[shootermcbob]

I have fished with both the pro qualifiers in several different gear ratios, the gold colored carbonlite, and the shimano citica. I think the main difference is the braking system and how they feel in your hand. I prefer the shimano braking system and the shimano E series citica/curado reels feel better in MY hand.

The PQ is a fantastic reel and I have no complaints regarding the many I have owned...same goes for the carbonlite.

All good reels, on the same level IMO. Go with what feels best to YOU.