Reel Talk (Pun Intended)

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

So I am ordering a new powell rod this week and I am now looking at reels to pair with it. I have an Abu Revo Premier on my medium duckett and absolutely love it! However, I don't want to buy the same reel for my powell because I want to try other options. Part of me wants to wait until september for the new revo's year I want to remain open to other reels. I have been fishing since I can remember, but a couple years ago I became serious about bass fishing. I want to hear your opinions on other reels/companies I should consider for less or the same amount of cash as a revo premier. What do you guys think? Should I just stick with abu or venture out?

[jerzeeD]

Stick with what you like and works for you. That said, you can have my Pfluegers when you pry them from my dead skeletal fingers.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

Stick with what you like and works for you. That said, you can have my Pfluegers when you pry them from my dead skeletal fingers.

What is it you like about Pflueger? What model(s) do you have? My problem is I know I like my abu garcia but it really is my first bait casting reel.. I like its size/palm-ability and it is easy to maintain. Its a very light and comfortable reel. I don't have a lot of problems with backlashes. It seems smooth to me but what can I compare that too? Nothing at this point.

[new2BC4bass]

You already have what some feel is the best reel in its price range. A reel that can do it all. I don't have the Premier, but do have a Patriarch XT, which is suppose to be very similar. Love it, and feel it is a great reel.

I personally don't agree that a person should stick to one brand of reel. I like trying different reels. The Lews Tournament Pro Speed Spool, Optimus XLT and Okuma Komodo are 3 reels you might want to consider.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

You already have what some feel is the best reel in its price range. A reel that can do it all. I don't have the Premier, but do have a Patriarch XT, which is suppose to be very similar. Love it, and feel it is a great reel.

I personally don't agree that a person should stick to one brand of reel. I like trying different reels. The Lews Tournament Pro Speed Spool, Optimus XLT and Okuma Komodo are 3 reels you might want to consider.

Thanks New2bc4bass. The consumer in me just wants to wait for the newest/latest revo. However, I have been looking at the Lews Tourney Pro particularly because of all the buzz on this forum about the reel company. A matte black reel with the purple and matte black powell endurance just might be a sexy little combo and that doesn't hurt

Edit: I agree that at least I shouldn't stick to one brand of reel considering I haven't tried anything but my revo so far.

[jerzeeD]

What is it you like about Pflueger? What model(s) do you have? My problem is I know I like my abu garcia but it really is my first bait casting reel.. I like its size/palm-ability and it is easy to maintain. Its a very light and comfortable reel. I don't have a lot of problems with backlashes. It seems smooth to me but what can I compare that too? Nothing at this point.

I use all spinning gear. What do I like about Pflueger? They make reliable, smooth reels at a price point where most others make poo. Look at the Trion. Good luck finding a 40 dollar spinning reel that feels and lasts the way it does from another reel manufacturer. The president is a KILLER reel for 60 bucks. My happiness with the cheaper models made it a no brainer when choosing a reel company when I decided to go with aluminum/magnesium bodied reels. My current line up is a 35 size Patriarch, a 35 size Supreme, A 30 and 35 size Medalist, a 35 size President xt, and I still have a 25 size Trion on my UL setup for brook trout. No problems with these or any one of my prior Pfluegers. I know the Shimano guys love their reels..... Rightfully so. They are a good manufacturer. But I feel more comfortable with my Pfluegers and feel you get alot of bang for the buck.

[j.bruno]

Id consider a Lews Tournament Pro Speed Spool or Shimano Chronarch 200e.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

I use all spinning gear. What do I like about Pflueger? They make reliable, smooth reels at a price point where most others make poo. Look at the Trion. Good luck finding a 40 dollar spinning reel that feels and lasts the way it does from another reel manufacturer. The president is a KILLER reel for 60 bucks. My happiness with the cheaper models made it a no brainer when choosing a reel company when I decided to go with aluminum/magnesium bodied reels. My current line up is a 35 size Patriarch, a 35 size Supreme, A 30 and 35 size Medalist, a 35 size President xt, and I still have a 25 size Trion on my UL setup for brook trout. No problems with these or any one of my prior Pfluegers. I know the Shimano guys love their reels..... Rightfully so. They are a good manufacturer. But I feel more comfortable with my Pfluegers and feel you get alot of bang for the buck.

Thanks Jerzeed. How do you feel the patriarch stands against reels like abu's premier or lews tourney pro. I believe all of these reels are in the $200 price range. Perhaps at that point it comes down to your confidence in the manufacturer and their warranty. I imagine the variables in what they offer in relation the the next reel are minute. I also heard Shimano no longer manufactures out of Japan or something along those lines and their quality has subsequently suffered. I still love my stradic spinning reel regardless.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

Id consider a Lews Tournament Pro Speed Spool or Shimano Chronarch 200e.

Im not going to try shimano, but I am totally intrigued by Lews. Have any of you had the opportunity to use both a Lews tournament pro and an abu garcia revo premier and have a little compare and contrast for me?

[jerzeeD]

Thanks Jerzeed. How do you feel the patriarch stands against reels like abu's premier or lews tourney pro. I believe all of these reels are in the $200 price range. Perhaps at that point it comes down to your confidence in the manufacturer and their warranty. I imagine the variables in what they offer in relation the the next reel are minute. I also heard Shimano no longer manufactures out of Japan or something along those lines and their quality has subsequently suffered. I still love my stradic spinning reel regardless.

The Patriarch is the only one of those made of Magnesium. It is light as a feather and stronger than a concrete sidewalk. I tried the Abu premier. It is a nice reel. But my Patriarch feels a bit smoother at the price point.

[j.bruno]

Im not going to try shimano, but I am totally intrigued by Lews. Have any of you had the opportunity to use both a Lews tournament pro and an abu garcia revo premier and have a little compare and contrast for me?

Never got to play with a Revo Premier. But i do have a Tournament Pro. Picked it up off the auction site for $50 less than retail. Great little reel. Doesn't hold as much line as the Premier though i do not believe. Same weight. Same type of braking system. The thing i like the most on my TP is the handle and knobs. Super smooth & quiet reeling also.

[LgMouthGambler]

Shimano Chronarch 50E, still made in Japan, still one of the best reels ever made.

[Rangerphil]

Im not going to try shimano, but I am totally intrigued by Lews. Have any of you had the opportunity to use both a Lews tournament pro and an abu garcia revo premier and have a little compare and contrast for me?

Just wondering why you are not going to try shimano?

[new2BC4bass]

Edit: I agree that at least I shouldn't stick to one brand of reel considering I haven't tried anything but my revo so far.

That is one reason for trying various reels. How do you know which make/model you will like the best if you don't try them all?

Actually it isn't necessary to try them all. Just all those that are highly recommended on sites such as this one. Still makes for quite a few.

EDIT: My problem is I like all my reels so far. Maybe if I could spend several days a week throughout the fishing season on the water fishing, I could develop a preference.

[smalljaw67]

If you want to take a chane, you may be able to pick up last years model Premier pretty cheap. They are all on sale now as a lot of anglers are waiting to get the new ones but once the new ones hit the shelves all the old models will end up at some incredibly low prices, I wouldn't be surprised to see them under $180.

[BASSclary]

They retail new for quite a bit, but the Zillion is the BEES KNEES. They are absolute tanks, and cast wonderfully. Plus, they are some VERY ergonomic reels.

You can find them on FleaBay for around ~$200

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

They retail new for quite a bit, but the Zillion is the BEES KNEES. They are absolute tanks, and cast wonderfully. Plus, they are some VERY ergonomic reels.

You can find them on FleaBay for around ~$200

I am going to look into them Clary. Thanks for your help here and with the powell rods. I am calling the company directly tomorrow and if I get the info im looking for ordering my whole set up!

If you want to take a chane, you may be able to pick up last years model Premier pretty cheap. They are all on sale now as a lot of anglers are waiting to get the new ones but once the new ones hit the shelves all the old models will end up at some incredibly low prices, I wouldn't be surprised to see them under $180.

I am aware of this, but I own last years abu premier. I want to try something else recommended on here. Thanks brotha!

Shimano Chronarch 50E, still made in Japan, still one of the best reels ever made.

I'm going to check it out right now. Thanks.

Just wondering why you are not going to try shimano?

I'm not entirely opposed to it. I just want to explore other companies. I love my shimano spinning reel.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

That is one reason for trying various reels. How do you know which make/model you will like the best if you don't try them all?

Actually it isn't necessary to try them all. Just all those that are highly recommended on sites such as this one. Still makes for quite a few.

EDIT: My problem is I like all my reels so far. Maybe if I could spend several days a week throughout the fishing season on the water fishing, I could develop a preference.

Totally agree. After some review reading, research, and comparison, I think I'm sold on Lews Tourney Pro. They are releasing new models like other companies in the fall but for 100 dollars less Im ok with their current model. I can get the tourney pro for 180, but do you guys think they might go on sale because of the new Lews reels that will drop in September? Maybe worth waiting a month or two?

[j.bruno]

Totally agree. After some review reading, research, and comparison, I think I'm sold on Lews Tourney Pro. They are releasing new models like other companies in the fall but for 100 dollars less Im ok with their current model. I can get the tourney pro for 180, but do you guys think they might go on sale because of the new Lews reels that will drop in September? Maybe worth waiting a month or two?

Go check out bay of the e. I am seeing buy it now $158 free ship. Brand new in box. From the same guy i got mine from

[Hi Salenity]

I sent that guy a message the other day and he said he'd sell me 2 of them for $150 each. FYI

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

So he's a dealer or just an owner? They are brand spankin' new?

[SirSnookalot]

Your opening post was at 2:30 and it appears as if you made a decision by 9:30, 7 hours without seeing, fondling or putting a reel on rod to see how it feels. The best knowledge for me has been thru my own mistakes, it's only a reel and it won't be your last. My personal track record regarding line management, quality of construction, durability, drag, and how well the reel operates 6 months later, guides me in future purchases, not to mention customer support.

I'ts pretty hard these days to get a really bad reel.

[new2BC4bass]

Member on here is selling 2 in excellent condition for $135. I bought one from a previous posting of his. Reel I purchased looked brand new far as I could tell other than being spooled with 15# Seige Camo.

http://www.bassresou...o-bait-casters/

Edit: Unfortunately SirSnookalot not all of us live in an area with stores that give us a chance to fondle rod or reel before purchasing. I've bought a few rods after handling them, but of my 25 new (or new to me) reels I got to handle zero before buying. I have to depend on guys such as yourself for recommendations. Often I've already researched, so it doesn't take much feedback from you guys to make a final decision. Especially since I usually already have my mind more than half made up.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Totally agree. After some review reading, research, and comparison, I think I'm sold on Lews Tourney Pro. They are releasing new models like other companies in the fall but for 100 dollars less Im ok with their current model. I can get the tourney pro for 180, but do you guys think they might go on sale because of the new Lews reels that will drop in September? Maybe worth waiting a month or two?

The Lew's and Revos are vitually the same design. You won't see much difference between the two. For a real comparison try a Daiwa or Shimano maybe even a Pinnacle.

[SirSnookalot]

Unfortunately SirSnookalot not all of us live in an area with stores that give us a chance to fondle rod or reel before purchasing.

Quite true ! Don't take my recommendations, my snoopy out fit is one of my favorites. All kidding aside, even before I go buy, I try and get a couple of weeks of home work in. I recently bought a reel sight unseen on line, something that I just don't do. I did very little research and bought strictly on stats, not that it's a bad reel, but it didn't pan out as well as I hoped. I made a mistake by being too hasty.