Reel Talk (Pun Intended)

[roadwarrior]

Well, if you don't want to try Shimano, take a look at this Pinnacle:

Optimus XLT http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/p-78-optimus-xlt.aspx#page=page-1

[new2BC4bass]

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.

I read your post about that purchase. Sorry that it didn't work out well for you. I simply don't get to fish nearly enough to get a feeling for what I like the best. The 51E goes out with me every time for light baits as I haven't taken the necessary time with the Sol to become good with it using lighter baits. Otherwise I usually do not use the same 2 reels in a row in an effort to use all my gear. Of course new (or new-to-me) reels do get taken out consecutively...such as my new-to-me Lews Tournament Pro. But then after a few times I'll feel guilty, and take out something different.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

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.

This is great advice. However, this forum alone is not the only outlet for my research. Like new2BC4bass said, "not all of us have access to stores where we can handle great products." We especially don't have access to certain products I am interested in using. We do however has access to the internet and within a matter of minutes I can view every product review, forum, article, and product specification. Although that can be more overwhelming then handling the product itself, if you can weed through the bias and bs it's very helpful to making an educated decision/purchase. Like you said anyways, "It's pretty hard these days to get a really bad reel." I certainly have not purchased a reel yet.. I always sleep on it and continue to read, read, read.

Well, if you don't want to try Shimano, take a look at this Pinnacle:

Optimus XLT http://www.pinnaclef...spx#page=page-1

Actually right now I'm still deciding between the Lews and the Shimano Chronarch 200e. They are a couple of the few companies I can get a left handed model from.

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.

I noticed this immediately and its probably why I'm drawn towards the reel, haha. Like I said I'm open to the idea of a chronarch or even a curado.. I've not come to a decision yet. Daiwa just seems too far out of my price range for whats available to me and what I want.

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.

Thanks boss.

[LgMouthGambler]

Daiwa is so so. Just to get a good reel from them you have to spend almost $300. If I were you I would stick to Shimano, Abu, or (even as much as it hurts to say this) Lews.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Daiwa is so so. Just to get a good reel from them you have to spend almost $300. If I were you I would stick to Shimano, Abu, or (even as much as it hurts to say this) Lews.

Daiwa tends to pricey when comparing apples to apples but they might be seing the light on this with the new Lexa line. The price point is in the Curado territory and it looks good on paper.

[BassinLou]

Ipeeinmywetsuit looks like you have work cut for you. Here is my 2 cents worth. I recently purchased a Lews Tournament MG. I went MG because I am used to magnetic braking reels. My abu Sx handles the same way, great reel. This new Lews reel handled great as well.If I am not mistaken they also carry this model left handed. I personally think its great your branching out and experiencing different reels. I do the same thing. That is what led me to the Lews reel. I also have Abu's, Shimano's and Quantums. They have all treated me well and I have caught a lot of nice fish on each of these reels. Continue doing your homework and you will end up with reel that will suit you.

[LgMouthGambler]

Nothing can compare to Shimano in my eyes, but thats just me. Mike I know you see them all, honestly, what do you think is the best reel to have as far as maint. and dependability?

[rangerjockey]

After so many years of fishing shimano it's hard for me to change, I tried the lews twice and just don't care for them. under $200 I would either find a curado e or the new chronarch e , I have both and they are solid. I just got a zillion and I'am very impressed smooth and a great caster. I would buy another without question.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Nothing can compare to Shimano in my eyes, but thats just me. Mike I know you see them all, honestly, what do you think is the best reel to have as far as maint. and dependability?

Each lineup has their quirks. Shimano's Curado/Citica/Chronarch design is probably the most simple yet effective. An argument could be made for Daiwa too. The ABU/Lews/BPS/Pflueger design uses plastic yoke posts and no pinion bearing.These are small details and unnoticeable for the most part. Past generations had some levelwind and clutch kick lever issues. Quantum is a head scratcher with some good design features but poor QC.

[JShe8918]

I too just recently was forced to decide on a new reel, and i was torn between the Tourny pro, the gen II abu premier, or waiting for the gen III premier. I have only owned Abu Garcia and wanted to venture out to test the waters of a new brand of reel. After lots of reading and playing with the reels I purchased a Lew's tourny pro. As a matter of fact from the same seller that ya'll were talking about on the "bay" for 158 with free shipping. Purchased it Saturday and it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow or Thursday! I talked to them on the phone first and they seem extremely nice and to answer your question. They are an actual sporting good store located in Alabama. I would try and see if some of the sponsors on here will price match though. Nothing like supporting was seems to be a great forum!

[Fishwhittler]

Each lineup has their quirks. Shimano's Curado/Citica/Chronarch design is probably the most simple yet effective. An argument could be made for Daiwa too. The ABU/Lews/BPS/Pflueger design uses plastic yoke posts and no pinion bearing.These are small details and unnoticeable for the most part. Past generations had some levelwind and clutch kick lever issues. Quantum is a head scratcher with some good design features but poor QC.

What about Pinnacle?

[new2BC4bass]

What about Pinnacle?

X2 Would like to know that myself.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Pinnacle has really stepped it up with their higher end tournament class Optimus and Performa etc. These are relatively new offerings so I think the jury is still out to some degree especially on longevity. The ones I've handled may not be quite as refined as Shimano or Daiwa for example but definetely are not what I would call inferior by any means.

[Fishwhittler]

Pinnacle has really stepped it up with their higher end tournament class Optimus and Performa etc. These are relatively new offerings so I think the jury is still out to some degree especially on longevity. The ones I've handled may not be quite as refined as Shimano or Daiwa for example but definetely are not what I would call inferior by any means.

Thanks for the response!

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

Sorry for the hiatus sirs. I was on a little three day fishing/camping trip.

I too just recently was forced to decide on a new reel, and i was torn between the Tourny pro, the gen II abu premier, or waiting for the gen III premier. I have only owned Abu Garcia and wanted to venture out to test the waters of a new brand of reel. After lots of reading and playing with the reels I purchased a Lew's tourny pro. As a matter of fact from the same seller that ya'll were talking about on the "bay" for 158 with free shipping. Purchased it Saturday and it is scheduled to arrive tomorrow or Thursday! I talked to them on the phone first and they seem extremely nice and to answer your question. They are an actual sporting good store located in Alabama. I would try and see if some of the sponsors on here will price match though. Nothing like supporting was seems to be a great forum!

I was exactly where you were at deciding between a new reel company or the gen3 abu premier. Let us know how you like the new reel though!

Nothing can compare to Shimano in my eyes, but thats just me. Mike I know you see them all, honestly, what do you think is the best reel to have as far as maint. and dependability?

I handled a couple chronarchs and curados on Monday. I did enjoy their simplicity but the feel of the aluminum/graphite combo they have on the reels kind of "felt cheap" to me. They are slightly heavier than my abu and it seemed they were a little stiffer and rigid when I was cranking them but it could have just been the floor models I was checking out. I can't stand that green on the curado but overall I liked how they fit in my hand and my girlfriend really liked the chronarch's aesthetics as well. I do feel more.comfortable with a smaller reel. I've grown accustomed to the size of my Abu and I have shorter wider fingers.

Each lineup has their quirks. Shimano's Curado/Citica/Chronarch design is probably the most simple yet effective. An argument could be made for Daiwa too. The ABU/Lews/BPS/Pflueger design uses plastic yoke posts and no pinion bearing.These are small details and unnoticeable for the most part. Past generations had some levelwind and clutch kick lever issues. Quantum is a head scratcher with some good design features but poor QC.

Those were some of the first things I noticed about Shimano vs Abu/Lews. I do know the other reel companies offer higher performance numbers and more features to compete. However, simpler has usually been something thats better in my experiences. Thanks for the helpful info!

I have to tell you gentlemen that after doing some more light reading & research and listening to you on here I made my decision today. I'm not quite ready to dissapoint some of you while making others happy. I will tell you that it was between Lews and Shimano entirely in the end and I will be purchasing the one that was not decided upon for my next bait casting setup. I still want to talk reels with you all because it's been informative. I was able to really narrow down all of the options I was considering at the beggining with your guys direction and help. Thank you all!

[JShe8918]

Congratulations on coming to a decision! I can't wait to hear which one you chose!!!

[BassinLou]

I am sure you chose wisely, let us know what u got.

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

So yesterday I ordered a Lews Tournament Pro in their left handed model. That silly little Lews sticker came right off like I had read about. Luckily there is not a recessed spot on the reel for it so it will remain in the box. The deciding factors really came down to weight and size of the reel. If it fit in my hands and felt as light as my abu I knew I would be more comfortable handling it. The third factor was definitely price. I was able to get my Lews TP for 153 dollars from tackle warehouse thanks to their low price match guarantee. Got the reel in this afternoon and spooled it with 12# Yozuri Hybrid and put it on my new Powell Endurance 723C rod. So far I love the way it balances and the Lews TP is slightly slimmer/smaller than my Premier as expected. I was going to go to a golf course for a night session but today was a long one so I'm waking early tomorrow to hit my local pond. Thanks for your help everyone!

[BassinLou]

Congrats on your new purchase. Enjoy your new toy.

[j.bruno]

The sticker came off? I dont think there is a sticker on mine. Theres a logo but i didnt think it was a sticker

[ipeeinmywetsuit]

The sticker came off? I dont think there is a sticker on mine. Theres a logo but i didnt think it was a sticker

Yeah its the Lew logo.. stuck on with some cheap glue. It looks better w/o it though. I took it out this morning to a little pond and fished from shore. Theres only a couple shore spots that get a lot of pressure so it can be tough at times there but I set the hook on one and the drag wasn't high enough before I could reel up the slack and set the hook again with the drag set higher he jumped and spit the hook out hahah. So far I'm loving it though. The reels smooth and I was able to cast clear across the lake from my spot into the thick stuff.