What To Look For In A Baitcast Reel

[hooah212002]

This weekend I will be buying a baitcast rod/reel combo. I want one, but can only justify (to my wife) spending under $50. The whole magnetic drag/braking system seems new to me because when I had my baitcast reels before, that was either only on high end ones or non-existant. I have found what look to be like some excellent buys at Walmart that are combos for $40, but the three Walmarts I frequent each have different ones. There is also a Dicks nearby that has a couple. Yes, this one will be a cheap-o for now, but I intend on getting better rigs as bills get paid and whatnot. Besides, with proper care and maintenance, it shouldn't matter much since I only fish on the weekends.

I am unsure what qualities I should be looking for in making this purchase.

[zachb34]

Abu Garcia black max or silver max

[BASSclary]

I dont want to be a Debbie Downer here, but unless you can spend 90-100 bucks for a combo, your gonna have trouble with it, and will probably sour your tastes of it. I would wait until you can afford a decent one.

[rockchalk06]

Do you have a Bass Pro near you? They have a mega cast combo for like 40 bucks. I would rather buy it than one at Walmart.

Go on Bass Pros website and look at the Tourney Special LTD combo. I love it. Honestly one of my favorite combos. 59.99 on sale.

[hooah212002]

Do you have a Bass Pro near you? They have a mega cast combo for like 40 bucks. I would rather buy it than one at Walmart.

Go on Bass Pros website and look at the Tourney Special LTD combo. I love it. Honestly one of my favorite combos. 59.99 on sale.

Unfortunately, no. I do have a Gander Mountain though within somewhat reasonable distance, but it's not close enough that I could go on a regular basis. it would have to be a special trip.

Moreover, like I said in my OP: I am wondering what it is that makes the $150 reel better than the $40 one. Is it purely down to better manufacturing or QC? Is there something I can look for while shopping that would help in the decision making process other than "a lot of people say this one is good"?

[hooah212002]

I dont want to be a Debbie Downer here, but unless you can spend 90-100 bucks for a combo, your gonna have trouble with it, and will probably sour your tastes of it. I would wait until you can afford a decent one.

Yea, I get that. My first baitcaster was an extreme cheapo and was the worst fishing reel I ever owned. I got to the point where I didn't even bother using it. Then I got a combo that was just slightly better, slightly more expensive and got pretty good with it. I severely reduce my backlashes and almost never had one that necessitated a line cut.

That said, I need a new rod/reel and I want that to be a baitcaster. I can't see any time soon being able to drop $100 on a reel. Not that I can't afford it, but I can't justify that amount of money on one thing when the wife is complaining about needing a new vacuum.

[hooah212002]

Abu Garcia black max or silver max

This is one that I've seen that has caught my eye.

[moguy1973]

Moreover, like I said in my OP: I am wondering what it is that makes the $150 reel better than the $40 one. Is it purely down to better manufacturing or QC? Is there something I can look for while shopping that would help in the decision making process other than "a lot of people say this one is good"?

More bearings= smoother reeling and casting.

Lighter weight= easier to use for longer periods of time

Better braking systems= less hassle with birds nests

Metal housings= better and longer lasting quality

As with all reels you get what you pay for for the most part.

[Arv]

More bearings= smoother reeling and casting.

Lighter weight= easier to use for longer periods of time

Better braking systems= less hassle with birds nests

Metal housings= better and longer lasting quality

As with all reels you get what you pay for for the most part.

x2

This is a pretty good breakdown of what goes in to a casting reel. It probably has some information that will be helpful and some you won't need but is still good to know anyways.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&mode=article&objectID=31583

Also check out ebay. I know some people don't feel comfortable messing with it but you can find some killer deals on there that might be a little better than what you can find in the store

[hooah212002]

Thanks Arv. That is pretty much exactly what I was looking for, but it didn't turn up in any search results (google or otherwise) that I ran.

[Capt.Bob]

I wouldn't buy a reel alone that cost $40.00, you would be better off investing that $40.00 in toilet paper. I am being serious, if you went this route before and understand you said it was the worste reel you ever owned, why would you tink today the same money buy's a better reel???? Wait till you can spend more, and get a Zebco 33 to get you by till then. It will probably cast better with as good a drag.

[hooah212002]

why would you tink today the same money buy's a better reel????

Because technology advances. I had these rigs over ten years ago, probably purchased closer to 15 years ago. The first baitcaster I owned was the worst, but that was something like $25 for the combo. Now, I can get a $40 combo wherein the reel has some sort of braking system, something neither baitcast reel I owned had.

The reels I have seen don't look that bad and appear to be of decent quality. This is why I asked and posted this thread: because I want to know what to look for other than price tag.

[hooah212002]

Hooah212002. There is a Bass Pro Shop in Gurnee IL. I noticed that you are from Delvan WI so it is about a hour drive. If you order this and ship to store;

http://www.basspro.c...10823344/481602

Shipping is free. Like I said above I just got this and it is silky smooth reel and the rod is not to bad. You can read my review about it on BPS. Good luck

Dang, the 7 footer is out of stock.

[MT2]

Ive seen and been on both sides of this coin. Even to the point of I know I should save and get something better, but the bottom line is I want it now. Id strongly suggest a Black Max Combo if buying from Wal Mart, but thats $70. Main thing Id look for is brass gears, you dont want plastic. Your drag is what will land that fish, and plastic can bust under intense pressure.

[MT2]

I tell you what I got a Quantum Energy e600PT, its rough looking, paint chipping, boat rash whole 9 yards, $15 tyd. PM if your interested.

[Capt.Bob]

I tell you what I got a Quantum Energy e600PT, its rough looking, paint chipping, boat rash whole 9 yards, $15 tyd. PM if your interested.

This is a great gesture, it's a lot better than anything your gonna get for 50 or 60 bucks new! I would jump on this before he changes his mind.

[hooah212002]

Thanks for all the help guys. Especially MT2 for the great offer. This really is a great community. Glad I found it.

[tholmes]

Abu Garcia black max or silver max

Black Max at $49.99 at Wally World.

Pair it with a Berkley Lightning Rod ($40-ish) and you'll have a very serviceable combo that comes in at less than $100.

Tom

[hooah212002]

Pair it with a Berkley Lightning Rod ($40-ish) and you'll have a very serviceable combo that comes in at less than $100.

Tom

Those look to be VERY nice rods. MT2 gave me a killer deal so it will leave me money to most likely get one.

[5dollarsplash]

If you have a store that carries Abu around you (I found mine at ACE homecenter), the silver max is a great reel. I'm not a connoisseur of baitcasters, but I do love mine. I paired it with a Berkley AMP that I got for $15 and its a slick affordable combo. Total damage around $65.

[ajwhite765]

buy that energy immediately, it is a great reel that is high end and you won't get anything at even close to that price that is as good as the quantum. try a field and stream tech spec for 59.99 they are good graphite and great for the money.

[MT2]

I would suggest looking at the Berkley Amp's as well. For the money they arnt bad, Ive used the Amps, Lighting, and Shock series rod's and actually I liked the feel of the Amp over the other 2. Just picked up a spinning rod recently for my fiance ran me $30 bucks I think.

[ChiCityBasser]

buy that energy immediately, it is a great reel that is high end and you won't get anything at even close to that price that is as good as the quantum. try a field and stream tech spec for 59.99 they are good graphite and great for the money.

I have a couple of the Field and Stream Tec Spec rods from Dicks and got them both for $49.99 with the $10 off coupon Dicks usually has floating around. I have the 7' MH/F Rig&Jig spinning model and the 7'6" MH/XF Casting rod that I use for jigs and plastics also. Great price and very sensitive rods for the price.

[Arv]

I tell you what I got a Quantum Energy e600PT, its rough looking, paint chipping, boat rash whole 9 yards, $15 tyd. PM if your interested.

Holy Moly! Thats super duper!

[hooah212002]

I would suggest looking at the Berkley Amp's as well. For the money they arnt bad, Ive used the Amps, Lighting, and Shock series rod's and actually I liked the feel of the Amp over the other 2. Just picked up a spinning rod recently for my fiance ran me $30 bucks I think.

Hmm. I checked BassPro, Dicks, Cabelas and Gander. Dicks was the only one with a 7', but it was M. I'm looking for MH because I'll be getting into some weeds. Not just for the current lake (where I viually see some decent size fish cruising in and around the thick weed beds, milfoil I think), but the next potential lake is reportedly covered in muck, therefor no one apparently fishes it. I've yet to even look at it, but it is supposedly a once private sherriff owned trout fishery with good bass and pike fishing. I've all but relegated this rig here to be a heavy duty flippin stick.