Best Baitcaster ~$200

[livewire84]

Thoughts? Abu Gen2 Premier, Abu Gen3 STX, Lews TP, Chronarch. Others?

[zachb34]

I think this is going to become a brand war and eventually locked but out of all my reels the lews tournament pro casts anything with a weight the farthest and is the smoothest but the light weight lures will be hard to beat the curado or chronarch 50E

[livewire84]

Which is a better reel between the Abu's then?

[LgMouthGambler]

Stick to the Chronarch. It will stay with you forever.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

Chronarch, period.

[iceintheveins]

Chronarch, nuff said.

[Hi Salenity]

Thoughts? Abu Gen2 Premier, Abu Gen3 STX, Lews TP, Chronarch. Others?

Yep, all are good!

[new2BC4bass]

I don't have either of the Abu reels you mentioned, but I do have an '09 STX and a Patriarch XT (suppose to be very similar to the Premier with a better finish). I love my XT! Many here are Shimano fans. (I like them as well.) Do a search on another forum such as tackletour and you will see that many think the '10 and later Premiers are the absolute best reels in its class....handling all weights well in calm or windy conditions. A few think it is the best all-around reel period. I should say all weights normally thought of as suitable for a B/C reel.

[EvanT123]

I think best is subjective depending on factors such as hand size, rod it's mounted on, casting ability, daily conditions one fishes, tackle/technique applications. Most of all you can't go wrong with a brand name in the 200 range.

[livewire84]

I was more curious on weight differences and drag systems than brand. These are going on a legend tournament for jigs and plastics with 12 yozuri btw

[livewire84]

Also considered an older curado supertuned. Too many options at this price lol

[deep]

Crazy as it might sound, I actually like heavier reels; I find they are better for a more balanced setup. I don't have any rods of the Legend Tournament caliber though; so probably a moot point.

[Arv]

I really dont think you can go wrong with any that you picked. A lot of what you're going to hear is mostly going to be personal preference, which can definitely be helpful. I have experience with Lews and Shimano reels and really like both. I would lean towards the Chronarch just because of Shimano's rep for lasting a long time.

[EvanT123]

Just to add another point. I had a post the other day about shimano and got some borderline comments and it made me realize. I fish everyday so nice gear is a plus and almost a necessity bc if I'm doing it everyday or hours on end I want to be comfortable. At the same time I have friends that don't fish much nearly as much and still catch fish. Point is if fishing is something your passionate about and do a lot nice gear is very helpful and brands and models aside where all here to enjoy the great outdoors and catch big FISH!!

[Brian Needham]

The lews can be had for well under 2bills.

I love all the TPs I have

[Hi Salenity]

My favorite jig reel is the TP & it has 3 carbon drag washers. It's downfall is it doesn't throw light baits well

[Bean Counter]

I have the Lews Tp and really like it. Another that you might consider is the Quantum Smoke, very nice reel.

[sarcazmo]

Okuma Helios. I've got a TP as well and its great but I feel the Okuma is smoother.

[Brian Needham]

My favorite jig reel is the TP & it has 3 carbon drag washers. It's downfall is it doesn't throw light baits well

what do you consider light baits??

[Brian Needham]

Okuma Helios. I've got a TP as well and its great but I feel the Okuma is smoother.

you know the reel monkey is screaming at me cause you said this dont you?????

[sarcazmo]

you know the reel monkey is screaming at me cause you said this dont you?????

I've always been drawn to products that aren't 'mainstream.' I did some research and couldnt find a negative review of the reel so I figured I'd purchase it. Just took it out again today and even my friend preferred it to the TP. Granted I use the Helios and TP for different applications but you get the point. Not that the TP is a bad reel. In fact, its a fantastic reel! It reminds me of a nicer version of a PQ. Almost as if the PQ is a honda (plain but gets the job done with great reliability) and the TP is an acura (same brand, more svelte and upscale)

I purchased them both on ebay for SUBSTANTIALLY less than retail. I'm actually in the market for one more reel. If the Komodos are anything like the helios I will be buying a Komodo in 5:4:1 for crankbaits.

[greyleg33]

Reels are a funny thing. I have an Abu Revo MGX, 2 Abu Skeet Reeses, and A Chronarch 50E. As far as casting distance there's not a dimes worth of difference in any of them. Only time will tell about reliability.

[Hi Salenity]

what do you consider light baits??

4'' senko...

[Bass Junkie]

Gen 2 Revo Premier...... There is no contest.

[jtesch]

I've got the gen 2 premier and the Chronarch and hands down the revo is a better reel. It's smoother, better drag and casts way better. Once it's dialed in it's almost impossible to backlash. Don't get me wrong the Shimano is a great reel, it just feels like a $200 reel. As for the Revo it is much more refined like a reel in the $300-$350 class. I also have the Revo MGX and honestly I think the gen 2 Premier is nearly as good.