Reel Thoughts

[Rusty Shackleford]

I'm going to be purchasing a Dobyns Champion series 683c and 735c and I'm looking to match them up with proper reels. Any suggestions? I'm going to be using the 683c for throwing mostly unweighted plastics, senkos/ikas, and the 735c for jigs and heavy tubes. I have a couple of Lew's TP's, and was considering getting the 7.1 gear ratio for both applications. I have yet to have a problem with any Lew's TP, but I'm always open to suggestion. I'm looking to stay in the $200 range. Thanks!

[papajoe222]

A couple of suggestions for the 683c would be a Curado 50E and a Quantum Smoke. I don't know if they're available in a 7.1, but for the applications you mentioned, I don't think it would make a big difference. For the 735c I'd stick with the Lew's if for no other reason than your familiarity and confidence in it. If you're looking for a suggestion, I'd recommend a Daiwa, but they don't make a lightweight reel in that price range.

[roadwarrior]

I have a Dobyns Champion 683C matched with a CH50MG. I think you would like any of the 50 series Shimano reels.

[LgMouthGambler]

Im gonna have to go Curado/Chronarch 50E for $200 Bob.

[RyneB]

See if you can find a Gen 2 Revo Premier. I got mine for $180 on sale. If you cant find a Gen 2 premier, get a Gen 3 Revo SX. They lightened it up a lot from the gen 2 and it looks much better and is only $159. You should be fine, just as long as you DO NOT get a Shimano. lol. All kidding aside, all the reels mentioned above are great reels in your price range.

[*Hootie]

Im gonna have to go Curado/Chronarch 50E for $200 Bob.

Now isn't that a shocker....... lol

Have a great day buddy!

Hootie

[Arv]

If you like the Lews, I don't think theres anything wrong with sticking with them. I think they make great reels. But if you did want another choice a 50e would be something worth checking out for you lighter applications. Theres a left handed one in the fleamarket right now.

[QUIENYO]

A couple of suggestions for the 683c would be a Curado 50E and a Quantum Smoke. I don't know if they're available in a 7.1, but for the applications you mentioned, I don't think it would make a big difference. For the 735c I'd stick with the Lew's if for no other reason than your familiarity and confidence in it. If you're looking for a suggestion, I'd recommend a Daiwa, but they don't make a lightweight reel in that price range.

I believe Daiwa makes a Lexa 100. From the TW page: "If you like throwing lighter baits with a casting reel instead of a spinning reel, the Daiwa Lexa 100 Casting Reels have everything you need and more."

MSRP is $139.

[Darren.]

I believe Daiwa makes a Lexa 100. From the TW page: "If you like throwing lighter baits with a casting reel instead of a spinning reel, the Daiwa Lexa 100 Casting Reels have everything you need and more."

MSRP is $139.

I can attest to that. While it is lower than what you're shooting for ($$-wise), I am supremely impressed with the reel. Throws light lures with ease. Have it in 7.1:1 and love it. My initial review is here.

[zell_pop1]

A Pflueger Patriarch LP will cast light lures as well as a 50E and can be had in a 7.1 gear.

[Mike__D]

in the $200 price range a "sleeper reel" that is rarely heard of is the pflueger patriarch. i have 4 of the XT models and they are phenomenal.

Mike D

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

At the $150+ price point you'd almost have to try to go wrong. The unweighted plastics you mention have enough heft of their own to cast decently on any quality casting rig as long as the rod loads properly. It's 100% personal preference. For really light baits something with a light weight wiffle spool and low line capacity helps a bit.