Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier

[livetofish28]

Has any used or owned this reel? I'm looking to get a few new outfits and with the different gear ratios it looks as if it would be able to cover any technique I could want. If anyone could help that would be great thanks

[kickerfish1]

Lots has been written on this site about the reel. Do a search and you should find more than you will ever want. I believe there was a very extensive review of the reel done tracking its performance and maintenance over x number of years. This would be worth reading as well. It is also well documented this is one of the better sub $100 reels that can often time is on sale for $80.

[kylek]

I don't own one, as I prefer a different brand, but with all the great reviews on Bass Pro's website I would not hesitate to buy one. They just had a great black friday sale on it. Rod and reel combo for 69.00. Not sure if the rod is worth anything, but still a great price on the reel!!!

[LgMouthGambler]

I have owned one. Great reel. Best bang for the buck. This is where the Pure Fishing reels should be marked at. You wont be disappointed at this reel. It has dual braking system, and a smooth retrieve. No need to pay the $ for an Abu STX, its pretty much the same thing.

[Ima Bass Ninja]

I own 4 different versions of the PQ and they all work great. They are very dependable reels and priced right.

[drew4779]

I didn't like mine (although i'm in the minority). I bought one, took it back cause it was noisy. Exchanged it for another and it was making noise by the time i finished spooling it up. I took it back again and the saleman found a gold carbonlite from the previous year and i really like that one. Based on what i hear from others that have this reel, I would still try it out cause they can be had at a great price, but save the receipt...just in case. Maybe i'm too picky.

[Fishin24/7]

Other than the review above I'm the only person I know of that doesn't love my reel either. I feel its not smooth at all and casting is poor at best until you get up to lures past 1/2 ounce. Also I have owned many reels before this one both cheap and expensive. I may have a bad reel or just have bad taste but thats just my options on the reel.

[backcast88]

Pro Qualifier's are good reels. I looked at getting one a few months ago and know several people that have them and have never had any issues with them. Another option for the same money is the Lew's Speed Spool. I pick the Speed Spool b/c of the dual breaking, it was hair smoother and I felt the paddle handles were very very comfortable.

[aavery2]

I bought one on a whim, thought what the heck everyone is talking about how good these are. I could not get mine to cast more than about 25yards. I thought it was proabably just over lubed from the factory so I did a complete disassembly, flushed all the bearings oiled them up with rocket fuel, and it still cast about 25yards. Sold it for $40 bucks and never looked back.

Probably just a bad reel, but it was enough to make me not want another one.

[K_Mac]

I have 4 that are my primary reels, 3 of which have seen many hours of use, the fourth was added this year. All have worked flawlessly with minimum maintenance, and at $80 on sale (or even at $100 full price ) they are the best bang for my fishing reel dollar. Dialed in properly I can pitch or cast light weight baits without any trouble. The dual braking system is a very nice feature that just works IMO. Goose52 has a five year review in process, and has more hours on his test reel than many will ever put on a reel. It has performed very well. Mike of DVT, a site sponsor who professionally services reels will likely be along soon. He speaks well of the PQ reels. Many others here have had excellent service from them.

[Goose52]

I have 6 PQs - two 7.1s, two 6.4s, one 5.2, and one 4.7. A good value at $100, a great value at $80. As mentioned above, if you search for "PQ" or "Pro Qualifier" in this forum you'll get plenty of info.

One of my 6.4 ratio PQ reels is the subject of the 5-Year test mentioned by K_Mac. This reel has been in service for over 3 years now, has caught fish on 294 days on the water, and has a minimum of 31,000 casts on it. It has brought in fish up to 48 pounds, including my LMB PB of 9.5lbs. When you add in the days/casts when the reel was used, but no fish were caught with it, it probably has over 350-400 days on the water and 40,000-45,000 casts on it. This reel is still in front-line service and is my most-used BC reel. The most recent test report (that has links to the earlier reports) is here: PQ Five-Year Challenge

[shootermcbob]

I have owned several, bought new and used, and never had a problem with any. As an added benefit, if bought on sale they can be had for 80 bucks. Fish it one season, then send to Mike at DVT to have it cleaned and lubed, you will more than pleasantly surprised at the performance. Very good reels, IMO.

[TNBassin']

I have owned one. Great reel. Best bang for the buck. This is where the Pure Fishing reels should be marked at. You wont be disappointed at this reel. It has dual braking system, and a smooth retrieve. No need to pay the $ for an Abu STX, its pretty much the same thing.

Bullcrap.

[*Hootie]

Bullcrap.

Now that wasn't nice!

Hootie

[bassin is addicting]

i just bought one....hope i made the right purchase..

i picked one up over the weekend to pair it with the BPS Crankin' Stick i got on sale.

i got the 5.2 ratio. i paid $99 and was told they expect them to go on sale since they just got in a large shipment and if they do go on sale within 90 days i can take in the receipt and get the difference refunded.

i based my purchase on all the good feedback i had read here and on BPS' site.

i can't afford a high dollar reel so i thought this was a good reel for the $$... i hope so...

[TNBassin']

Now that wasn't nice!

Hootie

The Shimano fan boy routine on these boards is wearing a tad thin with me. It's every thread nowadays on here.

[*Hootie]

You wont be disappointed. I have the PQ 5.2-1 on a BPS crankin stick myself. Great combo.

Hootie

[rubba bubba]

I have several Pro-Q's and like them a lot. Great bargain. Not in the same category as an STX by any means (I'm an STX owner as well) but still a great reel for the dough.

[LgMouthGambler]

Now that wasn't nice!

Hootie

just messin. I know they arent the same. Its like the Curado/Chronarch, right, lol.

[Bankbeater]

I have had several different BPS reels over the years. Took them all back, or sold them. IMO, their quality is a crap shoot. The reel may last ten years, or give out the first time you use it. There are better reels out there for the money.

[retiredbosn]

I have several, four, different ratios for different presentations, best bang for the buck especially when they go on sale for 69 bucks as they do a couple of times a year.

[bknap]

They are a really good real for the price. Once the spring sale comes around at BPS I will forsure buy me another one for 80 dollars, you cannot beat that deal !!!

[skeletor6]

Pro Qualifier's are good reels. I looked at getting one a few months ago and know several people that have them and have never had any issues with them. Another option for the same money is the Lew's Speed Spool. I pick the Speed Spool b/c of the dual breaking, it was hair smoother and I felt the paddle handles were very very comfortable.

The Lews Speed Spool SS version does not have multi system breaking (msb). You must move up to the Lews tournament to get the mag and centrifugal breaks.

The BPQ, however, does have both mag and centrifugal breaking system. Just thought I should clear that up.

[K_Mac]

Bankbeater you make a reasonable point. I have had other BPS reels that have not been as good a deal as the PQs. What has always been exceptional with Bass Pro is the customer service. The PQ has proven to be a very good reel, for me and many others. I also know if I buy one that does not perform up to the standard of the others BPS will make it right. I don't know of another reel that can routinely be purchased new for $80 that is a better value. Just my opinion, YMMV, etc.

[backcast88]

The Lews Speed Spool SS version does not have multi system breaking (msb). You must move up to the Lews tournament to get the mag and centrifugal breaks.

The BPQ, however, does have both mag and centrifugal breaking system. Just thought I should clear that up.

You are correct.

I was told the Speed Spool SS had both by the local Lew's dealer last week but emaile Lew's today and they cleared it up. Thanks for correcting me before I got around to it.