Good Crainkbait Reel

[Christian M]

I fish a lot of shallow cranks pretty much all year round, currently I have a Skeet Reese 7'MH XF S-Glass Crankin Rod Paired up with the Wright McGill Victory Reel in 6.4:1, I read a lot of good & bad reviews about the reel, but I bought it, lubed it, and IMHO its an excellent combo for the price. The only issue I have is that the reel has a gear ratio that I feel is a bit too fast, especially for medium to deep crankbaits. The only reels Ive seen with the ratio I'm really looking for (5.4:1) are the KVD crankin reel, which is about $150 out of my price range, and the old school style Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels, which look like they wouldn't be too comfortable after tossing a 1/2 oz crankbait for a few hours. Can you guys suggest any mid range reels that have a slower gear ratio?

[Hanover_Yakker]

For the money, a BP Pro Qualifier or Cabelas Prodigy (aka Daiwa) can't be beat for under a $100 new.  Even used Shimano Curados (old and newer models) will run you more than a c-note in good condition.  The smaller Abu Garcia round reels are pretty bulletproof for the money as well, but that may not vbe your cup of tea.

[BenBassmaster]

Lews makes reels with a 5:4.1 gear ratio, the Laser MG, Speed Spool, both under $100. They also have the Tournement MG which is $130. Very light weight reels, good quality too!

[new2BC4bass]

TD-Z 103M or Abu Ambassadeur Black Max 1600

[Sherlock 60]

Pro Qualifiers in the 5.3:1 ratio are what I use for all of my cranking. They also have a 4.7:1 gear ratio but I haven't used it. When they are on sale for $79.99 every year they are hard to beat.

[Teal]

Lews Speed Spool comes in 5.4:1 99.99

Lews Tournament MG 5.4:1 129.99

All of their higher reels have that gear ratio too. If you are interested in Lews, look on E bay, you can save some serious money.

I have several lews and thats all i buy now.

[Rangerphil]

I would take another look at the Abu 5500 c3. Play with it put it on a rod and palm it. The reel looks a little big but after using one for awhile I think you may be able to get use to it. For the price that reel is a workhorse and if you don't like it after a few times you can put it on eBay and get most of your money back. Some walmarts have these at great prices! IMO it is worth another look!

[ww2farmer]

Used Citica 200D (201D if your want LH). They are tanks, cast as good as anything, have the HEG gearing so winding big  deep diving cranks feels effortless compaired to 6.whatever:1 ratios of other brands, and hold alot of line which is great for cranking. They are 6.2:1, which IMHO is just right for shallow cranks, not too fast, not to slow, I always like a middle of the road ratio and IPT, for all but the bigest deep diving cranks, I just reel faster or slower as needed. And they can be found used on ebay or here for less than $75.

[War Eagle 44]

I'm not exactly sure of your price range but a Shimano Chronarch E5 is a real good crank reel. I myself use either a Citica E, Calcutta TE DC, or Chronarch B. Only the Calcutta has a 5 gear ratio, the other two are both 6.2 ratio's. I never have any problems fishing any cranks even 6XD's on either of the 6 gear reels. I use the Citica E a lot and it's great IMO so that's why I suggest either finding a used Citica or Curado E (the Curado E came in a 5 ratio the Citica E didn't) or if you're going new the Chronarch E5.   

[kylek]

I just picked up a Lew's Speed Spool in 5.4:1 today and paired it up with a Veritas Winch rod for under $200.00.  The Lew's cost me 89.99 and I got the Veritas for 79.99.  I think you will be impressed by the Lews.  This will be my 3rd one in my lineup.

[NWI-Bassin']

Go with the pro qualifier. Only $65 with the reel trade in coming up in the next 2 weeks.

[mcipinkie]

Short Fish,

 

Where did you score those prices?

[Bluebasser86]

The Pro Qual is a great reel for the money, I have one on my deep cranking rod. Haven't used the slower speed Lew's but I have the 6.4:1 for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits and I really like it. I've got a E5 Curado on my squarebill rod and love it. 

[Christian M]

I always appreciate and value all the input I can get from BR memebers. I dont mind spending money on a good gear. I have a few combos that were over $400, which I know is nothing compared to others out there. However, I plan on pairing it up with a new rod, and I also plan on buying a new fishfinder and hopefully a new outboard for my boat this season. So if I can get advice on a solid deep crankbait setup for a good price it helps.

[Capt.Bob]

Mid range there are quite a few, the reels with a 5 to 5.4 to1 are a good choice from Shimano Abu Lew's Diawa would be what I would stick with, The Lew's would be my choice in the Tournament model! If you want the best get a SS super duty, for deep crankin Calcutta but that is a bit over kill for shallow running cranks.

[bass1980]

Dude there's many choices for reels that are for cranking. Have you checked out TW? Their site IMO is the best and easier to navigate around. I don't like using basspro site.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Go for a Calcutta. They palm good. They last forever and a day. Also the got a nice long waranty on them. As far as wearing yourself out casting round reels. Thats all a myth. They dont weigh that much.