Basspro Reel Vs Name Brand

[BassCats]

What are the advantages of getting a Name Brand reel. Basspro has a parts department and a Service department for their reels. So what is the reason you should get a name brand reel these days?

 

Price not the issue, just want to know.

[J Francho]

BPS is pretty much it's own name brand these days. 

[Arv]

BPS is a brand name IMO. I think they make a lot of quality products.

[kylek]

I don't think there are any advantages or disadvantages.  It all comes down to personal preference. 

[BrettD]

I dont think there is much a difference except it might be easier to sell a name brand reel used. Just because some people dont know about tackle but can identify with a name brand reel better.

[Blues19]

My first two baitcasters were BPS reels and they both quit working about a year into having them. I dont know if they still do, but they had plastic gears in there back in the earlier 2000s. Somehow I had a screw come loose and it tore up the plastic gears. Anyway, after two lemons I decided to go for the "name brands"

[coak]

I don't think there are any advantages or disadvantages.  It all comes down to personal preference. 

You must also remember that not all brand names are the same.  By this I simply mean that they have a 'name', however they may be owned and

operated by a larger corp. such as PureFishing and what not.

[moguy1973]

The BPS Pro Qualifier bait caster is one of the best reels you can buy for the money.  

[lmbfisherman]

I don't see any disadvantages really.  They are good reels, I have a mix of them among my Shimanos.  They don't take a back seat "only", I use them as part of my frontline arsenal.  (Extreme - Crankbait, PQ - Frogging, Prolite - Small Plastics). 

[kickerfish1]

I have several BPS reels in my regular rotation. For what I paid for them I really don't have any complaints. Comparing them to reels thst cost 2x or 3x as much just isnt fair. While they aren't my first choice, I do find them to be solid choices. If we are talking about spinning reels I have little experience with the BPS brand so I will not comment on that type of reel.

[bassh8er]

I love my PQs and have 5 of them, 3 of the have been is use for over 4 years.

I have a Curado 50e and 200e, but my favorite reel, especially for finesse baits, is my ProLite Finesse baitcaster.

[Long Mike]

I can't speak for the BPS spinning reels, but I have a couple of the BBS Extreme baitcasters.  When broken down for cleaning, the parts are identical to my Pfleuger Presidents.  And incidentally, each of them is about five years old.  I still use them a lot, but I'm beginning to transition to Pfleuger Patriarchs.

[The Rooster]

My first two baitcasters were BPS reels and they both quit working about a year into having them. I dont know if they still do, but they had plastic gears in there back in the earlier 2000s. Somehow I had a screw come loose and it tore up the plastic gears. Anyway, after two lemons I decided to go for the "name brands"

Just about every baitcaster out there has plastic gears for the level wind on the front, while having metal for the main drive and pinion gears. Even cheap junky reels.

[Blues19]

Just about every baitcaster out there has plastic gears for the level wind on the front, while having metal for the main drive and pinion gears. Even cheap junky reels.

good to know. after two lemons i have trouble going bps again. love the bass pro rods though

[The Rooster]

good to know. after two lemons i have trouble going bps again. love the bass pro rods though

I think the pro qualifier is worth it's price and especially when on sale. Goose52 is doing a 5 year test of one now, it's in its fourth year as we speak. That should give you some indication of its longevity. He's had to repair the test reel a couple of times, but in fairness, what he's doing to it is more than what most anyone else would ever do to one. He's absolutely wearing it out and it seems to be taking it well.

I also have a bunch of the prior model Extremes and they've served me well for several years now. I'd say you can trust BPS reels if you find one you're interested in, but like any other company, there are certain reels that shine, and some that don't. There's nothing wrong with sticking to more major named reels either, though.

[BobP]

Obviously, there are some good BPS reels.  Who makes them?  Hard to say unless they are obviously a re-branded model from a major company.  Lots of guys here on BR use and like some of the BPS baitcasters.  I say "beauty is as beauty does".  If the PQ is a re-branded Pfleuger and you like and trust Pfleuger reels, no problemo.  But honestly, I have to say I'd rather buy a reel directly from a major manufacturer so I'm getting it from the guys who made it, and who are willing to put their name and reputation behind it.  Reel parts companies and reel service companies generally will not carry parts for or service BassPro reels. I actually fish a few Abu reels that are 40+ years old.  I can call up Abu or Southwestern Parts and get parts for those reels.  I bet that would be impossible with BassPro for any reel more than 2-3 years old.  Not saying that having parts on hand for your lifetime is really necessary, but it's nice to know such things exist and it instills confidence in a manufacturer. 

[The Rooster]

I used to think about that a lot, too. Then one day I realized, for me, I like getting new reels every so often. Sometimes it's just to have the new thing out, or some technology came along and it's obviously better so I want it. Other times it's just because I'm bored with what I have and want a change, or even something so petty as just that a new reel really looks cool and I have the perfect rod for it to match. So, I don't worry so much about them lasting longer than about 5 years or so, or parts being available long term.

That mindset isn't for everybody, but it took the worry out of buying reels for me. I try to buy quality when I do so that 5 years is doable, and after that I'll likely have new ones again anyway.