New Baitcaster

[racerx26]

Was looking at getting a new baitcaster from gander and was eyeing the Abu silver max, the Ardent evercast and the skeet reese victory. It has to stay around $70. I need opinions on what you guys would purchase. 

 

                                                                                                          Thanks in advance, 

Andrew

[tholmes]

Given those three choices, I'd go with the Silver Max.

 

If you could go 10 bucks higher, BPS has their Pro Qualifier on sale right now for $80. IMHO, it's a better reel than any of the ones you listed.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/

 

Tom

 

 

[BenBassmaster]

X2 on the Silver Max. I love mine I don't use it for pitching and flippin; I just use it for Crankin. The PQ is a great choice for $80

[Arv]

Given those three choices, I'd go with the Silver Max.

 

If you could go 10 bucks higher, BPS has their Pro Qualifier on sale right now for $80. IMHO, it's a better reel than any of the ones you listed.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/

 

Tom

PQ

[coak]

I would also check out either the flea market here, or check around on like craigslist or the bay and getting something else if you choose to pass on the PQ

[Fishwhittler]

Of the three reels you mentioned, there are better options for the $$.  The Silver Max has a graphite frame which will flex under load and potentially shorten the life of the reel by causing faster wear on the clutch and gears.

 

The Evercast and Skeet Reese Victory reels are the same reel, thinly disguised with different paint.  Look at them closely and you'll see the similarity.  The same reel platform is used to make the Pinnacle Producer reels, and the only difference there is that the Producer has magnetic brakes.  They're decent reels at best, nothing about them that really makes them stand out.  For the money I'd go with a new Pro Qualifier or a good used reel.  I've also heard excellent things about the Lew's Speed Spool, which isn't too difficult to find for $80 shipped.  

 

You can usually find used Citica E's for $75 - $85 in good condition, and there are even crazier deals to be had if you keep your eyes open.  I picked up one of the older Pflueger President baitcasters for $60 last year, and that reel sold for $150 new.

 

There is also the Academy H2O Xpress Mettle, which has a metal frame and is $50 new from Academy.  There's a thread about it here:  H2O Xpress Mettle or Daiwa Laguna?

[Blues19]

Of the three reels you mentioned, there are better options for the $$.  The Silver Max has a graphite frame which will flex under load and potentially shorten the life of the reel by causing faster wear on the clutch and gears.

 

The Evercast and Skeet Reese Victory reels are the same reel, thinly disguised with different paint.  Look at them closely and you'll see the similarity.  The same reel platform is used to make the Pinnacle Producer reels, and the only difference there is that the Producer has magnetic brakes.  They're decent reels at best, nothing about them that really makes them stand out.  For the money I'd go with a new Pro Qualifier or a good used reel.  I've also heard excellent things about the Lew's Speed Spool, which isn't too difficult to find for $80 shipped.  

 

You can usually find used Citica E's for $75 - $85 in good condition, and there are even crazier deals to be had if you keep your eyes open.  I picked up one of the older Pflueger President baitcasters for $60 last year, and that reel sold for $150 new.

 

There is also the Academy H2O Xpress Mettle, which has a metal frame and is $50 new from Academy.  There's a thread about it here:  H2O Xpress Mettle or Daiwa Laguna?

and the Academy H2O reels all have a lifetime guarentee which is pretty cool

[Mike L]

Given those three choices, I'd go with the Silver Max.

 

If you could go 10 bucks higher, BPS has their Pro Qualifier on sale right now for $80. IMHO, it's a better reel than any of the ones you listed.

 

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/

 

Tom

 

Yep...

 

 

Mike

[bass1980]

I was in your shoes not too long ago buying gears with a tight budget. Here's my advice and its to buy gears that you can eventually resell. So many people buy gears, cheaper gears starting out, and then want to upgrade later but can't sell their cheaper quality gears.

A Pro Qualifier or a used Citica will cost about $80 and will have a strong resell value and easily be able to resell because of the demands from people buying used gears, like me ;-) It'll be harder to sell a used Silver Max and very hard to sell a used Ardent IMO.

[TNBassin']

And don't settle for lower quality gear. If you only need a few more bucks to get something of quality, WAIT and get it. Don't just get something to get something. Get the most for your money.

[retiredbosn]

The new Bionic reel is also on sale at bps for 59

[new2BC4bass]

I would also check out either the flea market here, or check around on like craigslist or the bay and getting something else if you choose to pass on the PQ

 

 

X2.  Can get some pretty good deals on occasion.  I like my gear to look nice, but if you can put up with a bit of boat rash, you can often get a quality reel at a bargain.  Out of your price range, but I have gotten $200 reels for $125 that were like new.

[averagebass123]

and the Academy H2O reels all have a lifetime guarentee which is pretty cool

I dont think thats true...