Big Jon Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Hey, forgive me if this has already been asked, but I didn't find anything when I did a couple searches. I was wondering if anyone has used, or does use the Bass Pro Shop brand of baitcasting reel. I was wondering if this one in particular was any good as a first time reel. I picked up an Abu Garcia 7' medium-heavy rod on clearance a couple weeks ago, and have been looking at putting the Abu Garcia Black Max or Silver Max on it. I'm just curious if this would be better. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Bionic-Plus-Baitcast-Reels/product/1207260456523/ I was there this afternoon just looking at them and was wondering. Thanks! Quote
Super User retiredbosn Posted April 8, 2013 Super User Posted April 8, 2013 IMO yes it would be better, aluminum frame versus graphite, stronger. The Pro Qualifier is an outstanding reel and a great value especially when on sale for 79 Quote
Super User iceintheveins Posted April 8, 2013 Super User Posted April 8, 2013 The pro qualifier reel is the best $100 or under reel out there. I have five. Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted April 8, 2013 Super User Posted April 8, 2013 The pro qualifier reel is the best $100 or under reel out there. I have five. x2 PQ is better quality hands down vs the other two you mentioned. Plus the PQ is easy to dial in and have minimal backlash. Quote
Blues19 Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Most everyone on here will tell you to look at the Pro Qualifier. It is a nice reel and it is on sale for $80 right now. As for those Abus, I have heard mixed reviews and I havent heard anything about the Bionic Blade reel. As most have said, I would pay a little more for the Pro Qualifier, but between those reels, I would go with the Bionic Blade Quote
Super User rockchalk06 Posted April 8, 2013 Super User Posted April 8, 2013 I haven't had the best of luck with them lasting over 2-3 years of hard use except for the Pro Qualifier. Mine is on its 3rd season of hard cranking use and is holding up like a champ. Quote
Jake P Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 The PQ is a VERY respectable "Cheap reel". Possibly the best value in any reel on the market. Aluminum frame, dual brake system. I love mine and would gladly buy another. Buy it, you wont regret it. Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Another vote for the Pro Qualifier here. I've never tried any other BPS reels, but the PQ is the best low profile reel for under $150 that I've ever used. And it's available in a lefty. If this is your first baitcaster, don't cheap out on it. It will cost you more in the long run when the cheap one breaks or you realize that it sucks (both will probably happen within the first 3-6 months if not the first time out.) The PQ at $80 is a steal, and they hold up to serious fishing. Not to mention it will be much easier to learn to cast with a decent reel. BTW, I've found the reviews on the BassPro site to be pretty reliable for most things. I'd start there if you're serious about that reel in particular. Quote
Texas bassman Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 It is a great reel. I have 2 in the 6.4.1 and 7.1.1 ratios. They feel really smooth and solid. If anything happens or you don't like it. You can't take it to bass pro for a exchange or refund. Bass pro makes some quality products. I would buy it if I were you. Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted April 8, 2013 Super User Posted April 8, 2013 It is a great reel. I have 2 in the 6.4.1 and 7.1.1 ratios. They feel really smooth and solid. If anything happens or you don't like it. You can't take it to bass pro for a exchange or refund. Bass pro makes some quality products. I would buy it if I were you. Don't you mean you CAN take it back? Hootie 1 Quote
Lil'skeeter Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 I haven't tried the PQ or the Bionic but I do have three of the Extreme's and couldn't be happier. They are around the same price as the Bionic. Quote
Big Jon Posted April 8, 2013 Author Posted April 8, 2013 Thanks for all the information everyone. I'll got with the Pro Qualifier. Quote
Texas bassman Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Don't you mean you CAN take it back? Hootie Yea that's what I ment. Lol Quote
Texas bassman Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 When you're ready to step up from the pq the johnny morris signature series reel is a great reel too. Try the bass pro shops carbon lite rods too. Quote
PondBoss Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion. Quote
Big Jon Posted April 8, 2013 Author Posted April 8, 2013 Another option I would also recommend would be the H2O Xpress Mettle at Academy. I know you were asking about BPS reels, but the Mettle is only $50 and right there with the PQ in my opinion. I just read a few reviews on these and they look good too. I would just get both if I had the money. Quote
Texas bassman Posted April 8, 2013 Posted April 8, 2013 Yea man I bought a h20 mettle when I went to Texas. It was good. Cheap but performs like a champ. Everyone in Texas uses them Quote
Big Jon Posted April 9, 2013 Author Posted April 9, 2013 Hey guys, I just got an email on this one: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59. Quote
mark nowak Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 I can't really help seeing as I have never used one, but my first thought was for the price it does not look too bad and the reviews on it are really good. give it a try and if you don't like it you can always take it back. Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 I can't really help seeing as I have never used one, but my first thought was for the price it does not look too bad and the reviews on it are really good. give it a try and if you don't like it you can always take it back. That's a great point. BPS has always taken good care of me as a customer. If you return something within 30 days it's usually no questions asked. Quote
mtaag3 Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 That's a great point. BPS has always taken good care of me as a customer. If you return something within 30 days it's usually no questions asked. I just returned a Diawa reel to BPS and all they did was look in the box and tell me to get another one. (it was within the 30 day limit) Quote
JellyMan Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 Get the PQ. It is on sale for $79 right now! Quote
Snakehead Whisperer Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 I just returned a Diawa reel to BPS and all they did was look in the box and tell me to get another one. (it was within the 30 day limit) That's why I spend money there and recommend them to people. Glad they took care of you too. Quote
Global Moderator Mike L Posted April 9, 2013 Global Moderator Posted April 9, 2013 Hey guys, I just got an email on this one: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59. I think for an extra 20.00 get the PQ and don't look back. Mike 1 Quote
Jake P Posted April 9, 2013 Posted April 9, 2013 Hey guys, I just got an email on this one: http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/?cm_sp=COTWNitroTourZApr2013_Email&om_rid=Ns86po&om_mid=_BRZD6JB8x4QmNP What do you think? It's the Nitro Tournament Z, normally $99, on sale for $59. Nitro z lasted me 6 months. The spool started engaging mid-cast, every cast. Get the PQ I PROMISE you it is worth every single penny. Quote
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