Best Crankbait Reel?

[FloridaBassDude]

Hey everyone, as the title states I am in the market for a new crankbait reel, the one I have been using has all kinds of problems, so I am forced to retire it  Good news is I am getting a new reel out of it! But I can't seem to find one I am satisfied with! I have $150 to spend, with a max of $200, but I would rather not spend it. I took a good look at the Shimano's, I have always been a Shimano fan, but from what I have heard, the newest line of Shimano's have not been up to par, the quality has just been horrendous. If only I could afford the old E series! Besides that weight isn't much of a problem, not a tournament fisherman (yet!), and I would rather have a low-profile, and a 5.2:1 ratio would be ideal!

 

It will be paired with an All-Star Crankbait Rod, 7'0 if that helps.

 

Thanks!

[South FLA]

Shimano 200E5 about $150 on Ebay plenty of listings

 

Quantum Smoke

http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/2185/Smoke-PT.aspx

 

Abu Garcia Revo Winch

http://www.abugarcia.com/products/reels/low-profile-baitcast-reels/revo/revo-winch

 

I would get a Shimano 200E5 put some  ABEC 7 Ceramic bearings, carbontex drag washers, and a Hawg Handle on it of course for all day comfort while you crank.

[MemphisFF]

Shimano chronarch 200E5, 200 dollar reel but if you look you may find one for 150

[aavery2]

I use the Winch, it will crank the deepest of cranks with no problem.   Oh, and no need to change the handle.

[iceintheveins]

Chronarch 200e5.

[guitarkid]

I prefer one without anti reverse. So, with that being said it would be almost anybody who makes a 5.1 ratio, non anti reverse, preferably left handed reel. With that being said I'm really digging my lews.

 

 

 

-gk 

[Got1Fishing]

Shimano Chronarch 200e6 for not only crankbaits, but a more versatile reel. If you are going to strictly use crankbaits, I would say to go with a Chronarch 200e5. They go for $200 but are well worth the money.

[Capt.Bob]

For deep crankin in those speeds, Lew's BB1, around $110.00, or if you are like me and want the instant anti reverse, get a new Super Duty, I have been nothing but astounded with the quality and performance of this brand for 2 years now, and have a new Super Duty in 5.4-1 coming tomorrow, $90.50, they can usually be had around $110.00, and if they are anything like every other one of their models, will perform like 3x their cost!! I'll let  you know!

[OK Bass Hunter]

For your price range look at the Lew's. This is coming from a Shimano man.

[kylek]

I use the Lew's Speed Spool, the $99.00 one, and like it a lot.  Plus at that price you could pick up another rod and still match your 200.00 budget.  I have mined paired up with the Abu Garcia Winch model rod. 

[WhiteMike1018]

I dont get why you need a low gear ratio for cranking? Whats the ideaology behind this? Do high speed reels force you to turn the handle more and have greater resistance or somthing?

[Bluebasser86]

The Curado 200E5 is the best cranking reel I've ever owned but I also have a BPS Pro Qualifier in the 5.2 ratio on my deep cranking rod and have been really happy with it but I don't use it as much because I don't fish deep cranks a ton. The Lew's and Winch both are popular reels with great reviews. All really just depends on which one you like the looks and feel of the best. 

[Bluebasser86]

I dont get why you need a low gear ratio for cranking? Whats the ideaology behind this? Do high speed reels force you to turn the handle more and have greater resistance or somthing?

Suppose to make it easier on the angler to retrieve the bait so you don't get fatigued as quickly from retrieving a bait with a lot of resistance all day. Personally for me it keeps me from over fishing my bait as much as anything but with a big, deep diving bait it does make it a lot easier to fish one all day. 

[Intruder 150]

Daiwa Lexa 100P 4.9 ratio

[cdav111]

I personally really dislike a 5.anything: 1 gear ratio... I use a 6.4:1 helps me keep my boat moving.... especially with traps... with the 5 I can't keep the bait moving.

[webertime]

There are a couple new Daiwa Zillions on that auction site in the range you are looking to spend. I'd go that route.

[Hogsticker]

Spend the 200 and try to find a Zillion crazy cranker - well worth the money IMO

[stkbassn]

Curado 200E5, awesome cranking reel. Casts a mile!!!  So far the best I've used. I'm sure the Chronarch 200E5 would be just as fantastic...also that Lews BB1 looks like a winner. I might buy a BB1 for cranking this year ..still procrastinating...

[BradH]

This what I use.

 

Deep cranks.  Curado 200E5 or Revo Winch

Shallow cranks.  Revo S or Citica E with a bearing added on the driveshaft and a curado E handle

Lipless & jerkbaits.  Same Citica as above or a Curado 200E7

 

You don't need a slow reel for shallow cranks and lipless.

[WhiteMike1018]

Suppose to make it easier on the angler to retrieve the bait so you don't get fatigued as quickly from retrieving a bait with a lot of resistance all day. Personally for me it keeps me from over fishing my bait as much as anything but with a big, deep diving bait it does make it a lot easier to fish one all day. 

 

This sort of dosent make sense since a high speed reel gets more inches per turn than a low speed reel???

 

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[JeziHogg]

I use The Gen 3 Winch on all of my crankbait rods Shallow all the way to deep

[BradH]

This sort of dosent make sense since a high speed reel gets more inches per turn than a low speed reel???

 

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If you throw a deep diver on a 7:1 reel it's like trying to idle a stick shift through a parking lot in 3rd gear.  That engine and my arm have a "powerband" they like to operate in.  I speak from experience haha.

[Fishes in trees]

Many reels have been mentioned.  Lots of options.  It can get confusing.  The only way to know for sure is to buy one of each, test them extensively and a couple of years from now sell the ones you don't like here in our flea market section and recoup some of your money.  Good luck with your tests and I expect to see some decend second hand reels for sale a couple of years from now.  Thank you in advance.

[JunkYard814]

This sort of dosent make sense since a high speed reel gets more inches per turn than a low speed reel???

 

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More inches per turn means you are going to need a greater amount of force to crank the reel one revolution. Basically a slower reel helps dissipate force needed to crank the reel the same amount of distance. There's a lot more physics to go behind it, but I'll admit that physics is not really a strong point of mine. 

[Capt.Bob]

I mentioned in my first post that the BB1 was excellent but don't care for a reel without the Instant Anti Reverse, but had a Lew's Super Duty coming in 5.4 to1 and it has instant AR, but magnetic braking only, well it came last Saturday and after 2 outings, this is my thought's. Well my fears have been erased with the casting ability of this reel. I bought it for deep crankin with big baits "Pike and Musky Bucktails". If that is your intentions,,,,,,look no farther than the Lew's Super Duty 5.4-1!! This thing cast unbelievable, and has crankin power to spare!! I like the BB1 6.4 to 1 but if you are looking for a reel to through lures over 1/2 oz. that pull hard, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS REEL!!!!! It is a jewel with big cranks and bucktails!! For anything smaller and easier retrieving I love the BB1 with it's 6.4 to 1 gears.