Final Decision

[MichiganFishing1997]

I'm looking at getting a casting reel for my 6'6MH Rick Clunn S-glass rod. I'm between the lews speed spool, $85 with the TW sale. Diawa Advantage I found in the flea market. Abu Orra SX. The last thing I came up with was a shimano caenen. Which should I get? Thanks

[Arv]

I'd go with the Advantage or SS. The Caenen doesn't have a 1 peice aluminum frame like the other 2. If it was me I'd get that Advantage from the flea market but the SS is a good reel too. You might consider the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier. I believe its on sale for 80 at BPS.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Thanks for the input.

[down4ttown]

Academy H2O Mettle. One piece metal frame and I can cast them as far as most of my other reels. Plus only 49 bucks. 

[MichiganFishing1997]

I have heard good reviews on the H2O. How does it compare to lets say.. the PQ?

[kylek]

I have 3 of the Lew's speed spools and love them.  Haven't tried any of the others.

[BrianSnat]

Hard to beat  the Lews for the money

[MichiganFishing1997]

You guys make things so difficult lol

[Arv]

You guys make things so difficult lol

Yes, we do. Everyone has a different opinion and you will hear a lot of them. If I was you I'd look at other tackle reviews, on the retailer's websites (BPS, Cabelas, etc.) and/or independent organizations. Tack tour and *** do a lot of reviews that may be helpful. Eventually its going to be you that makes the final call since you'll be the one using it.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Verh true, great response. I think the hard part now a days is everything works well, most of the time there is no "p.o.s." reel around the hundred dollar range if you ask me.

[Arv]

I would agree for the most part. I'll give you my 2 cents though. I would pick the Pro Qualifier over the other reels at the 100 dollar mark. Not only is it a nice size and has a 1 piece aluminum frame, it also has dual brakes - centrifugal and magnetic, which, in my opinion, puts it above the other reels in its price range. I have 2 and I'll be honest, I don't think there's that much of a difference between my PQ and my Lew's Tournament Speed Spool, which is 160 dollars, full price. I like the Lew's TSS more, but its not a head over heels sort of thing. Especially with the PQ on sale for 80 bucks, it would be a no brainer for me. But again, that's my 2 cents.

[Arv]

Sorry, the reel is not on sale anymore. I just checked BPS. That still doesn't change my opinion though.

[skeletor6]

I have heard good reviews on the H2O. How does it compare to lets say.. the PQ?

 

The H20 is actually a fine little reel. It is not as tricked out as the PQ, but both the ones I own (1 sold now) worked very well for me. They actually are great casters and easy to dial in. The centrifugal breaking system is visibly similar to my Shimano Curado's....it has 10 bearings like the Lew's SS, an aluminum frame and it just gets the job done for its price. Sure it is not a $100 reel, but seriously they have lifetime warranties on these so if anything goes wrong, you get a brand new one. Its really tough to beat these little guys for the price. You can find many posts on them around the net.

 

I'll take centrifugal breaks any day over standard mag breaks. Having both in the PQ is nice as well, but that is my knock on the standard Lew's SS, it is tough to go back after centrifugal breaking. The Lew's Tournament takes care of this problem as well as many upgrades, but that is at a cost.  Out of all the ones you mentioned....I would go with the PQ if you can afford it. If not the Mettle would be my next choice. When I was low on funds I got 2 mettle's and they served me well until I upgraded to sub $200 reels.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Awesome! That's what I will most likely do. Thanks

[MichiganFishing1997]

It doesn't come in a left hand model that I can find:(

[Arv]

It doesn't come in a left hand model that I can find:(

What doesn't come in a left handed model? The Pro Qualifier definitely does. Both of mine are.

[MichiganFishing1997]

Noni meant the mettle. I know the PQ does