The Difference A Quality Reel Makes.

[hooah212002]

I finally got to use my Pro Qualifier today and all I can say is WOW. This is the first high price tag reel I've ever used and i can see why everyone recommends spending a bit more and getting pricier stuff. I did lube it up before using it, so maybe that helped, but either way it is smooth as butter. The other reels I own make reeling in crank baits seem like a chore by comparison.

I say this because I have been on record as saying that it's perfectly fine to just get a cheap-ish reel and you'll be fine. I changed my mind after today. Quality gear makes a difference. Fishing is much more enjoyable and comfortable.

[aavery2]

Congrats on the new reel.

[JunkYard814]

Glad you like your new reel. Get ready to open that wallet up, because once you start, there's no turning back. 

[McAlpine]

Congratulations on making the turn.  Everyone enjoys their fishing in their own way but I have found that quality equipment backlashes less, casts better, feels better, lighter in the hand, more sensitive and just  more enjoyable for me to use.    Have fun!

[Fishes in trees]

And now, for the next step in your fishing evolution, get a reel that says SHIMANO on the side of it.  Like a Curado or a Calais or something that says Calcutta on the side of it.  Just saying. . .

[hooah212002]

Congratulations on making the turn.  Everyone enjoys their fishing in their own way but I have found that quality equipment backlashes less, casts better, feels better, lighter in the hand, more sensitive and just  more enjoyable for me to use.    Have fun!

 

That's very true. I had a couple, but they were user error (trying to throw a weightless fluke a mile in the wind), but there were far more times were I thought I should have had a backlash but didn't. 

[Bass Junkie]

I personally went from a Quantum Accurist to a Revo STX, and the difference was literally mind blowing. Trying to be fair, I pitted the STX against a Re-Ax... Not even close! Quality makes an undeniable difference. You truly do get what you pay for, and a good $200 investment will last infinitely longer than four $50 reels.

[hooah212002]

and a good $200 investment will last infinitely longer than four $50 reels.

 

 

That's the thing though: I was going from hand me down older reels or clearance bin stuff, so a $50 brand new reel is a good investment to me ($50 isn't exactly couch money where I'm at, let alone the $80 I plunked down for the PQ). I can't imagine how well a $200 reel fishes, but it will be quite a long time before I can drop that kind of cheddar on one lol.

[Bass Junkie]

That's the thing though: I was going from hand me down older reels or clearance bin stuff, so a $50 brand new reel is a good investment to me ($50 isn't exactly couch money where I'm at, let alone the $80 I plunked down for the PQ). I can't imagine how well a $200 reel fishes, but it will be quite a long time before I can drop that kind of cheddar on one lol.

Nothing wrong with that, I started there myself. While I have not amassed the collections some members have, I have found that getting the best you can is always wisest, even if you sacrifice quality for quality. So many anglers seem to think they must have a technique specific rod and reel for every technique they use, and acquire five or six decent setups when three good setups are capable of doing all of the techniques, and at a higher level. While I have never personally used the Pro Qualifier, many members here have, as I have yet to hear one negative report. $80 will indeed get you a very nice reel!

On a separate note, congratulations on servicing your own reel! Many guys that own fleets of expensive reels don't have the skill sets to do that. Glad to see someone who has the initiative to take care of their investment!

[flippin and pitchin]

The mere fact you are excited about your reel makes the experience of using it even sweeter. Enjoy.

[hooah212002]

On a separate note, congratulations on servicing your own reel! Many guys that own fleets of expensive reels don't have the skill sets to do that. Glad to see someone who has the initiative to take care of their investment!

 

Oh no, I don't either. I simply followed the quick guide that came with it. I picked up some Rem Oil for the bearings since it was easier on my pocket book than is Ardent, as well as some Abu Garcia reel lube (used that on the level wind). I did no where close to a tear down because my dexterity isn't the greatest when it comes to putting stuff back together. 

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Oh no, I don't either. I simply followed the quick guide that came with it. I picked up some Rem Oil for the bearings since it was easier on my pocket book than is Ardent, as well as some Abu Garcia reel lube (used that on the level wind). I did no where close to a tear down because my dexterity isn't the greatest when it comes to putting stuff back together. 

 

With that REM oil you will need to add a drop more often cause it is very light oil. I use it and after about two weeks or 50-60 hours use add a drop.

[hooah212002]

With that REM oil you will need to add a drop more often cause it is very light oil. I use it and after about two weeks or 50-60 hours use add a drop.

 

Good to know. Thanks. Will it hurt to switch to something thicker without cleaning the bearings out?

[rockchalk06]

Keep in mind BP has their 6 pay plan going on right now. 6 months to pay no interest. Makes it easy to get some really good stuff!

[BradH]

Rem oil is good stuff.  If you like to fish in the winter it's GREAT stuff.  It does not get thick in the cold as much as other oils.

[Maico1]

Congrats...good for you, now you are in for some reel fun.

[jhoffman]

Wait till that new bionic goes on sale and grab one of those. At $60 its an amazing reel. I paired it with one of those steals on the walmart abu vendetta and its one of my favorite combos, all under $100.

 

Thats the key, you have to know a good deal when you see one to get better stuff at affordable prices. You almost have to plan for the sales, like knowing when the classic happens that crazy things will happen at tackle places.

[lmbfisherman]

Wait till that new bionic goes on sale and grab one of those. At $60 its an amazing reel. I paired it with one of those steals on the walmart abu vendetta and its one of my favorite combos, all under $100.

 

Thats the key, you have to know a good deal when you see one to get better stuff at affordable prices. You almost have to plan for the sales, like knowing when the classic happens that crazy things will happen at tackle places.

So you liking the Bionic reel then?  How does it compare with a PQ, that is assuming you have one.

 

I do agree that the reels get smoother when you start paying in general the 100+ range, my most expensive reels are Chronarchs.  So I don't have much experience above that, but one day I will take that jump and try a core or maybe buy the new Shimano offering if the rumors are true. 

 

You can still find bargains for higher quality reels if you can be patient at the price you can afford.  However, it is really hard to do so (be patient)!  That PQ will be a workhorse for you. 

[jhoffman]

So you liking the Bionic reel then?  How does it compare with a PQ, that is assuming you have one.

 

I do agree that the reels get smoother when you start paying in general the 100+ range, my most expensive reels are Chronarchs.  So I don't have much experience above that, but one day I will take that jump and try a core or maybe buy the new Shimano offering if the rumors are true. 

 

You can still find bargains for higher quality reels if you can be patient at the price you can afford.  However, it is really hard to do so (be patient)!  That PQ will be a workhorse for you. 

 

I own both, I think the side plates arent as "solid" the release system on the plate is not the same but other than that I love it. I tore mine apart before ever fishing and full serviced it including bearings and drag washers.

 

I was told by many, including people on here that if you buy the bionic on a combo its not the same as buying it as a stand alone reel. I bought mine as just the reel.

 

Additionally, I own mostly daiwas except these two reels and with the dual brake system its a dream to manage these compared to a daiwa for someone whos still learning.

[DaveT63]

Keep in mind another way to get better quality reels cheaper is to buy used.  Watch the flea market here, or keep an eye on fleabay.  I've seen the older Curados go regularly for $70-80.  Those Bantam Curados are tough to beat for the money.  I've also bought a Pflueger Patriarch for $100 through the flea market.  That place is great when you want to upgrade, and can save you plenty of money to buy otehr gear.  Same goes for rods and tackle.

[lmbfisherman]

I own both, I think the side plates arent as "solid" the release system on the plate is not the same but other than that I love it. I tore mine apart before ever fishing and full serviced it including bearings and drag washers.

 

I was told by many, including people on here that if you buy the bionic on a combo its not the same as buying it as a stand alone reel. I bought mine as just the reel.

 

Additionally, I own mostly daiwas except these two reels and with the dual brake system its a dream to manage these compared to a daiwa for someone whos still learning.

Thanks for the update, I'll probably grab one when on sale again. 

 

 

 

****Moderator Edit: Start a new thread for rod questions.

[jignfule]

I always buy the best I can afford. It is less expensive in the long run I  believe and it make fishing more enjoyable for me.

[hooah212002]

I picked up a Citica 200E today and it only served to further my feelings for this topic. It actually makes my PQ feel like a heavy, cumbersome tank lol. And just to rile up Bassresource, I have it on my Veritas and boy oh boy is that a light light light combo. I can throw weightless flukes with it farther than my PQ throws weighted baits (I do need to adjust it some, though).

 

On a side not, Invisx is VERY deserving of the praise it gets. That stuff doesn't even need line conditioner!