How Do You Determine What New Rod/reel To Get?

[hooah212002]

This is mainly aimed at those of you that don't have disposable income and have to really think about that next rod/reel purchase.

 

What process do you go through when selecting a new reel? How much info can you really glean by holding it in the store? What if you are leaning towards a reel that you don't have access to? How can you really know you will like a reel without actually spooling it with line and getting it on the water, thus making it too late to return if you don't like it?

 

I don't lean one way or another when it comes to a particular brand, so I am in a bit of limbo with this next purchase because there are a number of options at the price point I am looking at (~$120 for reel). The key differences are brand, obviously. But with that comes differing braking systems and how they handle. Each has their pro's and cons and each has reports of unhappy customers.

 

What I am NOT looking for is opinions on what reel to get. I AM looking for a discussion on how to make as informed a decision as possible even when that decision is as informed as you can get.

[livetofish28]

If you have narrowed your decision down to a couple reels go onto to tackle warehouse go onto the reel and click demo this reel the only cost is the shipping it's a great program that allows you to get hands on experience with the reel your looking to buy

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

This is mainly aimed at those of you that don't have disposable income and have to really think about that next rod/reel purchase.

 

What process do you go through when selecting a new reel? How much info can you really glean by holding it in the store? What if you are leaning towards a reel that you don't have access to? How can you really know you will like a reel without actually spooling it with line and getting it on the water, thus making it too late to return if you don't like it?

 

I don't lean one way or another when it comes to a particular brand, so I am in a bit of limbo with this next purchase because there are a number of options at the price point I am looking at (~$120 for reel). The key differences are brand, obviously. But with that comes differing braking systems and how they handle. Each has their pro's and cons and each has reports of unhappy customers.

 

What I am NOT looking for is opinions on what reel to get. I AM looking for a discussion on how to make as informed a decision as possible even when that decision is as informed as you can get.

 

Well on this point buy from a place where you can return it BPS,Cabelas Gander DSG. I bought returned reels at all of them. I like trying different brands as well so what is itching me at the moment I look into what reel has it. Like weight I was wanting a light set-up and the BPS carbonlite just came out and I picked it up, at the time it was for the price a very light reel. When I find a reel interested in then research it on muliple forums to get an idea on how its doing.

 I didnt have access to an Okuma Helios reel so went by a few reviews and reports then found it on sale and went for it the reel didnt work out so after a month returned it. Where you buy from ask about their return policy thats what I did for the Helios I made sure it would be returnable called asked 3 times different people.

[new2BC4bass]

I don't see how you can 'know' which reel you will like the most without at least handling it.  Some stores let you mount a reel on a rod and take it out back for a few casts.  I haven't as yet had that option with any of my reels (and I have more reels than I can currently use).  I always check to see if tackletour has done a review of any reel I am interested in.  I also check their forum and this one for any comments figuring that most people posting are going to be enthusiasts.  Reviews on sites such as Cabela's I take with a grain of salt.  If they mention owning several other reels (and often more expensive ones than the one I am looking at) then I am more apt to give credence to their review than to a guy who just bought his first reel and is raving about how it is the best thing since sliced bread....or how it is the Devil's spawn.

 

Guess I am an easy guy to please.  I like most of the reels I've purchased even though I never saw a physical example before buying.  I feel the couple reels causing me problems is due to my lack of experience, not to any fault of the reel.

 

EDIT:  Only rods I have been able to handle before buying was the F&S Tec Spec at Dick's and a Shimano Compre and 2 Falcon Originals at a Mom and Pop store.  Oh yeah.  Also 2 of Cabela's XMLTi rods when they were closing out that year's model.  I rely heavily on reviews and opinions in threads.

[THE BASS WHISPERER]

if your going to spend 120.00 my recommendation is go to ebay  look for a quantum smoke or exo. you can get one for around 150.  they retail for 250  whorth the extra 30 bucks.

[slonezp]

If the rod is a Fenwick and the reel is Abu Garcia I have determined those are the ones I need. I tend to be brand loyal. Especially on higher end purchases. I use the mid range gear from both of those companies. My advice to you is once you find something you like, stick with it. I only say this because I see the struggles my son goes thru with his set ups. Each time he picks up a set up to use, it is completely different than the one he was just using. Takes him a few minutes and a few backlashes to adjust. All my casting and flipping rods I keep on deck are Fenwick. All the casting reels are Abu. All the flipping reels are Ardent. Takes the guesswork out of it. 

 

On a side note. Keep me posted with the Take a Vet fishing. I'm going to volunteer next year. They are not signing up volunteers as of yet.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You've taken the first step by setting a budget. At the price point you're shopping the reels should all be of good quality so you can concentrate on the features that are important to you such as brakes, weight, gear ratio/IPT, left or right hand, maybe even color and of course price. These are all personal preference points. You can expand your options even further if you'll consider second hand. For me, I'd be looking at centrifugal brakes/left hand retrieve/high gear ratio. I'd make a list of models that fill the need and shop for the best deal I can find. Checking here for feedback on a model wont hurt, but in the end you need to decide for yourself.

[SirSnookalot]

My first question to be answered is what do I buy first, rod or reel?  Usually the rod gets the nod, then I will start looking for a reel to match it.  IMO staying within particular price range most reels seem to perform on a par with each other, some exceptions will always apply. I want what feels right on my rod and is appealing to my eye.  I personally only read reviews from experts that objectively evaluate equipment and are testing many brands and models against each other.  One of the gurus I turn to is Alan Hawke, I did buy a reel before reading his review and I wish I hadn't bought it, he was right.  There are a few people that fish for the species I mainly do and fish the same kind of water with far more technical expertise than me, I do pay attention to those 2 or 3 people and value their input.

[skeletor6]

This is mainly aimed at those of you that don't have disposable income and have to really think about that next rod/reel purchase.

 

What process do you go through when selecting a new reel? How much info can you really glean by holding it in the store? What if you are leaning towards a reel that you don't have access to? How can you really know you will like a reel without actually spooling it with line and getting it on the water, thus making it too late to return if you don't like it?

 

I don't lean one way or another when it comes to a particular brand, so I am in a bit of limbo with this next purchase because there are a number of options at the price point I am looking at (~$120 for reel). The key differences are brand, obviously. But with that comes differing braking systems and how they handle. Each has their pro's and cons and each has reports of unhappy customers.

 

What I am NOT looking for is opinions on what reel to get. I AM looking for a discussion on how to make as informed a decision as possible even when that decision is as informed as you can get.

 

Great Questions.

 

First off, you are never going to know 100% that you are making the right decision. TW lets you sample reels and if you are wanting to compare every reel in your range its not a bad way to get your hands on the gear.

Furthermore, you can really stretch your performance by buying used. For example, that $120 can turn into a $200 reel which will get you a lot more to your money. 

 

Lastly, you should rely on sources that have used the equipment and attempt to objectively share their experiences. Those, who own gear from several manufacturers often are some of the best sources. Biased and propagandist styled reports of equipment often are inaccurate and unhelpful in your search.

 

I've spent hours talking with sources I value highly and reading through countless threads on multiple forums and still will not know if I am making the right decision. You have to have confidence in yourself, your research and make that leap of faith. 

[hooah212002]

if your going to spend 120.00 my recommendation is go to ebay  look for a quantum smoke or exo. you can get one for around 150.  they retail for 250  whorth the extra 30 bucks.

 

I handled a smoke yesterday at Dicks and didn't much care for how it felt. I have, however, had my eye on the EXO series and they look nice, but I don't want to drop that kind of coin. An easy answer is "just spend a bit more" but that can keep going and keep going until you are in MGX territory. I've set my limit for this particular purchase at no more than $120/130 (I am eyeballing new Citicas and Revo S's, so that price range).

[MarkH024]

I handled a smoke yesterday at Dicks and didn't much care for how it felt. I have, however, had my eye on the EXO series and they look nice, but I don't want to drop that kind of coin. An easy answer is "just spend a bit more" but that can keep going and keep going until you are in MGX territory. I've set my limit for this particular purchase at no more than $120/130 (I am eyeballing new Citicas and Revo S's, so that price range).

If you search Fleabay, you can find both of those brands in almost new condition for well under retail. I nabbed 3 reels from Ebay this winter and saved probably around $150+ between them if I just paid retail brand new.  Clayton traded me a Citica 200E and it's a fantastic reel.

[Arv]

I do a lot of research to determine what quality and reliable gear is by reading reputable reviews and asking questions on here. Then I look for sales and deals on the flea market.

[hooah212002]

If you search Fleabay, you can find both of those brands in almost new condition for well under retail. I nabbed 3 reels from Ebay this winter and saved probably around $150+ between them if I just paid retail brand new.  Clayton traded me a Citica 200E and it's a fantastic reel.

 

The only thing with that, though, is if something happens to the reel, I am hosed with no recourse. If I am spending this kind of coin, I would rather be able to have a brick and mortar to return it to. The flip side is that I would like to save some money and used is a good way to do that.

 

At any rate, I was hoping this wouldn't be an "advice for me" thread.

[roadwarrior]

Go with advice from people you trust.

 

I have bought the majority of my gear from members on our Flea Market.

Your local retailer will most likely have Curados in stock for you to see and

hold.  If you decide on going that route, "gently used" come up quite often

for around $125. I prefer the 50E to the 200E, so be sure to check them

both out.