Suggest A New Sub-$100 Baitcasting Reel

[Arv]

i dont think i really want any of the daiwas, akumas, or shimanos listed.. i like the orra sx and revo.. both 8 bearings, 15lb and 20lb drags respectively.. and i dont know much about the lews speed spool but thats the other one i think id consider

 

as for the revo S vs the orra SX.. i dont know what differences there are between the two besides the revo having more drag and id like to eat more info on the lews, and the quantums

 

lastly, whichever reel wins will then have to be compared in a low profile vs round baitcaster decision ill have to make next between this low profile reel, and an abu 5600c4

I'm selling a PQ in the fleamarket if you're interested.

 

As far as reels under 100, the only two that I would feel comfortable recommending are the PQ and the Lews SS. Of the two the PQ gets my vote because of the dual braking system.

[jason41987]

drag is kind of weak on the lews and BPS PQ though.. i go for northern pike, large lake trout, catfish, and soon hopefully musky and stergeon.. might need that extra drag

[Arv]

IMO, you'd probably have to increase your budget to get a reel that is both a 1 peice aluminum frame and a much larger drag than what you find on the Lews SS and PQ unless you stick with a round reel.

[jason41987]

the orra sx has an aluminum frame an 15lbs of drag, and if i search around i can get the revo S with 20lbs of drag for the same price

[Arv]

Didn't know about the Orra. The Revo S is a great reel too though. You can usually find them used for well below 100. I just sold a first generation Revo S for $55.

[jason41987]

im still not sure if i want to go with the revo S, or 5600C4 round baitcaster.. but it seems ive narrowed it down to these two.. is the revo as easy to strip down, repair, and maintain as the 5600C4? i want something thatll last me 20+ years

[jason41987]

i have to do more thinking.. a lot more thinking.. i mean, it seems so easy to just cast, leave hand in place, retrieve, then cast again.. fewer motions, less work.. but.. then many people with baitcasters tend to hold the reel in the palm of their hand, should i do that, it would take one extra step with a left crank reel than a right as id have to grab the rod with the left hand, then remove my right hand from the grip and place it on the reel as opposed to just grabbing the reel (as opposed to the rod) with the left hand

 

so now i have to ask myself if i intend to hold the reel (not the rod) with the left hand, do what i sometimes do is hold that little piece of grip above the reel after casting, or if casting right and reeling left truly is the better way to go... another technique ive done before is cast, then turn my right hand over and reel with the left hand... so now i must think about this more and determine if i really want a left handed reel afterall

[Fishwhittler]

im still not sure if i want to go with the revo S, or 5600C4 round baitcaster.. but it seems ive narrowed it down to these two.. is the revo as easy to strip down, repair, and maintain as the 5600C4? i want something thatll last me 20+ years

 

If those are your criteria, the C4 is the reel for you.  There are few reels as simple and rugged as an Ambassadeur (not including the Kalex and BCX), and the Ambassadeurs will keep going through abuse that will kill other reels.

 

There will be an upgraded C4 coming out later this year, if you want to wait.  Don't know how the price will compare to the current generation.

[jason41987]

i think i will wait to see that new C4.. hopefully they use a better color scheme on it.. blue and gold is incredibly ugly.. actually, i might take mine and have the frame re-annodized or powder coated or something.. but ill wait

 

anyway, the reel im using now is a C4.. its basically a 5600C4 but different in the fact that it has a wiffle spool like the record series reel

[Fishwhittler]

i think i will wait to see that new C4.. hopefully they use a better color scheme on it.. blue and gold is incredibly ugly.. actually, i might take mine and have the frame re-annodized or powder coated or something.. but ill wait

 

anyway, the reel im using now is a C4.. its basically a 5600C4 but different in the fact that it has a wiffle spool like the record series reel

 

In that case you're not going to like the new C4.  This is what it looks like:

 

 

You might look around for a D-series Curado or Citica.  Both are tough reels that will last for a very long time with care, and there are quite a few upgrade options out there.

[jason41987]

no, i actually like that new color scheme, thats not blue and gold.. the frame is black and silver, the spool and crank look more of a bronze or dull brass color.. i like it, that shiny gold everywhere is kinda cheesy looking, but i really like that restyle

 

on another note.. i think im going to stick with a right hand retrieve.. ive learned a new way to hold my reel, which i guess is what people do when they "palm" a reel.. basically, i cast, and before my line even hits the water i place the rod in my left hand with the trigger hook part of the rod between my middle and ring finger, middle finger runs the along the edge of the rod, and my index finger and thumb on the reel.. keep in mind i am using a 5600C4 round baitcaster, and i find it to be quite comfortable, so im just going to keep what i have for now

 

im even fixing a habbit i have with my thumb where ive accidently been slipping it off the reel and hitting the thumb bar on a hook set and backlashing.. but now i put my thumb on the spool when i set a hook and now that handling this reel is becoming second nature, i dont think im going to change it.. i like it

[Capt.Bob]

BPS PQ or Lew's SS, in that price range, the used Curado or Citica are get options and would be my choice if you get a good one.

[tomustang]

If you really need more drag you could just tighten your thumb down on the spool when it slips.

[jason41987]

well, as stated im going to keep the C4 i have now, ive actually become quite used to the way im holding it in my left hand, if i got a left hand retrieve id have to grab it with the left and then again with the right to change grip.. so keeping a right hand retrieve would be best afterall, and with my new left handed grip it allows me to place my thumb on the spool quicker as ive learned to do that during hook sets

[MCS]

Quantum code, kinetic and catalyst. Know a few that have the code, say it is good for the price. You can snag an older energy pt for 99-130 range since they are closing it out.

[Smallmouth Hunter]

drag is kind of weak on the lews and BPS PQ though.. i go for northern pike, large lake trout, catfish, and soon hopefully musky and stergeon.. might need that extra drag

If you're going to target larger fish like musky and sturgeon, you should definitely get a round reel.

[DogBone_384]

My vote is for QPS Pro Qualifier $99.  It's 97.375% of the BPS Johnny Morris Signature Series I bought recently.

[dddyfz27]

I found a Lew's tournament MG on ebay last night new for 107.00 shipped to your door.  I will be buying one shortly.  I know its a couple bucks about your 100 limit but I think it will be well worth it.

[SwampLife]

I don't tinker but out of that list I would chose the lews or the orra... Go read reviews on the lews or the bps pro qualifier...it will be hard to find a bad review on either of the two.. I never owned a pro qualifier so I couldn't pick it over the lew's

[Dingah]

Bass pro pro qualifier 

abu garcia silver max

bps extreme 

bps tourney special

[pbizzle]

 i want something thatll last me 20+ years

Then your only option is a C3.