Best Bps Reel?

[Jon G]

Today it has dawned on me that I have used SOOO many reels from different companies but have never used a BPS reel. So I have decided to try one out i am stuck on a pro qualifer, carbonlite, or a johnny morris signature. I'm not so sure though on the johnny morris because if im about to drop $160 i might as well get another BB1 but idk im curious what people think the best BPS reel is.

[Grantman83]

Pro qualifier no doubt...I've heard the newer carbonlites aren't so hot.

[LMB ANGLER]

Today it has dawned on me that I have used SOOO many reels from different companies but have never used a BPS reel. So I have decided to try one out i am stuck on a pro qualifer, carbonlite, or a johnny morris signature. I'm not so sure though on the johnny morris because if im about to drop $160 i might as well get another BB1 but idk im curious what people think the best BPS reel is.

HANDS DOWN THE JOHNNY MORRIS SIGNATURE SERIES, ITS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE REEL, THE CARBONLITE IS LITE ONLY 5.9 OZ

[Jon G]

HANDS DOWN THE JOHNNY MORRIS SIGNATURE SERIES, ITS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE REEL, THE CARBONLITE IS LITE ONLY 5.9 OZ

So whats the main difference between johnny morris signature series and the carbonlite im having a hard time telling the difference

[flyfisher]

I have only used their PQ but i can say that when you get one on one of their sale prices i don't think there is a better reel for the money out there.  I have one that i picked up for my cranking rod so it has been through some serious use and i have no complaints whatsoever.

[LMB ANGLER]

So whats the main difference between johnny morris signature series and the carbonlite im having a hard time telling the difference

since i see that you live in Illinois the carbonlite is perfect for you, but i also see that you lived in cali so if you still lived in cali i would say go with the signature.

where you live your going to catch bass up to 10 pounds, in cali those people catch 20 pounders like noting. location on your set-up does matter

[kickerfish1]

The Johnny Morris carbonlite has to be the worst casting reel I have ever used. It was way overhyped coming out. Very grindy on the retrieve and when under load or resistance it is just plain awful. The finish also wears quite easily. When you look at the reel on paper, the concept is intriguing but when fished it just doesn't cut it. Mine is on its second season with minimal use and even after Mike at DVT worked on it it still just as grindy as it was at the end of its first season. It palms well, is very light, and casts quite well but the retrieve/gears is where they went wrong. I have the 7:0.1 ratio so I can speak for the other models, but I know I will be donating mine to a youth fishing club as a tool for them to practice with in a back yard setting.

[LMB ANGLER]

the carbonlite has the 2013 game and fish sportsman award. they don't get awards for nothing. just sayin 

[Jrob78]

The old gold Carbonlites were solid reels but they changed them, the internals are different now.  I would stick with the tried and true Pro Qualifier.  It performs like a much higher priced reel.

[iceintheveins]

No doubt the PQ. I have four of them and they have been more bombproof than my old Curado E. 

[NorcalBassin]

Have to agree with the PQ. Definitely an amazing reel for that price (I've bought 3 for $64.99 during their reel trade in).

[Bluebasser86]

Pro Qualifier without a doubt. Catch them on sale and they're a steal. 

[K_Mac]

One more vote for the PQ. I have 4 that have performed well. 

[new2BC4bass]

My only experience with BPS reels is the older gold Carbonlite I purchased over the winter.  No idea how it will hold up to extended use.  Probably quite well for me considering the number of fish I catch in my area. 

 

I can say that my Carbonlite will throw a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap just as far as my tuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H at 1/4th the invested cost.

 

Since I got 2 as a package deal. the other will get spooled with braid and taken to Florida next year for use throwing unweighted 10" worms into lily pads and other slop.  At least there I get to catch a few nice bass. 

[Goose52]

I own 17 BPS BC reels (2-RC, 3-PL, 6-PQ, 4-CL1, 2-CL2).  Best value and performance for money spent = PQ. 

[Preytorien]

I have the Carbonlite, and so far I haven't had any issues at all. I think it's pretty light compared to other rigs I've thrown. So far so good.....keeping my fingers crossed

[MacP]

I've had a Pro Qualifier for a while now.  It's my heavy bait/swimbait set-up.  I like it.  Can cast it a mile pretty easily.

[kickerfish1]

the carbonlite has the 2013 game and fish sportsman award. they don't get awards for nothing. just sayin

Have you used this reel? You can read countless reviews on the internet where folks were returning reels with the grindy gear feel, looking for a smoother reel. Some found one that was better and others didn't. I wouldn't put much stock in that award.

[*Hootie]

I work at BPS, and I had all three of the reels you mention. Gave the JM Sig, and the Carbonlite to my son, but I wont let go of my PQ's.

Hootie

[Dave P]

PQ all the way.

[bgraham91]

For the price of the PQ you can't beat them. I don't know much about the new extremes but I do have an older one that I use for square bills and it still works great.

[craww]

The Sig is a very nice reel. Smoother and More refined than the PQ, its just heavy as all get out. The PQ is good reel and has a well earned reputation. I own a J.M. Carbonlite, it does some things well. Good drag, casts light baits VERY good, weighs nothing. The finish is junk, and the reel itself is rough/noisy due to the construction.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The PQ is by far the best bargain, a solid reel that comes in a number of configurations. The JM reels are good but like most signature reels some of what you pay for is the signature.

[LMB ANGLER]

Have you used this reel? You can read countless reviews on the internet where folks were returning reels with the grindy gear feel, looking for a smoother reel. Some found one that was better and others didn't. I wouldn't put much stock in that award.

yes i have used this reel and and it feels like exactly as they say. it really deserves that 2013 award. 

[TheMightyQuinn]

I have used a wide variety of BPS Reels. I have to agree, the Johnny Morris Carbonlite is a very grindy reel. I returned 2 of them for this very reason. I just felt it did not carry the durability. I have a few signature series feels as well. I feel that they are a better reel, but not by much. For the price of a signature series reel, you can get 3 pro qualifiers. (Well, almost 3)