Looking For A New Rig

[lunkmaster24]

I have been itching to get a new reel lately. I am using a Abu Garcia Promax reel now I love it even though it's a basic bait caster. Now here is the catch I have about $250 to work with I've been looking at the Quantum smoke any feedback on that one.

[new2BC4bass]

I've no experience with Quantums.  Have read good and bad about the Smoke.  I personally think you would be better off spending that money on a Lews, Shimano, Daiwa, Pflueger or Abu.  You could get a Lews Gold Speed Spool for less than that.  CaptBob says they are the best thing since sliced bread.    Or you could save a little and buy the Tournament Pro.  A pretty nice reel in its own right.

 

I've seen used Zillions going for less.  Love mine.  A used Sol or Fuego in good shape can be had for a lot less, and are great reels.  Love mine.  I paid less for my Daiwa Alphas...another awesome reel, and yup...love mine.    Look at the Shimano Chronarch, Pflueger Patriarch, Daiwa Tatula or Lexa.  The Daiwa T3 Ballistic XS Limited Edition is on sale at TW for $248.88.  I've read good and bad about the Gen 3 Abus, but the Gen 2s are highly rated.  A Gen 2 Premier or STX in excellent condition should be well within your price range.  Mine are both Gen 1 reels.  I don't miss the dual control of the later models, and these can both be found well under your $250 limit...heck under half that.

[Arv]

I'd check out the Lews Tournament Pro, Shimano Chronarch and Lews Revo STX. IMO, 200+ reels start to come down to personal preference.

[lmbfisherman]

Get a Chronarch E series or if you want better go for a Chronarch CI4+ if you save another 30 bucks.  You can thank me later.

[lunkmaster24]

Sweet Ty for the input I'm going to try and make it to the local pro shop see if I can mess around with those and see what one feels like the "one". I have a buddy with a revo i used it a few times it was nice. I would like to spend under the 250 anyways so I can use the remainder for a new rod too .