Best Baitcaster Under $125

[WRB]

TW's sale on Daiwa T3B @ $125 is your best bargain.

Tom

[lmbfisherman]

Right now you can buy a BPS PQ for 80 bucks (on sale).  For me under 125 this reel is the best bang for your buck, frankly instead of buying the Citica G Series - (Not knocking the Citica G still love them), I would've bought the PQs instead in it's place (instead of 4 Citicas, I probably could've bought 6 PQs), if i could do it all over again. 

[new2BC4bass]

New:  No contest.  $98 for Curado 51E on closeout.

Used:  Wow.  How to chose?  Like the Fuego better than the Sol...both at $125.  The Fuego is one of my favorie reels.  TP like new $125, STX-L Gen 1 like new $125, Chronarch 101A and 100B both in exceptional condition $125 each, BUT the biggest surprise was a pair of older gold Carbonlites at $130 for the pair.  Loaded one with 6# mono, and it will throw a 3/16 oz. Shad Rap just as far as a supertuned and upgraded TD-Z 105H at less than 1/4th the cost invested.  An amazing bargain.

 

I don't consider them favorites, but their performance far outshines their price.  That is the Black Max 1600 round reels...$100 for three.  These handle light lures and wind extremely well.  Would be higher on my list if retrieve was smoother.  Too much play in the knobs.  Maybe a new handle is called for?  Anyone have suggestions for replacements?

[J Francho]

I have a few Daiwa TD-X 103HSDL pitching reels that I bought from ebay for around $50 each, barely used. 

 

[DogBone_384]

I just picked up a Diawa T3 Ballistic from TW for $125 - it's not under $125 by .01, guess it doesn't count ?!?!?!?

 

If not, My Pro Qualifier gets the nod...

 

Have a great Christmas!

[McAlpine]

Lews TP on sale for $119 shipped.  These guys are just super smooth.  A buddy of mine convinced me to try one when they were on sale early last year.  I think the only reel I have that I still think is superior is an Abu MGX.  Totally different price class there though, that's how good the TP's are and if you can find them on sale, WooT!

[jtesch]

Hey J Francho, do you like the Daiwa x pitching reels. I have 3 X's I got on Ebay that I cleaned up and tuned and I like them as much as some of my $300 reels but I don't have the pitching version and I'm thinking that should be my next project.

[J Francho]

Hey J Francho, do you like the Daiwa x pitching reels. I have 3 X's I got on Ebay that I cleaned up and tuned and I like them as much as some of my $300 reels but I don't have the pitching version and I'm thinking that should be my next project.

 

Yes, I love them.  They are a little heavier, with the two extra idler gears, but the benefit is the handle is behind the cast control cap, and gives many rods a better balance for "tip up" presentations.  I actually prefer the shape of the TD-X over the TD-Z version.  I'm a "right hand pitcher" so this reel suits me perfectly.  Every lefty reel I've ever owned or tried gets measured against these.  They are getting harder and harder to find.