Cabelas Prodigy Reels

[catchnm]

I know they are made by Daiwa and are similar to the Advantage series but are they pretty much the same reel? Which ones are the best to try to get hold of, both new and used?

[webertime]

The grayish green ones are basically TD advantages .  Black and red are Aggrests. 

[catchnm]

Thanks

[new2BC4bass]

The older gray model is a very good reel.  I've read that the newer model isn't as nice.  The gray ones can sometimes be found in the classifieds for $50-$60.  Well worth the money.

[Jeff H]

There have been 3 versions of the Cabela's Prodigy by Daiwa.

 

Prodigy PRC200 was an Advantage variant. Aluminum frame  6 SS ball bearings plus roller bearing, Mag Force Z braking system, 7 disc drag stack, drilled free floating spool, straight 80mm handle.  Only available in 6.3:1 ratio

 

Prodigy PRC200A, same reel as above but has 90mm swept handle.

 

Prodigy PRC200B was an Aggrest variant.  Aluminum frame  10 SS ball bearings plus roller bearing, Mag Force Z, 7 disc drag, drilled free floating spool (red anodized)  available in  6.3:1 ratio.

 

I have 1 PRC200, 3-PRC200A, and my youngest boy has the PRC200B.  My favorite is the PRC200A.  I just prefer the Advantage frame reels with the 90mm swept handle. They are rock solid, lifetime reels if you take care of them.  Driveshaft is supported by 2 bearings plus the roller, has 2 spool support bearings (the norm) and 2 bearings support the pinion gear.  How many more do you really need?  More might be nice but for me this meets my requirements.  The Aggrest version (PRC200B) has bearings in the grips also.  

 

They are not finesse capable nor would one expect this from a $100 reel.  3/8 oz or heavier and they cast just fine, will throw some lures in 1/4 oz (such as spinnerbait) but short range only.  I also have 6 Daiwa TD-A HSTA's and the PRC200A is not far from the performance of these.  I don't much care if I have one or the other in my hand.  I get along well with the Mag Force Z braking system and to have that feature on a reel that costs $100 retail is pretty sweet.  It may not be Daiwa's best braking system but it's still exceptional in my opinion.

 

I think these reels are excellent for beginners and will carry them right through years of experience with simple cleaning and re-lube service.  They are built Daiwa tough with beefy gearing, excellent drag and braking systems and can handle anything you ask of them.  Current trend in new reels is lightweight, if 8.6 oz is considered heavy, then so be it.  

 

I'm hearing rumors that there will be new Prodigy and Tournament ZX casting reels out this spring, both by Daiwa.  Also, the spinning reels in both series will be Daiwa again.  

[new2BC4bass]

Jeff, lots of excellent information.  Thanks.  I had mine cleaned and slightly upgraded.  Guy who did it for me was impressed by how well it took to the work he did on it.  Impressed enough that he planned on buying a couple for visitors to use.  Nice solid reel.