Help Me Pick A Crankbait Reel

[slainempire]

I wake up today to find out I won a prize pack from another site that includes a 7' shimano clarus crankbait rod, assorted jackall jockie topwaters, and a 300 yd spool of powerpro.  Im still in shock because I never win anything, even on lottery scratch offs, lol.  Now that I have a crankin rod i need to put something on it.  What would you reccomend?  I cant really spend much more than $100 since this time of year my work is VERY slow and dont have much money to work with.  Any and all suggestions are welcome!

[cbass12]

For that price the basspro pro qualifier would be a good choice. They have 4.7:1 and 5.2:1 gear ratios available and they're on sale for $79 right now.

[BenBassmaster]

Congrats on the new gear! Some suggestions around the $100 range are the Lews Speed Spool and the Abu Garcia Orra Winch. Both offer 5:4.1 and a 6:4.1 gear ratios. The Orra Winch just came out, but if its anything like the last one it will be a good cranking reel. From what I've heard the Speed Spool is really worth the money, but it has been out longer and I have read more reviews on it more then the Orra SX.

[slainempire]

thanks for the replies!  funny enough those are the 3 reels that i had in my mind as possible options.  now time to read reviews, watch videos, and make the best decision possible!

[Fishes in trees]

Where you're at, the water is frozen right now and so you aren't going cranking any time soon, therefore you might want to save your pennies and sometime in the spring you can get a Chronarch in the gear ratio of your choice or if you like round reels, get a Calcutta.   If you really want to get into distance casting, get a Curado 300 E. Given a modest amount of care, those reels will last a lifetime.  I've got a couple of Calcutta's that are + or - 10 years old  or so  ( don't remember exactly when I got them) and they are just broke in, not worn out in any way.

 

In the period between 10 years ago and now I've worn out several lesser reels.  My advice is to save your money and spend it on quality gear that will last a long time… . .. .  Chronarchs, Calcutta's, Curado's, you have to work at it to wear those reels out.

[new2BC4bass]

I was going to suggest something a bit different....the Pro Qualifier.  :teeth3:  If you decide to look at round reels, don't forget Abu. They take a licking and keep on ticking. 

 

Also watch the classifieds over the winter.  Might come across a $200 reel for $100. Been known to happen.

 

One of the used custom rods I bought last winter cost me less than the price of the bare blank....even at a rod builder's discount.

[rippin-lips]

Go with what you can afford and feels good to you. Try to take your rod and mount reels on it to see where it balances. Sometimes a heavier reel balances better and will feel lighter in your hands vs a lighter reel on an unbalanced setup. Take into consideration how you hold the reel too.

Unfortunately opinions are just that,opinions. Generally you'll get told to buy whatever is someone's favorite brand,model ect. The bps pq is a proven reel. You can't go wrong with it and can be had for $80 during their sales. The Lews bb1 would be a better choice then the normal speed spool IMO but it's around $110. Daiwa lexa is a good $100 reel. The new tatula 100p can be had for $118 on eBay. So far reviews in it are great. Also as mentioned look in the flea market. Buying used isn't a bad thing. Just remember this is your fishing equipment and nobody else's. If you like it that's all that matters.

[Loop_Dad]

Congrats on your win!

 

I also won a reel from other site earlier this year. And it was like you, I never expected and one morning there was this email saying I won!

 

I 'also' happen to have 7" Clarus cranking rod (MH). I have Citica with 30lbs braid on it. I don't do much cranking to be honest due to weeds, but when I do, this combo can get the job done for me.

[bassum1]

I like the Lew's BB! 5.1:1.Designed by the best deep water cranking pro ever.Davod Fritz.They retail for $159 but you can buy them on ebay for $119 I just bought two and it had free shipping.These reels are made to last any you can throw a crankbait a mile!!!!!!!

Watch video from Icast 2013 shows David Fritz goes otside and shows tou how the reel will throw father than others.I know you have to be careful because will say what ever it takes for you to buy their sponcers products but I have fished with David Fritz and he is very honest.

[slainempire]

im 95% sure im gonna go with the pro qualifier in 6.4:1 since the large bulk of my cranking is squarebill and shallow to medium cranks. 

[MacP]

It's too good of a deal to pass up!  Grab one.