Looking For New Workhorse Baitcaster

[kickbasskid]

This is my first post here in a long time as I’ve gotten distracted over the years with various things but now that I’m in college I have decided to allow myself one winter hobby and one summer hobby. The winter hobby is skiing and the summer hobby is, well I’ll let you guess that one. Anyway with that decision in mind I am going to be needing a new 6:1 workhorse real. I currently have 2 rods a 6’6” Pinnacle 2 piece medium action for when I want to throw a rod in the car and a 7’ Medium Fast Action Mojo Bass rod. As well as a Quantum REAX 7.3:1 reel. The last workhorse I had was a Shimano Citica that I really enjoyed! If your wandering what type of use the reel will see it’s pretty much going to be my go to reel. I fish from the bank in small ponds and lakes around the central Ohio area. I use everything from worms to hard swimbaits. Here’s the list of things I’m considering! The lower end of my budget is like 100 unless of course there’s something amazing below that and the upper limit is around 160. Input is valued as well as suggestions for alternatives.

 

List:

Shimano Citica

Abu Garcia Revo SX

Shimano Curado

Quantum Energy PT

Daiwa Tatula

Lew's BB1HZ

[bigfishbk86]

I personally would not go with either Shimano, of that list i'd take the curado or the Energy.  If i was spending $160 i'd get either a lews BB1HZ(instant reverse) or a daiwa Tatula.  Good Luck!

[roadwarrior]

Buy a "gently used" Curado from the Flea Market, they come up quite often.

My focus would be on a CU 50E.

 

 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Sticking to that list I'd rank them:

 

Curado

SX

Citica

Energy PT

 

You're at a good price point for a quality reel though so it's hard to go wrong with any others you want to add. End of the day choose whatever feels best in your hand and on the chosen rod. 

[rippin-lips]

I personally would not go with either Shimano, of that list i'd take the curado or the Energy. If i was spending $160 i'd get either a lews BB1HZ(instant reverse) or a daiwa Tatula. Good Luck!

Both of those reels can be had for about $120. You can get a Lews TP for $150.

[kickbasskid]

Hey guys thanks for all the input! Roadwarrior I assume you mean the Curado 300E? For those that say no Shimano mind on expanding? I've never had a problem and they all seem to have favorable reviews.

[roadwarrior]

No.

 

I have both the 200 and 50 supertuned. I prefer the size of the 50.

 

 

 

[Sam]

1. Shimano as stated above.

2. Lews.

[kickbasskid]

If I were to buy a store reel though would you still suggest the Curado or the Citica? I'm waiting to see if I get any gift cards for christmas and I would rather use those than cold hard cash! Will definatly be going to our new local Cabelas to test a lot of these out though!

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Tatula

[Trey Harpel]

Go with the Tatula..

SOLID reel and is smooth for the price..

[roadwarrior]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128347-shimano-curado-200e5/#entry1419282

 

Jump on it!

 

 

 

 

[smallies24/7]

Lews

[Arv]

really any of those should do great as long as you take care of them. I'm partial to lews, but honestly don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

[Hogsticker]

Shimano Citica E series would be my pick from your list, but when I think workhorse, I think Zillion

[aavery2]

If you have the ability go to the store and check them all out.   Pick the one you like the best, most of the reels in this price range are going to give you good service if you maintain them properly.   The Tatula and Lews would be at the top of

my list.

[kickbasskid]

Hey guys thanks for all the input! Really appreciate it since you can't test durability over time in a store! After listening to your suggestions and spending an hour at Cabela's trying them all out today (for which I got several weird looks) I chose the Lew's BB1HZ! Last one in stock too! Thanks again guys!

[down4ttown]

So Dick's has a Curado G series for $120 online right now, and I know a place that has new Citica's for $80. Those are two fine reels. Talk to fishwhittler about his citica....

[down4ttown]

Oh and Ron at Valley Sports (a sponsor) has the Tatula for dirt cheap. 

[Smallmouth Hunter]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128347-shimano-curado-200e5/#entry1419282

 

Jump on it!

 

 

 

 

Going to have to disagree with you on that on.. The CUe5 is very slow in LPT. I don't think it would be practical for an all-round use, or for that matter anything other than deep cranks. 

 

 

Shimano Citica E series would be my pick from your list, but when I think workhorse, I think Zillion

The tatula is very similar to the zillion, but has air rotation and the TWS. The only minus of getting the tatula compared to the zillion is a bit more plastic (level wind drive gears, lever that shifts the level wind/ T-wing, star drag), and no free floating spool (not a big deal since both weigh the same, unless of course you plan to switch out the spool).

 

Out of the two I would go with the tatula and spend the money I saved on a metal star drag, zillion tension knob, OS7, CF handle, knobs, 4 bearings to upgrade the handle knobs and levelwind (bushing -> bearing).

[down4ttown]

Going to have to disagree with you on that on.. The CUe5 is very slow in LPT. I don't think it would be practical for an all-round use, or for that matter anything other than deep cranks. 

 

 

The tatula is very similar to the zillion, but has air rotation and the TWS. The only minus of getting the tatula compared to the zillion is a bit more plastic (level wind drive gears, lever that shifts the level wind/ T-wing, star drag), and no free floating spool (not a big deal since both weigh the same, unless of course you plan to switch out the spool).

 

Out of the two I would go with the tatula and spend the money I saved on a metal star drag, zillion tension knob, OS7, CF handle, knobs, 4 bearings to upgrade the handle knobs and levelwind (bushing -> bearing).

 

 

Agree with that! If you do all of that, you will actually have a better casting and performing reel than the Zillion. 

[Smallmouth Hunter]

Agree with that! If you do all of that, you will actually have a better casting and performing reel than the Zillion. 

Many already say that tatula casts better than the zillion.. Performance wise, the tatula (if I remember correctly) has a stronger drag than the zillion, and with air rotation, I have heard some people say it is just as smooth as the zillion.

[Hogsticker]

Its much to early to refer to the Tat as a workhorse reel, or anything else for that matter. People have only had them in their hands for a couple months. I'm not knocking it in any way, and thus far it seems like a really good reel. We shall see if it provides years of service as my Zillions have provided. Lots of plastic inside opposed to what some may consider better materials inside the Zillion. No doubt my Citica Es have served me well over the years as well.

[new2BC4bass]

I chose the Lew's BB1HZ!

 

 

Further discussion is wasted on the OP.  He already has made a choice.  A pretty good one too! 

[aavery2]

Hey guys thanks for all the input! Really appreciate it since you can't test durability over time in a store! After listening to your suggestions and spending an hour at Cabela's trying them all out today (for which I got several weird looks) I chose the Lew's BB1HZ! Last one in stock too! Thanks again guys!

Congrats on the new reel.