Inexperienced Baitcaster Buyer

[BassNDiesel]

So I've been looking into buying a baitcaster rod and reel combo.  I have narrowed my decition down to either a Quantum KVD Baitcasting combo from walmart ( http://www.walmart.com/msharbor/ip/Quantum-KVD-Baitcast-Combo/22172335 ) Its an 11 bearring reel, 7.0:1 gears, right retreval, and rod is 6'10 inches tall.  Or a bass pro shops pro qualifier combo from Bass Pro ( http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Reel/CarbonLite-Trigger-Rod-Baitcast-Combo-PQX10HLA/CL69MHTXF/product/12041705055310/ ) and the bass pro combo allows for any type of ratio, retreval, power and lenth.  only thing is the reel is 6 bearrings and 1 roller bearring.  I have never owned a baitcaster before.  I spend most of my time fishing on-shore in ponds for bass.  I prefer to use crankbaits, jitterbugs, or chatter baits.  Im hopeing to get some imput from some experienced baitcaster user.  Any imput will help.

thanks. 

[F14A-B]

My choice is hands down the PQ and carbon lite , no question and no doubt. As you said also you can choose the rod lenght and action as well as the gear ratio you want. Of those 2 choices, I feel you must choose the Bass pro branded combo.

[fish365]

If this is your 1st baitcaster set-up, i would suggest a shorter rod than the first one you listed. It will be easier to learn accuracy casting much faster with a 6'6" over a 6'10".

[David D.]

If those are your only 2 options then the PQ would be the easy choice for me. A 6.4:1 gear ratio would be a good all-around options for whatever you want to throw.

For the rod, I would choose a 6'6" Med Heavy power, Fast action.

[LMB KING]

People here don't like quantum so they will tell you to buy other brands that are not even good. I think that thats a good choice, you will love your quantum combo. Quantum makes quality products. Ones again. that's a very good choice so i would go for it. Regardless of what people tell you, i suggest you try it out first, before people lead you on the wrong direction.

[Cgrinder]

Being led away from a $130 baitcasting combo is anything BUT the wrong direction.

 

The PQ/Carbonlite combo has been a tested and proven starter setup for years. Many members of the forum, myself included, learned on a Pro Q reel. It's an excellent place to begin your casting education.

[BassNDiesel]

the PQ and quantum combo arent the only two im bound to those were just the 2 that stuck out to me.  It sounds like the PQ is highly favored, is there any others you would recommend? the max i would spend is probably little under $200.  Thank you for fast respond

[LMB KING]

the PQ and quantum combo arent the only two im bound to those were just the 2 that stuck out to me.  It sounds like the PQ is highly favored, is there any others you would recommend? the max i would spend is probably little under $200.  Thank you for fast respond

Remember just because something is highly favored, it dose not mean that is good. Mcdonalds is highly favored, but is it good? Think about it.

[Cgrinder]

The only way to do better under $200 is to buy used.

[JGBassinAL]

Quantums low end stuff is not very good. Go with the pro qualifier/carbonlite. Had a couple those rods in the past and they are great for the price.

[JGBassinAL]

Now that I see your last post, get a Daiwa Tatula which can be found at various places for $100 and then a *** ***. Puts you right at $200 and would be way better than either of the options you listed.

[F14A-B]

The PQ and carbon lite rod is a solid choice for a beginner like you're self... Bps also will stand behind this product, is there a BPS close by you?

There are other choices, but you asked about 2 different combos, I gave my short answer, there is the used market as well often times you can get very good deals on different makers of rod and reel.... The Diawa Tats can be had for 100$ and you got 100$ for a rod.... You can get into a good rod and reel at 200$ for a beginner. New or used.

[BassNDiesel]

yes i have a BPS near me bout an hour away,  i might just go there an talk the salesman and see what they have to say, either way ill be comming home with a new baitcaster.  I have 15lbs braid on my spinning reel right now and i love braidded,  does braid work well on a baitcaster? if so is there a brand/test you recommend?  

[F14A-B]

Braid? You sure can use it on a baitcaster... I do not... I am old school though , seems most guys here like no less than 30 and use 50 too... Most folks like power pro or suffix 4 strand or 8 ... Hopefully a braid user can add to this

[John G]

If that is the same KVD MH Combo from WalMart that I had the displeasure of using one time, if I were you, I would stay away from it. The reason is because IMHO, the rod felt like a Heavy +. I couldn't cast with it to save my life with the lure the owner was using and he couldn't either. I think you need a minimum lure weight of 3/4 to 1 oz to effectively cast with it.

[BadBassWV]

Remember just because something is highly favored, it dose not mean that is good. Mcdonalds is highly favored, but is it good? Think about it.

I love Mcdonalds. Nobody on this forum would say that the PQ was a good buy unless they had or still use one, There are plenty of people that would give an honest opinion. Everything I have read on here and BPS gives it a good rating. Think About it.

[masterbass]

The pq/carbonlite was my first casting combo and I still use it every time I fish.  For $160 it's tough to beat.  The carbonlite is a very sensitive rod for me and the dual brakes on the pq are a bonus.  I recommend a lefty if you are coming from spinning gear.

[Flywatersmallie]

I use braid on casting reels. Mostly 20lb for general purpose applications. That said, wind it on real tight when spooling or it has a tendency to dig into itself and will cause headaches.

 

As far as the rods go, stay away from that KVD combo. I am a Q fan and still, just stay away. I'm pretty sure that the reel has a graphite frame. Too much load will cause flexing, even one time and you will have a coffee grinder. Look for an aluminum frame. I have never even handled the PQ though a lot of people like them so I cant really comment on those. A few to look at... Quantum Accurist or Catalyst, Lews Speed Spool, Daiwa Tatula as stated can be had cheap online and that's probably the best bang for your buck. I've got a couple of them and they are really good.

[Hattrick7]

If this is your 1st baitcaster set-up, i would suggest a shorter rod than the first one you listed. It will be easier to learn accuracy casting much faster with a 6'6" over a 6'10".

I would respectfully disagree on the length. Depending on how much you practice it shouldn't take you that long to get the accuracy down. It's really a matter of finding that right casting motion and release point.

I think you'll want that extra casting distance especially with crankbaits since the set is more a sweeping motion and so picking up line would be better. Just my 2 cents.

[timsford]

The pQ is a oretty good reel for the price and so is the carbonlite rod. Id still shop around and get a tatula and *** black or a tatula and fenwick elite tech smallmouth(can be found for 100 on sale) . My tatula outcasts the pq i used to have by quite a long margin and seems smoother too. You can get great opinions on forums like this but keep in mind these are all opinions and a lot of users prefer specific brands and rod lengths/actions so for me the best thing is always to try it in a store first if at all possible and see how it feels to.you

[jtharris3]

This will make an awesome combo for you.

 

Fenwick HMX Casting rod - 89.99 

http://www.***.com/Fenwick_HMX_Casting_Rods/descpage-HMXC.html

 

Lew's Speed Spool SS1 - 89.99 (has a $20 rebate on it until July 31)

http://www.***.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_SS1_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSP.html

 

Both the rod and reel are quality and will last you for a long time.

[5fishlimit]

does braid work well on a baitcaster? if so is there a brand/test you recommend?

To start off with learning I would suggest that you spool up with some cheap mono as you will have many backlashs. Braid most certainly can be used, but when you create your birds nest it's SOOO much harder to dig out.

[TNBassin']

Remember just because something is highly favored, it dose not mean that is good. Mcdonalds is highly favored, but is it good? Think about it.

Uh...on here it does.

[Fish Murderer 71]

JTHARRIS3 recommendation- Lews and the fenwick would be my vote. That combo would be the best bang for your buck!  You can try the braid, but I would highly recommend some 12# mono to practice with before you load that spool with $$$$BRAID$$$$

[jtharris3]

JTHARRIS3 recommendation- Lews and the fenwick would be my vote. That combo would be the best bang for your buck!  You can try the braid, but I would highly recommend some 12# mono to practice with before you load that spool with $$$$BRAID$$$$

 

I too would definitely recommend spooling it with mono first. I even go with 14lb. because it'll be a little easier to cast than the 12lb.