300$ Budget For A Baitcaster

[PondHopper96]

Im wanting a nice reel to put on my Cara and the most im willing to pay is 300! Im really open to anything as far as brands go. The only thing I ever really throw is plastics so id like a 6:3 or a 7:1. And casting distance is a must!

[Zimobass]

I am biased, as I am a Shimano fan. Would recommend you look at the Chronarch CI4+.

 

Well built, smooth and casts really well. Suits the needs you mention, and comes in 6.2:1 and 7.6:1 retrieves.

 

Costs around $ 269.99 from most outlets, but may be available at a little less if you shop around.

 

Buy one, you won't be sorry 

[roadwarrior]

Posted in the "Core vs Zillion" thread;

 

Keep an eye on Gander Mountain website they have 50mg7 for $260-280 about once a month for a day or so and just had them.

http://www.gandermou...-50MG7&i=419948

[Hogsticker]

If casting distance is a true priority, take a look at the Daiwa T3 MX. It will outcast my Shimano Excense DC. I put a 1016 spool in it and it casts further with little effort than any reel I've owned. I keep it on long distance with the dial at 2 for mainly 1/2 oz lipless cranks, and it flat rips with no thumb or line fluff. Great reel

[Smallmouth Hunter]

What kind of line are you going to be using?

I'd go with a shimano 51e if you are using braid, or if you're using mono/fluoro 17 lb test or less.

[WdyCrankbait]

Quantum 100 EXO PT

 

I have a 50E supertuned with Boca Bearings and the EXO easily casts 20 yards past the 50E.  Plus, at 5.9 oz, great deal.  If you look on Amazon, you can find them for around $200.

 

Good luck!

 

PS, I'm just getting on the Quantum bandwagon, but if you do get one, make sure it has the ACS III braking system.

[Tywithay]

You can find a Metanium HG for under $300 pretty easily. Put the white brakes in and let it fly.

[tcbass]

Quantum 100 EXO PT

 

I have a 50E supertuned with Boca Bearings and the EXO easily casts 20 yards past the 50E.  Plus, at 5.9 oz, great deal.  If you look on Amazon, you can find them for around $200.

 

Good luck!

 

PS, I'm just getting on the Quantum bandwagon, but if you do get one, make sure it has the ACS III braking system.

I think that Exo is on sale at Cabelas for $199 right now.

[FishTank]

Metanium HG or the Core for a few bucks more.

[thehooligan]

Another vote for core or met...

[Jrob78]

Zillion Coastal on sale at TW.

[PondHopper96]

Im really digging the chronarch and the core! Thanks for all the replies. Ill let you guys know what I choose!

[iceintheveins]

I am biased, as I am a Shimano fan. Would recommend you look at the Chronarch CI4+.

 

Well built, smooth and casts really well. Suits the needs you mention, and comes in 6.2:1 and 7.6:1 retrieves.

 

Costs around $ 269.99 from most outlets, but may be available at a little less if you shop around.

 

Buy one, you won't be sorry 

 

 

Don't have one but this is what I'd go with.

[spartyon8]

Lews tourney pro and use the rest to buy other crap.

[new2BC4bass]

There are at least 2 threads on tackletour about which reel is the longest casting.  Opinions vary.  Surprise! 

 

I doubt many people actually test their reels measuring the distances achieved.  Most of us just go by seat of our pants.    I've gotten really good distance (for me) with several different rod/reel/line/weight combinations.  Couldn't tell you which of mine casts the furthest with any degree of certainty.  A DVT supertuned Curado 51E, a 50th Anniversary Zillion and a Chronarch 100B have all done well for me as have a few other of my reels.  It all depends on rod and lure weight.  Mike at DVT cleaned a Trion for me that was giving me fits with light braid.  I spooled 17# Super Natural and mounted it on a 6'10" HF.  This combo with a 1/2 oz. jig and trailer throws as far as the previously mentioned reels.  I need to try a 3/4 oz. jig and trailer on it.  Might reach the other side of the river with that. 

 

If you are going to consistently cast for maximum distance than the rod and line are also going to play major rolls. The rod especially is going to be important.  However, all 3 must be considered for ultimate distance casting.

 

$300 is a nice price range.  Only reels of that price I have used were purchased for much less used or on closeout.  Haven't as yet tried for max distance with my MX1016.  May have to give it a shot after reading the poster's comment above.

[Capt.Bob]

Team Lew's Gold, save a 100 bucks, what I did, the Core is gone and the Team Gold with 3 more took it's place, I aint look'n back, Super Smooth, cast great, and with the stronger drag, and multiple brake systems extremely versatile! But hard to go wrong if you want to spend the whole 300 there are plenty at the price just as good!

[sytfu]

Thanks for the heads up!

 

Posted in the "Core vs Zillion" thread;

 

Keep an eye on Gander Mountain website they have 50mg7 for $260-280 about once a month for a day or so and just had them.

http://www.gandermou...-50MG7&i=419948

[Texas bassman]

Get 2 tatulas or a stx.

[mjn9]

I would go with the Abu Garcia Revo Premier.  I also have a Revo SX $160, MGX $350, and Quantum ExoPt $250.  All great reels, but I would highly recommend the Premier.  I feel the difference between the SX and Premier is worth the value, I'm not sure If I can say the same for the Premier and MGX.  

 

The Premier is on sale at Tackle Warehouse right now for $250 in 6:4:1.  At $250 I would 100% go with the Premier over the Exo.

[hatrix]

A year ago I would of said Lews for sure. Now its Diawa without a doubt. They are smooth well built and have the best braking system of any brand. Tatulas are great reels and *** has the T3 on sale for $200. If you talking about casting distance thats a hard reel to beat. You can also go JDM and get some really sharp stuff. They just seem to have nicer reels we don't get.

[ABW]

Pretty sure once you hit the $250-300 dollar range, any reel is good in that category. Go to a store and hold a couple in hand and see which one you like.

[F14A-B]

I vote a used Metanium.... Or maybe a used Conquest,

[new2BC4bass]

I would go with the Abu Garcia Revo Premier.  I also have a Revo SX $160, MGX $350, and Quantum ExoPt $250.  All great reels, but I would highly recommend the Premier.  I feel the difference between the SX and Premier is worth the value, I'm not sure If I can say the same for the Premier and MGX.  

 

The Premier is on sale at Tackle Warehouse right now for $250 in 6:4:1.  At $250 I would 100% go with the Premier over the Exo.

 

I don't know about the new Premiers....mine is a Gen 1.... but I get more distance with several of my other reels.  One reason may be the line on it.  Stilled spooled with what came with it when I bought it used.  I really like how Siege handles.  Eventually I'll put some on the Premier to see what difference it may make.  I have a tuned Curado 51E and TD-Z 105H and both get good distance as do a few other reels such as an Alphas and 50th Anniversary Zillion.  Have really zinged a 3/4 oz. spoon on a Gen 1 STX.  Lots of it depends on the rod and lure used.  Spinnerbaits aren't suppose to be the best if casting for distance, but my DVT tuned 51E is doing exceptionally well with one.