Looking For Good Beginner Casting Reels

[BigSkyBasser]

I've been bass fishing since early grade school but just now started using casting reels as I realized the advantage of having such gear. I currently have a Shimano Curado E that I've started learning on and I've enjoyed it so far, Just looking to expand my arsenal with other reels that are good for learning. I have my eyes on the jdm Revo's. Suggestions?

[OntarioFishingGuy]

50 size shimano. Addictive but worth it.

[Catch and Grease]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142170-my-review-on-the-shimano-zeles-baitcasting-combo/

The Shimano Zeles is a pretty good beginner combo, there's a little review I did on it.

[roadwarrior]

Consider the Pinnacle Optimus XiHS or XLT. I have been VERY impressed.

 

http://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/s-6-Baitcasting.aspx

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-optimus-xlt-dhc-review.html

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/128588-pinnacle-review/

[BigSkyBasser]

Yes, I love the Shimano take on casting reels so far from what I know about the gear. Very user friendly and versatile compared to the lower end Abu reels I've tried.

[FishTank]

I've been bass fishing since early grade school but just now started using casting reels as I realized the advantage of having such gear. I currently have a Shimano Curado E that I've started learning on and I've enjoyed it so far, Just looking to expand my arsenal with other reels that are good for learning. I have my eyes on the jdm Revo's. Suggestions?

 

I would say, be patient.  Learn the reel you have and figure out what purpose your new reel will serve and especially what rod you are going to pair it with.  After you have a plan and since you like the Curado, maybe you could move up in the Shimano line up with either the Chronarch or the Core or even the new Curado. 

[hatrix]

Personally I have switched my "allegiance" as it may be to Diawa reels. If Tatulas are still out there for $100 that is probably impossible to beat. I think TW still have T3 Ballistica for $100 or whatever it is still. If you don't mind the knobs and all. Even so you can change the handle. If you don't fish a super ton and want to maybe go cheap possibly a Black Max. I actually hooked one up not to long ago since it was just sitting to give it a test. It was better then I had expected thas for sure. It was smooth and casting was very good. Although it was basically new when I got it I tore it down totally and did a full clean before I ever even used it. A new one off the shelf would probably not be accurate as to what I experienced since I correctly oiled and greased it.

 

I do not see the Black Max being a reel you could use for years though unless you just don't fish a bunch or it is used for some really light work. But who really knows what can happen. I will say for $40 or whatever a new one is they will cast a bait and for sure catch some fish.

[BigSkyBasser]

I'm looking at reels that are going to handle being fished hard, and can handle the elements. I'm from western Montana and I'm starting to fish more and more tournaments as a non boater so I'm keeping my eye on higher end gear to start with since I have the budget to support middle of the line prices. I wish *** made left handed reels because I would love to demo some of their models. From what I've seen quantum also offers some nicer reels that fall into the affordable price range for weekend warrior fisherman. I'll have to give them a try as well as the Pinnacle reels. I've had my eye on the preforma spinning outfit for a potential drop shot set up but haven't looked much into their casting equipment yet.

[hatrix]

I'm looking at reels that are going to handle being fished hard, and can handle the elements. I'm from western Montana and I'm starting to fish more and more tournaments as a non boater so I'm keeping my eye on higher end gear to start with since I have the budget to support middle of the line prices. I wish *** made left handed reels because I would love to demo some of their models. From what I've seen quantum also offers some nicer reels that fall into the affordable price range for weekend warrior fisherman. I'll have to give them a try as well as the Pinnacle reels. I've had my eye on the preforma spinning outfit for a potential drop shot set up but haven't looked much into their casting equipment yet.

Well I would still say Diawa and I have used quite a few brands but not as many as some on here. I would say another good bet is always Shimano or Lew's. I do not own any Shimano any more except a spinning reel but i do quite a few Lew's and they are very popular reels. They were at one point my favorite and that is why most my reels are Lew's but I think Diawa is better. There braking system is probably the best out and there. They are also just a tight feeling reel if you know what I mean. I think they have some really high tolerance on them and it seems to show. They have the Zillions on sale on TW right now also. There is also places you can get JDM models from but they are used ever slightly and lots of times have upgrades that were done. I have wanted to get a TD ITO Megabass from one for a while. They just look so awesome without considering its a great reel.

[Arv]

What's your budget?

[JGBassinAL]

Since you say you want something you can go hard on (a workhorse reel), I would look at the Tatula or the Curado I. My boat is full of Shimanos, but I've used the Tatula and for the price you can get it you will be hard pressed to find a better budget option. I love the Curado I, but I'm not gonna lie, the Chronarch CI4+ is something special. Being a tournament angler and being bit by the tackle monkey, I have 15 set ups and I can't afford to put Cores or Metaniums on all of my setups. While I have had a couple Cores and a Metanium, I go with the Curado and Chronarch to fill out my setups. The Cores and Metaniums are AWESOME, but the Curado I and Chronarch do the job just as well as the Core and Metanium, and I am able to save a few bucks in the process. Hope this helps!

[iceintheveins]

You can't beat the pro qualifier from bass pro shops for $100 reel that is sometimes on sale for $70. It performs better than many reels up to $150 dollars or more (though not all). It's not as good as a Curado or Chronarch but for the money it's better than anything else.

[new2BC4bass]

Well I would still say Diawa and I have used quite a few brands but not as many as some on here. I would say another good bet is always Shimano or Lew's. I do not own any Shimano any more except a spinning reel but i do quite a few Lew's and they are very popular reels. They were at one point my favorite and that is why most my reels are Lew's but I think Diawa is better. There braking system is probably the best out and there. They are also just a tight feeling reel if you know what I mean. I think they have some really high tolerance on them and it seems to show. They have the Zillions on sale on TW right now also. There is also places you can get JDM models from but they are used ever slightly and lots of times have upgrades that were done. I have wanted to get a TD ITO Megabass from one for a while. They just look so awesome without considering its a great reel.

 

You are beating a dead horse giving Daiwa suggestions (with the exception of the Tatula) as most guys on here will always recommend a Shimano first, Lews second.  I've got 4 Shimano reels myself that I enjoy...especially the Curado 51E with the Chronarch 100B close on its heels.  But slightly over half my reels are Daiwa models.  I am in the minority on this forum.

[BigSkyBasser]

I can spend upwards of $300 on my next reel. And I'm looking to pair it with a Veritas or a Kissler. So far the Chronarch C14+ is my breadwinner. I have yet to fish it and might demo it on TW first but I love the feel, and it doesn't sound like there's much about it that would disappoint even the most avid fisherman.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you'll be fishing jigs and plastics I'd stick with the $200 reel range and look into upgrading the rod to an Avid or LT etc. 

[Chance_Taker4]

I agree with Hatrix, Daiwa is my go to reel of choice the Revo would be my next choice. With that budget get a Revo Premier or STX. Daiwa you can get the Tatula or my favorite the Zillion. I have never been a fan of Shimano and I have owned a few of them.

[Arv]

I'm with DVT. I'd up the budget on your rod and go for a less expensive reel. At the $200ish mark there are plenty of excellent reels to be had. I recently upgraded my reels from Lews Tournament Pros to some of the upper end Shimano reels. While they are definitely more refined, I don't feel like there's a big jump up in performance. If you could spend around 200 on the rod and 200 on the reel you'd have a fine combo. With that said, you're certainly entitled to spend your money how you like. There are plenty of guys out there that can out-fish me on much cheaper gear.