Suggest A Good Inexpensive Round Baitcaster

[noob150]

I have a low profile baitcaster that I have been using and I really liking.  I want to try out a round style.  I am open to used reels on the bay but don't know what size and model to bid on.

I will be using it for bass mainly but may use for the occasional cat.  So a smaller size would be great.  If I can score a used one for $50 or less, that would be great.  If I went new, I wouldn't want to go much more.

 

[Catch and Grease]

Diawa millionaire S

My uncle always let's me use his when I fish with him and its a great reel.

[B-Dozer]

• Abu C-4/C-3 are very good, very inexpensive

[aavery2]

 

• Abu C-4/C-3 are very good, very inexpensive

 

Agreed, maybe something like a C3-4600, C3-5600, should be in the price range used.

[camo]

The shimano Cardiff is a good entry level round swimbait reel.

[Poolshark]

I think you can nab a used abu c3 pretty cheap. I've bought two this way and I'm glad I did. Parts are and always will be readily available if you need repairs. They will give you the longest rate of service I this regard because of parts availability. They are relatively cheap and they look cool. I Beleive they have a retrieve rate of 26inches per turn which makes them good for most techniques. But my personal favorite round reel of all time is the calcutta in any series. I am partial to the d series. These reels are solid, smaller, simplistic, easily palmable and are excellent casters. So in my opinion....abu for value. Calcutta for niceness. I like both

[Poolshark]

Sorry miss read your post. Scratch the calcutta. I would definitely go c3

[John G]

I would look for the older silver colored Calcutta 100. I sold one a while back on eBay that was in new condition and I think it went for around $112.00. If you are patient, you can find one in really nice condition for under $100.00.

[noob150]

 

• Abu C-4/C-3 are very good, very inexpensive

 

 

 

Agreed, maybe something like a C3-4600, C3-5600, should be in the price range used.

Are you suggesting looking for these used or the newer versions?

How about the Abu round S, SX, STX?

[ww2farmer]

Hard to beat the Abu C3. Ergonomic? No. Light? Not really. Will it still work after being dragged to the lake on the road behind the trailer, yup, and for many more years later.I fished with them exclusively from the my teen years in the late 80's/early 90's till about 2007/08 and I don't remember one ever giving me trouble.

[aavery2]

I would look at the used c3's over the new S, SX, STX.

[tholmes]

Are you suggesting looking for these used or the newer versions?

How about the Abu round S, SX, STX?

 

 

I would look at the used c3's over the new S, SX, STX.

 ^^ I agree. Stick with the Swedish made Ambassadeurs. I'd stay away from the BCX, Kalex, S, SX, and STX round reels. In my experience, they aren't nearly the reel that the classic Swedes are.

 

Tom

[VolFan]

The C3s are probably your best bet, with a Cardiff close behind. The 100-sized Cardiff is a great little reel, as is the 200. Both are very easy to lube as well.

[new2BC4bass]

Personally if bass is the primary target with cats occasionally, I'd stick with 4600 or smaller.  I have an old 5001 that even with the plastic filler that came with it, allows for a lot of line to be spooled.  My 1600 might be too small for cats, but it is the cat's meow for bass fishing with lighter lures.

[Jolly Green]

You can usually find a 4600 C3 on the bay in the ballpark of $50.  I would personally be looking at the newer generations (within the last three) as I like the flat-sided knobs over the older style round ones; also the newer generations have carbon fiber drag disks.  I've yet to hear anyone say anything good about the S, SX, or STX, all of which are more money than you want to spend and less reel than you want to fish.

[Raul]

The shimano Cardiff is a good entry level round swimbait reel.

The Cardiff doesn't meet the 50 dollars criteria. A C3 Abu does.

[camo]

Maybe not brand new but lurking around on a few forums one can be had for that.

[OK Bass Hunter]

I have a Calcutta 100 silver that I would let go for $80 shipped. A little more than you stated but the extra $30 is worth it.

[VolFan]

Uh....you should jump all over that Calcutta if you have the $80,

[iceintheveins]

Shimano Cardiff.

[Josh Smith]

New c3 reels are about $120.

Look for a 5500 or 5500c from the '70s. They are excellent and can be upgraded any number of ways.

Josh

[BasshunterJGH]

The shimano Cardiff is a good entry level round swimbait reel.

X2. If you're willing to spend that much it's probably the way to go. Then again it's the only round reel I've had under $120 so idk. Just seems like a nice reel for the $.

[Fishes in trees]

In my opinion, you can go good round bait caster or inexpensive round bait caster, you can't do both.  If you buy new, then you don't buy some one else's old problem.  There is generally a reason why they are getting rid of it.  I know that sounds paranoid, but I am paranoid about some things - purchasing used reels being one of those things.

 

My advice is to save your pennies, and when you've got enough pennies, cough up the cash and get a Calcutta.  The Shimano Cardiff, mentioned earlier, is a decent reel, maybe an option and maybe not, but it isn't a Calcutta.

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I use Shimano Cardiff 300's for my big bait setups. Good reel, good price, good results. Best reel? Of course not but for the money I think it is. Only round reel's that I use. Well I take that back I just ordered a Calcutta but I still like my Cardiffs!

[new2BC4bass]

In my opinion, you can go good round bait caster or inexpensive round bait caster, you can't do both.  If you buy new, then you don't buy some one else's old problem.  There is generally a reason why they are getting rid of it.  I know that sounds paranoid, but I am paranoid about some things - purchasing used reels being one of those things.

 

My advice is to save your pennies, and when you've got enough pennies, cough up the cash and get a Calcutta.  The Shimano Cardiff, mentioned earlier, is a decent reel, maybe an option and maybe not, but it isn't a Calcutta.

 

Counting both spinning and casting, I've bought about 40 used reels from the classifieds over the past 6 years (34 casting 6 spinning).  One spinning reel has a lot of chips in the finish  around the lip.  One baitcast reel got a $5 piece broken during shipping and 3 others needed repair upon arrival.  Of the 9 new reels purchased, one had to be repaired as it came from the factory.  So the percentage of defective reels is actually a bit better in favor of used reels.  Of course, this is just my results.