I Need Help Picking A Baitcasting Reel For $200 Or Under

[DogBone_384]

Let me throw this one out there:  In 2013 I bought a Abu Revo SX for $159.  During the winter I sent it to Mike down @ DVT for a super tuning and, at his recommendation, a bearing upgrade.  When Spring came around I took it out and was amazed at how much better it cast.  I just sent out my Pro Qualifiers and *** for the same work.

 

Long story, longer, consider contacting him and purchasing a less expensive reel that reacts to tuning in a way to get a $200+ performing reel for much less.

 

If that doesn't work, my ***, Diawa T3, and Lews Team Pro Speed Spool are in your price range and are, IMO, great reels.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly.  Not because they're a sponsor, seriously.  But those on the forum that know me, know that I don't BS and hold back anything.  I own a fleet of Revo's, and have been using Abu since I was a teenager.  But the new line of Pinnacle reels seriously blew me away.  I mean, after using several different models - including the 89.99 model - I'm seriously questioning why I spent close to $500 on top-of-the-line Revos, when these reels perform just as well.

 

I know Pinnacle isn't a brand that comes to mind in these conversations, but whenever I take someone fishing, I just hand them a Pinnacle rod and reel combo, and they're seriously surprised.  My longtime friend Larry (some of you met him at the Kentucky roadtrip), buys only BPS reels due to price, freaked when I told him the Producer was only 89.99 after I let him try it out.  He thought it was 3x that amount!

 

So try it out.  You might...no wait...WILL be surprised!

Well Im still impressed with my $70 Pinnacle reel I bought in 2003. The thing will cast a little bitsy minnow 35-40 feet and shame my 50E with 3/4oz spoon. The thing has been a tank as well. I left it on the top of my vehicle and drove away heard sliding noise from top of my car look in rearview mirror see my pinnacle reel sliding across the road 45mph into the curb. Aside from a rather nice scuff mark no damage done. 

 

[desmobob]

Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly.  

 

I wish they made left-hand retrieve models.  If so, I'd probably try one.

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[zell_pop1]

Nothing against Pinnacle, but when I can buy a Daiwa Tatula for $100 @Walmart.Com and have it shipped for free to my local store, or the nearest Gander mountain stores still have Shimano Citica Es for $80, it's hard to try an unknown. Plus there are plenty of upgrades available for Daiwa and Shimano.

[timsford]

Its hard to buy a bad reel for 200 bones. I agree with the above posts in that a lot of the decision should come down to what braking system you prefer. Another thing to consider is what type of rod you are putting it on and whether you need a heavier or lighter reel to balance it out. Also there are some great reels on clearance and below retail right now and most places have black friday sales going on soon so you can save even more money. Right now at tackle warehouse you can get a daiwa zillion or lews team gold or shimano chronarch ci4 for not much more than 200 and on black friday they would all be in your price range. Sometimes they have exclusions on the website for certain manufacturers like daiwa and shimano but if you call in your order they will honor the sale price anyway

[Jon G]

curado i

[desmobob]

I just ordered my second Daiwa Tatula (~$93 if you look around).  You could buy TWO of these wonderful reels and still be under budget!  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[masterbass]

All great options.  For new reels the $200 price range is a quality reel you can't lose with.  For me, I'm looking on the flea market and other forums for a used shimano or daiwa.  You can get a $400 reel for $200 that sometimes comes with upgraded bearings, drag and handles. 

[new2BC4bass]

All great options.  For new reels the $200 price range is a quality reel you can't lose with.  For me, I'm looking on the flea market and other forums for a used shimano or daiwa.  You can get a $400 reel for $200 that sometimes comes with upgraded bearings, drag and handles. 

 

X2.    Only time I buy new is when a reel is being closed out.  Some very nice reels can be gotten off the classifieds for about half original price in many cases.

[5fishlimit]

X2.    Only time I buy new is when a reel is being closed out.  Some very nice reels can be gotten off the classifieds for about half original price in many cases.

 

I completely agree about being able to get a great reel on the flea market if you're willing to go with a used one.

[desmobob]

I'm surprised there isn't more love here for the Quantum Smoke.  TackleTour gave it their esteemed "editors choice" rating when they tested it.  I'm tempted to try one....

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Jaheff]

I'm surprised there isn't more love here for the Quantum Smoke.  TackleTour gave it their esteemed "editors choice" rating when they tested it.  I'm tempted to try one....

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

I've really enjoyed my smoke I got for $99. My only complaint is what quantum fixed on the new smoke. It does need a little more cast adjustment.

I don't understand why they would make the new smoke heavier tho.

[Angry John]

Your money can go a long way if you really look.  I got a brand new in the box zillion 7.1 left for 170 off flea bay three days ago.  If you spend 300 you can get a steez ex like i did.  If your not in a hurry to pull the trigger and spend the time and effort in finding the deal there are lots of good options.  I have bought very few things at retail and had a lot of great deal at 50 percent or more off.  Be careful of getting used stuff from japan because you can get new stuff cheaper.

[PitchinJigz]

I'm a huge Lew's guy, and I'd have to say any of the lew's reels from 100-200 are amazing. At $140, the new Tournament MB is going to be unbelievable for the price. The Tournament Lite is $180, and weighs less than 6oz.. The BB1 Pro is also great! It's hard to choose because lews makes so many great reels. The Shimano Curado I is supposed to be amazing, too.

[J Francho]

Two that I own, and aren't often mentioned are the Pinnacle Primmus (a little over the $200 mark) and the Okuma Helios.  These reels were eye openers for this Daiwa/Shimano snob.  I'd say, operation and construction/feel wise, if you lean toward Daiwa, I'd look at the Okuma.  For the Shimano fan, the Primmus is worth a look.

 

Here's my reviews, and look for another featuring the Primmus soon:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/primmus-reel-dhc-7-rod-review.html

[Senko lover]

SO many of the pros use the Shimano Cronarch. I know someone who has 32 of them. It's gotta be a beast of a reel if it's so popular.

[Kyle46N]

I say go with a Lews Tournament Pro.  Incredible reel.....like already mentioned the smoothest I have used.   And it's tough.....handled big reds and jack crevalle in the salt.   With that said, if you do go with a Lews TP......don't pay the retail of 199.99.  Go to EBAY and get it brand new for 150.   There are at least two ebay stores that sell a bunch of them at that price point.  

[ThomasFengler]

I have the bass pro shops offshore angler bait caster, it's $120 and built for saltwater so it can tackle everything, it's very smooth and holds a lot of line, I use it from snook fishing to bass fishing, just an overall great reel

[ThomasFengler]

I have the bass pro shops offshore angler bait caster, it's $120 and built for saltwater so it can tackle everything, it's very smooth and holds a lot of line, I use it from snook fishing to bass fishing, just an overall great reel

[DogBone_384]

Got an email from Gander today with a nice discount if you spend a certain amount. Sounds like a 'free' upgrade to me...

[Texas bassman]

Best bang for your buck curado I and the tatula. Best $200 reel revo stx. The tatula casts like a dream and is super smooth. Feels Alot higher end then $150. Curado I cast like dream and is solid. Workhorse reel that won't break. I work at Bps And I Rarely Get Any Shimano Back For Repair OR Exchange. If I wanted to spend the whole $200 I'd get the stx. Super smooth, very hard to backlash, cast a mile, 20lb drag and it's the lightest of the bunch. Plus you get a free hoodie from abu when u send it the rebate.

[PNWdude]

If you're looking for a LH high speed reel, for just $20 more you can get a brand new Chronarch ci4+ 151 HG off eBay right now. I just picked one up tonight for $219.99 shipped.