What's The Best Baitcasting Reel For Under $250?

[tcbass]

My friend bought his first new baitcaster last year, a Bass Pro one that was crappy and didn't work immediately out of the box. I told him to send it back in but he wouldn't. He's sort of stubborn like that. He said this year that he wants to buy a good baitcaster under $250. I said he could probably find a good one for less than that.

 

 

 

So, what would the best baitcaster under $250 be?

[Ozark_Basser]

Daiwa Zillion on Sale at TW for 200.  Other than that I'd say Curado or Revo STX.  People dog the STX due to some quality control issues, but I love it.  

[DFrench97]

Daiwa Zillion on Sale at TW for 200.  Other than that I'd say Curado or Revo STX.  People dog the STX due to some quality control issues, but I love it.  

Agreed or cough up another $50 and grab the PX Type-R!

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Chronarch CI4 for $220 at Gander. A few times a year Gander has spend 250 get 50 off so thats how to get it for $220 plus for $13 you can put a 96mm handle on it from the METXG.

 

The special they have now you can get it for $229.49

[HoosierHawgs]

At that price range they are all pretty good. A Lew's Tourney Pro is a good option, so is a Chronarch (The Silver One) or a Curado, I'm not a fan of Abu's, but I like the look of the Revo STX as well. A Daiwa Tatula is a little cheaper but a very solid reel for the $150 price tag as well. It's all about the features you are looking for. (Plamability, power and torque, or another feature) Would this reel be for all around use?

[Darren.]

My vote goes to the Chronarch 50/51e.

 

Fantastic reels. But there are a number

of good reels in that price bracket.

[GaterB]

What does he plan on using it for?

[tcbass]

What does he plan on using it for?

Everything.

[GaterB]

Lew's tournament pro. Lightweight and the most versatile reel I have used

[F14A-B]

Ok, Curado I with a Hawgtech handle.

Then... Add in a soon to come Jdm shallow spool

& Bam! Got you a great fishing reel..

[Tywithay]

Right now, the Zillion is the best reel under $250.

[Long Mike]

There are as many opinions as there are reels out there.  Have your friend try out a few reels and buy the one HE likes.

[Mike2841]

I'd grab a tatula, you could get a zillion if you want to get a new one before they're a thing of the past.

[BasshunterJGH]

Definitely the zillion. Probably the best reel at tackle warehouse right now under $250. Very well built reel super dependable. Important if he's only getting one reel for everything.

[fisherrw]

X2 on the zillion the new lews that's 240 is a good reel to

[Raul]

A Daiwa Zillion for 200 bones is a no brainer.

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Abu c3 in 4600 size

[new2BC4bass]

Wow.  $250.  Don't think you could find a bad reel at that price.  I'd seriously consider a new Zillion while you can still get one.  Any Shimano 50 size reel would be great.  I only had my Tatula Type R out once before sending it out for cleaning and upgrading and once after getting it back (2 cold 4 me, burr), but I not only love its looks, but it is a fantastic reel on both cast and retrieve.  I seriously want a Pinnacle after reading reviews.  I have a couple of the older Pflueger Patriarch XT reels, and think they don't get the notice they deserve.  Super nice reels.  A Tournament Pro is also a great little reel.

 

Everything covers a lot of territory.  If your friend is going to be casting 1/4 oz. lures then the Zillion would best be served with a new spool as the standard is not really designed for those light weights.  This would bring cost above your friend's $250 limit, but it is something that could be done down the road as funds become available.  Better yet your friend should leave the Zillion stock, and pick up a second reel.  Use the Zillion on a MH and the other on a Medium rod.  Any of the other reels would perform nicely on a Medium rod.

[BassinLou]

You have options galore. Especially with Xmas sales and outgoing models. Good luck choosing. Lews, Shimano, Daiwa, that's a great problem to have. Happy shopping.