Bass Pro Shops Reels

[BigDK415]

Has anyone ever used any Bass Pro Shops baitcasting reels and if so, how do the compare to the named brand competitors? Looking to replace some 20yo Quantums.

[Flukeman]

I think the Pro Qualifier's are the best bang for the buck out there, especially when they go on sale. I have 3 of them in my tournament line up over the last 6 or 7 years and they have been flawless.

[WIGuide]

I only have experience with their upper end casting reels, but from what I've seen, the BPS reels offer a pretty good bang for the buck. They might not be the fanciest, lightest weight, most modern designs, but they are well built and I've been very impressed by them. My only at length experience has been with the PQ and higher with 4 being being from the signature series. My oldest one is going into it's 9th year of service and I've had 0 issues with it and haven't had any issues with the others either.  They have proved to be good workhorse reels and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

[buzzed bait]

pro qualifier is the army tank of reels, it just keeps on rolling.  i believe it was forum member @Goose52 did the most comprehensive review on the PQ you'll ever find!  maybe he can link to his thread.

[Poolshark]

They are a good value considering the cost. I've owned a couple over the years. I'd still have other preferences personally. But that shouldn't discount their value for their price tag.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Stick to the PQ and fish with confidence. 

[tstraub]

I have a low profile megacast and I can't say that it casts any better than my 20ish year old quantum predators.  The megacast does feel a lot smother on retrieve than the old quantums but casting it can be pretty touchy on the settings to get it dialed it just right.  I also have a BPS extreme I got on clearance this past winter I haven't had a lot of time on the water with the extreme but so far I love it.  The dual breaks are very easy to dial in and it did my hand perfectly.  Never fished a pro qualifier but I hear very good things about it.

Tyler

[Goose52]

I have 17 BPS BC reels - good values at the time I bought them. Wait for the eventual sale and they're even better values. Of all of those 17 reels (from the Rick Clunn, Pro-Lite, Pro Qualifier, Carbonlite [1st Gen - gold], and Johnny Morris Carbonlite [black] series), the only problems I had were with the black JM Carbonlites. The early production lots of that reel had a manufacturing issue that resulted in a grindy feeling.  I have also had to replace the spool bearings in both of those black JM CLs - they are now "in-reserve" and I don't use them much any longer.  Otherwise - the BPS BC reels give yeoman service and will provide value equal to or greater than their cost. Keep in mind that all of my experience is with reels from the PQ range on up.

I mentioned above that the reels were good values at the time I bought them (starting in 2008). Back then, people on this board said I was crazy because I bought a PQ instead of a Citica. But the Citica was only available in one gear ratio (6.3:1) while the PQ was available in a whopping 4 ratios. If you wanted a 6.7 ounce reel back then, why not consider the Pro-Lite?  The Curado 50E hadn't even been released then and when it was it cost twice as much.  Lot's of choices and features from BPS back then that weren't available from the Shim-Dai reels.

That was then, this is now. Reels from all manufacturers are available in a multitude of ratios, with great cutting-edge features, and at all price levels. The Daiwa Tatula, in particular, is a game changer when obtained at the sub-$100 price point.  BPS hasn't really kept up.

So, if you find a BPS reel at the price point you want, and it has the features that you want, it will probably provide good service. BUT, unlike 6-8 years ago, there's lot's of competition out there for your hard earned bucks and careful research and shopping are in order...

My PQ torture test was mentioned above. This test proved to the naysayers that you can indeed get more than one "season" out of a PQ, quite a few "seasons" in fact. However, the test also proved that you can indeed wear one out if you fish it long enough. For the PQ, the Achilles heel is the centrifugal braking system - the brake shoes, and the brass brake drum.  For those interested in a WHOLE BUNCH OF WORDS AND PHOTOS about life with a PQ over 5 years of near daily use, go to:  BPS Pro Qualifier BC Reel - 5 Year Challenge

[roadwarrior]

Truely one of the best threads we have ever had. I was one of those nay-sayers stating that BPS reels and the PQ specifically were "throw-away" reels...Maybe one season, one and done...Wrong again!

 

 

 

[Goose52]

26 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Truely one of the best threads we have ever had. I was one of those nay-sayers stating that BPS reels and the PQ specifically were "throw-away" reels...Maybe one season, one and done...Wrong again!

Hey RW - over the years we have both had our "horizons" expanded. While I have 17 BPS BC reels......................I now have 22 Shimano BC reels...  Seems the bait monkey whispers that "S" word a lot...

[roadwarrior]

I wish you would consider coming up to Kentucky Lake for the RoadTrip next month. I would REALLY like to meet you and see part of your collection live and in person!

 

[jsawright]

I have owned and used BPS BC reels for many years. I started out purchasing a megacast mc-1 on my first trip to BPS probably 20 years ago. I now own 14 of their reels. 

Bass Pro Shop Carbonlite JCL10SHB 7.1:1  

Bass Pro Shop Pro Qualifier PQX10SHD 7.1:1 

Bass Pro Shop Pro Qualifier PQX10SHD 7.1:1 

Bass Pro Shop Enigma Smart Cast ENG10SHA 7.0:1

Bass Pro Shop Enigma Smart Cast EG10HA 6.3:1 

Bass Pro Shop Tournament Plus Limited TPX10HB 6.3:1  

Bass Pro Shop Prolite Special PLX10HB 6.3:1  

Bass Pro Shop Bionic Plus BNP10HB 5.2:1  

Bass Pro Shop Tourney Special TSP10H 6.3:1

Bass Pro Shop Tourney Special TSP10H 6.3:1 

Bass Pro Shop Extreme ETX10HFC 6.4:1  

Bass Pro Shop Mega Tournament MT1000H 6.3:1

Bass Pro Shop Mega Tournament MT1000H 6.3:1 

Bass Pro Shop Megacast MC-1 6.2:1 
 

[bowhunter63]

I have a few and they have held up really well.Got them on sale and great Reels for the money.There Pro Qualifer line.I think they get a bad rap sometimes.

[eyedabassman]

The PQ baitcast reels have been good to me! But the PQ spinning reels JUNK!

[BigDK415]

3 hours ago, Goose52 said:

I have 17 BPS BC reels - good values at the time I bought them. Wait for the eventual sale and they're even better values. Of all of those 17 reels (from the Rick Clunn, Pro-Lite, Pro Qualifier, Carbonlite [1st Gen - gold], and Johnny Morris Carbonlite [black] series), the only problems I had were with the black JM Carbonlites. The early production lots of that reel had a manufacturing issue that resulted in a grindy feeling.  I have also had to replace the spool bearings in both of those black JM CLs - they are now "in-reserve" and I don't use them much any longer.  Otherwise - the BPS BC reels give yeoman service and will provide value equal to or greater than their cost. Keep in mind that all of my experience is with reels from the PQ range on up.

I mentioned above that the reels were good values at the time I bought them (starting in 2008). Back then, people on this board said I was crazy because I bought a PQ instead of a Citica. But the Citica was only available in one gear ratio (6.3:1) while the PQ was available in a whopping 4 ratios. If you wanted a 6.7 ounce reel back then, why not consider the Pro-Lite?  The Curado 50E hadn't even been released then and when it was it cost twice as much.  Lot's of choices and features from BPS back then that weren't available from the Shim-Dai reels.

That was then, this is now. Reels from all manufacturers are available in a multitude of ratios, with great cutting-edge features, and at all price levels. The Daiwa Tatula, in particular, is a game changer when obtained at the sub-$100 price point.  BPS hasn't really kept up.

So, if you find a BPS reel at the price point you want, and it has the features that you want, it will probably provide good service. BUT, unlike 6-8 years ago, there's lot's of competition out there for your hard earned bucks and careful research and shopping are in order...

My PQ torture test was mentioned above. This test proved to the naysayers that you can indeed get more than one "season" out of a PQ, quite a few "seasons" in fact. However, the test also proved that you can indeed wear one out if you fish it long enough. For the PQ, the Achilles heel is the centrifugal braking system - the brake shoes, and the brass brake drum.  For those interested in a WHOLE BUNCH OF WORDS AND PHOTOS about life with a PQ over 5 years of near daily use, go to:  BPS Pro Qualifier BC Reel - 5 Year Challenge

If you like the Daiwa Tatula, why do you own so many Shimanos?

I ask about the BPS reels because I'm looking for two new reels and have a price point of about $150. Maybe a better question would be "what is the best bang for the buck under $150?" Never knew I'd receive so many replies??

[Goose52]

5 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

I wish you would consider coming up to Kentucky Lake for the RoadTrip next month. I would REALLY like to meet you and see part of your collection live and in person!

 

I still have a pesky part-time job that requires occasional travel - while you guys are on Kentucky Lake...I will be either in Singapore or flying back from there. However, if you're ever driving east on I40 and going through the Crossville area - let me know !

3 hours ago, BigDK415 said:

If you like the Daiwa Tatula, why do you own so many Shimanos?

I ask about the BPS reels because I'm looking for two new reels and have a price point of about $150. Maybe a better question would be "what is the best bang for the buck under $150?" Never knew I'd receive so many replies??

I do own Daiwas including a Tatula (on a 7'7" Tatula rod) - it's a great reel at it's price point. I don't think Shimano is competitive at that sub-$100 price point. This Tatula combo has mostly replaced the PQ 5-Year Challenge test reel as my go-to, any-weather, open-water lipless crank outfit.

Regarding ownership of BC reels, I now have a bunch of Abu, BPS, Daiwa, and Shimanos - most are interesting reels and good values at their own price points. I like different stuff up and down the price spectrum.  

Back to your post - if your price point is $150, I believe that there has been another "best reel for $150" thread recently that you might want to look for.

[U-boat Aficionado]

I'd look at the Lews LFS. I have a PQ and a Lews and prefer the Lews, it just seems to feel better to me. Plus you can get them new for under $80 on the auction site. 

[Jaderose]

Got 2 PQ's and and a Signature.  I like the Sig.  I LOVE the PQ's.  One of the PQ's has been in service for 5 years with marginal care

[Florida Cracker2]

I bought a tourney special and rod 3 years ago and it still impresses me. Very light and casts like a dream with 30# braid. I would buy again without hesitation. 

[FloridaFishinFool]

I still have 4 BPS reels in use, two signature Johnny Morris reels, and two Browning Midas BC reels which are now quite rare in the left hand models. These Browning reels made by BPS who now owns the Browning brand name are almost identical to the BPS Johnny Morris Carbonlite reels. All 4 reels are 7.1:1 speed.

All of them have worked flawlessly for years and are still like new today, but I do keep them regularly maintained too. I like how the Browning reels have dual brakes, both magnetic and centrifugal, that are easily adjustable with dials on the outside of the reel for fast instant adjustments. And the Browning reels palm very well better than the JM reels. All 4 reels have triple carbon fiber drag washer mechanisms and ball bearings in the handles too. Each reel has 10 ball bearings and are very smooth and pleasant to use year after year.

 

[livemusic]

Friends kept telling me the bargain a BPS Pro Qualifier reel is. I guess they put them on sale each year in February during their big sale. This year, it was a PQ rod/reel combo for $100. The reel alone costs $100 regular price. I bought the $100 combo and love it. Last year, they had the PQ reel on sale for $50 and the salesmen told their regular customers about the upcoming sale beforehand; they had a LONG line of fishermen waiting at the door when they opened.

The PQ is a good reel at regular price but the sales are fantastic.

[The Fisher]

PQ is a great reel on sale. Lube them every year and they will perform very well YOY. At the regular price, I would look at a Lews. For me, I have a couple of Pro Qualifiers and then tried a Lews. Lews are a lot lighter and somewhat smoother for me. You can find good Lews bargains on the web.

[lmlfishing]

I've had experience with the Johnny Morris carbonlite and the pro qualifier. I love both reels especially the carbonlite. the pro qualifier is also a great reel don't get me wrong.the carbonite is only $20 more so i would definitely go with the carbonlite 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I have and always will vote for BPS higher end gear. From the PQ up you are getting good quality. Obviously issues do occur in certain instances but on the whole it is good quality and good performance. I own quite a few BPS rod's and reel's and they are my favorite combos. From the carbonlite gold and black mounted on carbonlite rods to the PQ/Carbonlite combo. Have many other higher end rod and reels and always find myself reaching for what I am comfortable with and have confidence in and thats my BPS gear. Its a great bang for the buck as people have said and you can buy with confidence. 

[Caia326]

I own 8 of the older BPS Extreme reels with aluminum frames and I absolutely love them.