Need help choosing first casting reel

[Danny_716]

First things first, my name is Danny and i'm 20 years old, have been an avid fisherman my whole life, and i live in western new york. So...i have decided to build myself a casting rod (3rd build) since my college was just approved for a bass club (I'm making it the schools colors; black blue and white), and somehow i have gone this long without learning how to use one and its about time i do so. And since im building the rod, i need to buy a reel. that's where i could use some help. Ive been looking around and have done some research but don't quite feel knowledgeable enough to make a good choice yet. I've narrowed my search down to a few reels (or so i think, also i prefer left hand); 

-($60) Lews American Hero Speed Spool

-($47) Daiwa Laguna

-($60) Abu Garcia Revo S *used; the older all silver version*

-($50) Okuma Krios

I've heard aluminum framed reels like the Krios or Revo are much better than the graphite frames on the lews or Laguna, but have also seen good reviews of all these reels. So, what are your opinions? the reel will be paired with a MHX MB843 medium heavy blank, and used as a general purpose rod. Mostly texas rigging for bass and chucking spoons/spinners for steelhead in the cold months. 

[new2BC4bass]

Right hand or left hand?  A Curado 201 just sold on bbcbords for $75 that looked to be in excellent condition.  That would have made a very nice first reel.  There is also a LH Tatula  $80.  A month old with light usage.  Another great option.  However, I understand that you may not want or be able to spend that much.

Although I own reels from all four of those companies, I don't own any of those models.  Any suggestion I would make would be a stab in the dark based on my experience with other models.  Is that going to stop me from making a suggestion?  Nope. 

A fellow member considers the Lew's to be junk.

Do a search on the Laguna and you will find one with a fellow member who really liked his, but admitted that the gears were grinding after a year of heavy use.

I believe the Revo is a Gen 1.  I own a couple Gen 1 Revos...an STX and Premier.  The STX is an awesome reel.  Personally my choice would be between the Revo and the Krios.  The Krios does have a lot of good features for its price.

Let me know which hand reel you want.  Maybe I can help you out with a little better reel.

BTW, I was born and raised just south of Elmira in PA.  Much better fishing up there than where I now live. 

 

[Danny_716]

11 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Right hand or left hand?  A Curado 201 just sold on bbcbords for $75 that looked to be in excellent condition.  That would have made a very nice first reel.  There is also a LH Tatuls $80.  A month old with light usage.  Another great option.  However, I understand that you may not want or be able to spend that much.

Although I own reels from all four of those companies, I don't own any of those models.  Any suggestion I would make would be a stab in the dark based on my experience with other models.  Is that going to stop me from making a suggestion?  Nope. 

A fellow member considers the Lew's to be junk.

Do a search on the Laguna and you will find one with a fellow member who really liked his, but admitted that the gears were grinding after a year of heavy use.

I believe the Revo is a Gen 1.  I own a couple Gen 1 Revos...an STX and Premier.  The STX is an awesome reel.  Personally my choice would be between the Revo and the Krios.  The Krios does have a lot of good features for its price.

Let me know which hand reel you want.  Maybe I can help you out with a little better reel.

BTW, I was born and raised just south of Elmira in PA.  Much better fishing up there than where I now live. 

 

Left hand retrieve, and thank you very much! So the lews and Laguna are crossed out, now its between the Revo and Krios (or anything you might be able to come up with). I was initially trying to stay under $60, but if there's something leaps and bounds better for not much more, i'm sure i could make an exception.

[R H Clark]

Sometimes reels seem very expensive and budgets tight but even if it took a long while I would save and buy a Shimano Curado. I've tried cheaper reels but always came back to the Curado. Some of my cheap reels only lasted a few months before needing repairs and some just didn't cast as well as the Curado. Personally I feel that money spent on cheap reels was just wasted for me.

[new2BC4bass]

Next question.  Should have asked in other post.  What are you building the rod for?  Crankbaits? Topwater? Bottom lures? All-around?

[lakeannaangler]

I would look at the lews lfs speed spool. Aluminum frame, magnetic brakes, user  friendly,  and you can get it for  $80 on ebay. Left handed  6.8:1 gear ratio 

[Danny_716]

28 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Next question.  Should have asked in other post.  What are you building the rod for?  Crankbaits? Topwater? Bottom lures? All-around?

Pretty much all around, but it depends on how it feels when it's done I guess. The blank itself has listed applications of "Flipping & Pitching, Spinnerbait & Buzzbait, Jig & Pig, Worming" - so I'll probably stick to those for the most part. But I might throw an occasional Frog or shallow-medium depth crank/jerk on it aswell.

 

The blank I have is the 843 @~3:40

On a side note, I've grown up always using just whatever there is, so the odds are this will be my "best" rod and reel combo already regardless of what reel goes on it.  Ive only really bass fished with whatever spinning gear my grandpa has (I think I remember him telling me his favorite worming rod was one he found in the water, rotted out cork and all) and my dad says he dosent think my grandpas ever spend $80 (approx cost of my build) on a rod in his life, and he has an entire basement dedicated to nothing but fishing gear.... My next build is definitely going to be a nice worming rod to give him as a gift, since a 4inch Texas rigged worm is our "thing". The other rods I've build were a 13' spey rod and a 14' centerpin float rod, both obviously primarily used for salmon and steelhead from october-may

[ethan-333]

if your set on those 4. id go with the lews. my brother has one. really nice reel for the price

abu garcia black max is that price to

[Schuyler co]

7 hours ago, lakeannaangler said:

I would look at the lews lfs speed spool. Aluminum frame, magnetic brakes, user  friendly,  and you can get it for  $80 on ebay. Left handed  6.8:1 gear ratio 

X2...got one for my 13yr old son to learn on, super user friendly and performs very well...I've recommended it to a number of people starting out

[Missourifishin]

I agree with the guys who say spend just a little more for a better Lews.

[MassYak85]

2 hours ago, Schuyler co said:

X2...got one for my 13yr old son to learn on, super user friendly and performs very well...I've recommended it to a number of people starting out

x3

 

love mine, lightweight, very smooth, and you can find an LFS new for 80 bucks. Lews also has great customer service. I called them looking for a tiny plastic part on the side plate that I accidentally broke while reassembling it after cleaning. Not only did they send the entire side plate assembly, they didn't charge me a cent (and I didn't even ask for them to cover it), and they sent it priority mail and I had it within a few days. 

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

Some of those reels you listed are decent reels. But if you are willing to spend just a little more you will get much better quality. BPS Pro Qualifier is a tank of a reel and a forum favorite. For $99 honestly it can't be beat. My line up is full of PQ. Also check out Lews speed spools

[roadwarrior]

On 5/3/2016 at 8:14 AM, R H Clark said:

Sometimes reels seem very expensive and budgets tight but even if it took a long while I would save and buy a Shimano Curado. I've tried cheaper reels but always came back to the Curado. Some of my cheap reels only lasted a few months before needing repairs and some just didn't cast as well as the Curado. Personally I feel that money spent on cheap reels was just wasted for me.

The reels come up often in our Flea Market.

 

[DBL000006]

Go on Amazon.. You can get a Daiwa Tatula 100 for 90 bucks. This Reel will make you buy more Baitcasters. I'm getting another one very soon

[Danny_716]

Thankyou everyone. I wont say who, but one of the fellow members here was kind enough to give me a great deal on a used Tatula that i couldn't refuse. 

[strikefc34]

you'll love that Tatula, I just bought 3 last week, and ordering 3 more next week. Great reel so far.