Best high end bait caster?

[Basswhippa]

Goose, you're 9 pound TN nothern strain of the Plateau is similar to a 12 pound Florida.  Course you know that. 

[Jaderose]

I'm jonesin for a Daiwa Morethan.  No real reason other than I just want it

[Fisher-O-men]

On 8/20/2016 at 1:50 PM, Ggmogollon said:

Which bait caster do you guys thin is the best for 2017? The Abu MGXtreme2, Shimano metanium MGL, or Daiwa Steez SV TWS?

Thanks

Couldn't tell ya, I'm married!

[Airman4754]

23 hours ago, dsqui said:

any reel that says lews on it

Winner. 

[*Hootie]

11 hours ago, Goose52 said:

I quoted 9 pounds because that is a spectacular fish for my waters, a weight that I've actually caught several times, and a weight that I have a reasonable expectation of catching again.

The point being that we have these "best" threads a zillion times a month, and my thoughts are always the same: Whether I'm using a BPS Pro-Qualifier, or a Calais DC, the "best" reel to me is the one with the big honkin' bass on the end....

That's my response when someone comments about a rod being "tip heavy". I like my rod tip heavy by about 7 pounds. 

Hootie

[MikeWright]

The 12 dollar Zebco spin cast combo...yes guys that's 6 dollars for the reel...6 bucks for the rod...

[onetime]

Saying which one is best is subjective. Which ever one feels the best to you is what you should go for. Try to handle and possible borrow any of these reels from your friends. What may be best for me, may not be best for you. I have a couple MGL reels, I haven't tried the others you listed, but the MGL is like budda. YMMV

[offsidewing]

I've owned a couple Lews reels and just about every freshwater Shimano baitcaster that's come out in the last 2 years - save the Antares.  From my experience, the Metanium MGL is one of the best casting, smoothest retreiving, consistent-iest drag reels I've tried.  And yes, I like it better than the Aldebaran, 2013 Metanium and just a hair better than the mystical Core 50.  I can't compare the Met MGL to the other reels you've mentioned, but the Met MGL is really a versatile baitcaster.  I can put it on a 7' MF rod rated for 1/4oz to 5/8 oz and throw 1/4oz tube jigs with no issue.  Then I can throw it on a beefier rod and hammer lillypads with plastic craws or pull fish out of deep water on football jigs all with smoothness and consistency.  I've caught big fish on most of my reels and the Met MGL felt the best and gives me confidence.  The Met MGL has a good balance of weight, retreive, and drag.

All that said, if you can't find the fish and get them to bite - it doesn't matter what gear you're using.  To me, the quality of the reel doesn't matter until after the fish decides to bite.

[bigfruits]

3 hours ago, offsidewing said:

All that said, if you can't find the fish and get them to bite - it doesn't matter what gear you're using.  To me, the quality of the reel doesn't matter until after the fish decides to bite.

sure it does, working baits is part of the fun!

d**n your review above. im back on the japanese sites now.

[roadwarrior]

High quality fishing gear is all about the "fishing" not about "catching". I have almost as much fun playing with my toys as I do catching fish. If it's just about "catching" an Ugly Stick and virtually any reel will work just fine. Move forward at your own peril!

 

[Viper0463]

23 hours ago, Fisher-O-men said:

23 hours ago, Fisher-O-men said:

Couldn't tell ya, I'm married!

Now that's funny right there.  Very true and sad for me as well.