freelancer27 Posted October 30, 2016 Posted October 30, 2016 Hi all, I was wondering what options of reel out there would you consider share those qualities? Price range would be to 350-400 USD. I will be using it on a MH rod (fast taper) for Spinnerbaits (3/8 oz - 3/4 oz) and smaller swimbaits (1/2 oz -1oz). Thanks! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted October 30, 2016 Super User Posted October 30, 2016 Aldebaran or Core 50 Mg  Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 30, 2016 Author Posted October 30, 2016 4 minutes ago, smallies24/7 said: Easy. Shimano metanium. I tested the Metanium over the weekend and I was super disappointed with it. Barely was better than my Bass Pro Qualifier reel.   2 minutes ago, roadwarrior said: Aldebaran or Core 50 Mg  I heard that they are not really robust Sorry guys for the counter arguments. Just was on the water yesterday again and realized that I have to replace my BPS reel really soon!  Quote
smallies24/7 Posted October 30, 2016 Posted October 30, 2016 4 minutes ago, freelancer27 said: I tested the Metanium over the weekend and I was super disappointed with it. Barely was better than my Bass Pro Qualifier reel. Â Â I heard that they are not really robust Sorry guys for the counter arguments. Just was on the water yesterday again and realized that I have to replace my BPS reel really soon! Â What exactly left you underwhelmed? Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 30, 2016 Author Posted October 30, 2016 Just now, smallies24/7 said: What exactly left you underwhelmed? 1. The pure distance to cost ratio. As I said I was able to cast just a few (5-10) feet shorter with a 100 USD BPS reel. One lure (frog) I was actually able to cast further than the Metanium. 2. Build quality was better than the BPS, but was comparable to my Lew's Team Pro Speed Also I think the line capacity might a bit limiting How are the opinions on this reel: Daiwa Tatula Hyper Long Cast JDM Casting Reel ? Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted October 30, 2016 Super User Posted October 30, 2016 I haven't kept track of the exact recommendations, but on your other recent thread ( With which reel would you treat yourself? )...you had MANY recommendations that just about covered most of the higher-end reels from the major manufacturers. On that thread, you also had some very sage advice from member "bassbassontherange" about what to expect from higher-end reels: Now you have a new thread with the added parameter of "robust, light reel with distance."  Taking your additional criteria into consideration, I predict that you will most likely get the same recommendations on this thread as the other thread (since most higher-end reels indeed try to be robust, fairly light, and have good casting qualities). SO, my recommendation for you is to, given your $350-400 budget, purchase either 4 or 5 (depending on whether you can catch the periodic sales), BPS Pro Qualifier reels in the various gear ratios. You will have a battery of excellent, serviceable reels that will give yeoman service for the next few years. Sometime down the road, perhaps there will be technology advances that will then make the next purchasing decision easier... AND, since I ran a FIVE-YEAR test on the BPS PQ and reported the results on this board, and own 6 of them myself, I have indeed taken my own advice...  5 Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 30, 2016 Author Posted October 30, 2016 8 minutes ago, Goose52 said: I haven't kept track of the exact recommendations, but on your other recent thread ( With which reel would you treat yourself? )...you had MANY recommendations that just about covered most of the higher-end reels from the major manufacturers. On that thread, you also had some very sage advice from member "bassbassontherange" about what to expect from higher-end reels: Now you have a new thread with the added parameter of "robust, light reel with distance."  Taking your additional criteria into consideration, I predict that you will most likely get the same recommendations on this thread as the other thread (since most higher-end reels indeed try to be robust, fairly light, and have good casting qualities). SO, my recommendation for you is to, given your $350-400 budget, purchase either 4 or 5 (depending on whether you can catch the periodic sales), BPS Pro Qualifier reels in the various gear ratios. You will have a battery of excellent, serviceable reels that will give yeoman service for the next few years. Sometime down the road, perhaps there will be technology advances that will then make the next purchasing decision easier... AND, since I ran a FIVE-YEAR test on the BPS PQ and reported the results on this board, and own 6 of them myself, I have indeed taken my own advice...  Fair point! My other thread was more general on high end reels. I have rented the Steez and the Metanium from TW over the weekend and tested them. The end result of the testing is, that I will not spend 500 USD on a reel. At the same time I have realized that my BPS Qualifier reel needs to be replaced in the future (I was not that lucky as you were with my reel). Since I am a bank fisherman for most of the time, I need something were I can make some distance to get to specific places with my lure, hence the request for a good caster. It is not my intend to spam this forum, but I felt that the thread did not represent my goal (that has slightly changed over the last days to be fair) any longer Quote
DaveT63 Posted October 30, 2016 Posted October 30, 2016 It's hard to beat a Daiwa Pixy PX68 for lightness and casting distance. And you can find them like new on the bay for under $200 shipped. Quote
Hogsticker Posted October 30, 2016 Posted October 30, 2016 If you were not impressed with the Steez or Metanium, you won't be impressed with anything. Again, you were using reels that have passed through many persons hands. If you can't appreciate the finer machinery from a company that doesn't mass produce reels for every company that wants to jump into the game - if you can't appreciate the tighter tolerances and increased connectivity, or don't think the price is worth what you experienced, then my advise is to stick to your BPS reels. If you're under the impression that a reel exists that will cast twice as far as your BPS reel, it does not exist. It doesn't work like being you're paying 3 times what you bought your BPS reel for it should cast 3 times as far. A light reel is generally not used for 3/4 oz spinnerbaits - a heavy resistance type bait. I wouldn't throw that on the likes of a 50 series Shimano / Daiwa Alphas. Light reels generally have shallow spools. A shallow spool weighs less allowing greater casting distance within the parameters of the reel. I'm assuming you will be using heavier test with these baits? I think you're going about this all wrong. The Alphas SV is a robust aluminum reel, but not what I'd consider a workhorse which is what you are after. The SV103 would be a better fit. 2 Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted October 30, 2016 Super User Posted October 30, 2016 1 hour ago, freelancer27 said: Fair point! My other thread was more general on high end reels. I have rented the Steez and the Metanium from TW over the weekend and tested them. The end result of the testing is, that I will not spend 500 USD on a reel. At the same time I have realized that my BPS Qualifier reel needs to be replaced in the future (I was not that lucky as you were with my reel).Since I am a bank fisherman for most of the time, I need something were I can make some distance to get to specific places with my lure, hence the request for a good caster. It is not my intend to spam this forum, but I felt that the thread did not represent my goal (that has slightly changed over the last days to be fair) any longer Ah - casting distance from the bank. Been on that quest myself. After purchasing reels like the Calais DC, Antares 12, Conquest 00, Conquest 14, etc., etc., and matching them with typical bass rods of fast, moderate-fast, and moderate actions, in medium and medium-heavy powers, and lengths up to 7'11", here is what I found: Distance is more about the rod than the reel. Ultimate distance from the reel is not necessarily found in any particular brand, or model within a brand. The farthest casting reel is often the one that has the freshest servicing, with the cleanest bearings, (and sometimes the best bearings), and having a braking system with which that particular user has the skill to manipulate to have the least amount of braking without backlashing. Having said the above, there are reels that allow a user to, PERHAPS, extract more distance, easier, and with less chance of backlashing - the Shimano digital control reels, specifically the Calais/Antares models with the 4x8 DC system. So, if ultimate distance is a primary criterion, then one possible solution would be: Shimano Calais DC  - used (however, only available with gearing giving 31 IPT - may limit your bait selection / presentations) 8 1/2' to 9 1/2' salmon/steelhead rod braided line (because with nylon mono, copoly, or flouro you may outcast your hooksetting range) The Calais is high-end, robust, long-casting, BUT, not too light. However, I'm only 64 years old and I can handle the weight of my Calais OK - I can't speak for others... Now, with reels and rods covered...about those baits. Depending on what swimbaits that you are talking about, you may be able to get considerable distance out of those. However, spinnerbaits are not known as long-distance baits - too big in form factor and catch too much wind for their mass. So, going for uber distance equipment with the intent of tossing spinnerbaits may not add up. In other words, as "Hogsticker" mentioned above, if you REALLY want to keep spinnerbaits in the equation, you might want to give up the "light" part of your reel criteria, not pursue ultimate casting distance, and concentrate on the robust part the equation. For instance, a spinnerbait with a factory weight rating of 3/4 oz will actually weigh 1 oz or more - something to consider before considering the "light" reels.... 3 Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 30, 2016 Author Posted October 30, 2016 21 minutes ago, Goose52 said: Ah - casting distance from the bank. Been on that quest myself. After purchasing reels like the Calais DC, Antares 12, Conquest 00, Conquest 14, etc., etc., and matching them with typical bass rods of fast, moderate-fast, and moderate actions, in medium and medium-heavy powers, and lengths up to 7'11", here is what I found: Distance is more about the rod than the reel. Ultimate distance from the reel is not necessarily found in any particular brand, or model within a brand. The farthest casting reel is often the one that has the freshest servicing, with the cleanest bearings, (and sometimes the best bearings), and having a braking system with which that particular user has the skill to manipulate to have the least amount of braking without backlashing. Having said the above, there are reels that allow a user to, PERHAPS, extract more distance, easier, and with less chance of backlashing - the Shimano digital control reels, specifically the Calais/Antares models with the 4x8 DC system. So, if ultimate distance is a primary criterion, then one possible solution would be: Shimano Calais DC (used) 8 1/2' to 9 1/2' salmon/steelhead rod braided line (because with nylon mono, copoly, or flouro you may outcast your hooksetting range) The Calais is high-end, robust, long-casting, BUT, not too light. However, I'm only 64 years old and I can handle the weight of my Calais OK - I can't speak for others... Now, with reels and rods covered...about those baits. Depending on what swimbaits that you are talking about, you may be able to get considerable distance out of those. However, spinnerbaits are not known as long-distance baits - too big in form factor and catch too much wind for their mass. So, going for uber distance equipment with the intent of tossing spinnerbaits may not add up. In other words, as "Hogsticker" mentioned above, if you REALLY want to keep spinnerbaits in the equation, you might want to give up the "light" part of your reel criteria, not pursue ultimate casting distance, and concentrate on the robust part the equation. For instance, a spinnerbait with a factory weight rating of 3/4 oz will actually weigh 1 oz or more - something to consider before considering the "light" reels.... Great response! THanks!!! I think I was not clear enough on my requirements, please let me clarify! What I meant with a 'light reel' was anything under 8.5 ounces. Great call out on the rod. I think I have to consider this part as well. I would like to stay around 7-7'3''. Is a Medium-Heavy with a medium taper more fitting for long casts than a Medium-Heavy with a (extra)fast taper, since it can 'load up' more? Thanks for the help! Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted October 30, 2016 Super User Posted October 30, 2016 6 minutes ago, freelancer27 said: Great response! THanks!!! I think I was not clear enough on my requirements, please let me clarify! What I meant with a 'light reel' was anything under 8.5 ounces. Great call out on the rod. I think I have to consider this part as well. I would like to stay around 7-7'3''. Is a Medium-Heavy with a medium taper more fitting for long casts than a Medium-Heavy with a (extra)fast taper, since it can 'load up' more? Thanks for the help! Generally, a rod with an extra-fast action will not be the longest casting (even if they have a soft tip) as not enough of the rod blank will truly load to launch the bait. You CAN get more distance out of them by trying to "muscle" the cast but that can lead to elbow and shoulder issues (ask me how I know). So, that leaves mod, mod-fast, and fast. Of those, a compromise might be mod-fast. BUT, rod selection is usually more about what you need for the BAIT, not what gives the longest casting distance. Spinnerbaits, especially heavy ones, have big, thick hooks that usually require an "authoritive" hookset. You can get that hookset by going to a stiffer action, heavier power, and/or braided line (or heavier lb/test mono/flouro). For a mod-fast, you could probably get away with mono/flouro in a higher lb/test. If you thought the longest casting rod was going to be a moderate action - you might have to consider braid. It's all so simple - right.............................. 1 Quote
bigturtle Posted October 31, 2016 Posted October 31, 2016 13 minutes ago, freelancer27 said: Great response! THanks!!! I think I was not clear enough on my requirements, please let me clarify! What I meant with a 'light reel' was anything under 8.5 ounces. Great call out on the rod. I think I have to consider this part as well. I would like to stay around 7-7'3''. Is a Medium-Heavy with a medium taper more fitting for long casts than a Medium-Heavy with a (extra)fast taper, since it can 'load up' more? Thanks for the help! The taper of a rod can be very different across manufactures. A fast action usually indicates how much of the rod bends, not how it bends. It can be a very stiff slight bend, or a softer, whippy bend and both can be considered "fast action". For pure distance, you want a softer tip, but not uglystik kind of soft. As far as reels, have you tried the tatula series? For heavier baits, a reel with slightly heavier spool is a better option for distance. 1 Quote
Delaware Valley Tackle Posted October 31, 2016 Posted October 31, 2016 Casting distance has much less to do with the reel than you think, especially when comparing reels of somewhat similar quality. 5 Quote
Super User Maxximus Redneckus Posted October 31, 2016 Super User Posted October 31, 2016 A 7ft rod m/h action with lures 1/2 to 1oz and robust  reel around 9.2 oz abu 4600 size its all about balance.plus the reel will last about 100 yrs. . 2 Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted October 31, 2016 Super User Posted October 31, 2016 It sound like you are familiar with Tackle Warehouse's demo program. Let me make a couple of suggestions for a better option to your BPS Pro Qualifier. I am not putting them down per say. They are popular. I never owned one but I do own 2 of the Bass Pro purple Rick Clunn series reels that had a  lot of the enhancements that were done to the PQ before the PQ became what it is. They discontinued the reel because it came out a bit cheaper than it should have. It was one of their first to have the dual brake system. Those reels work fine. just too heavy. I have been systematically changing my reels from BPS reels and Shimano Curado Es.Chronarch E7s etc to Diawa Tatula Type Rs and Daiwa Tatula CTs. I know you will find they cast very well, are very reliable, have really smooth drags  and just work. Now I own 1 Exceler ( a $99 retail reel), 3 Tatula type Rs ( a $199 retail reel) and 2 Tatula CTs. They retail for $130. None of these are a "super light" reel, but none are as heavy as he PQ. I have spent between $100 and $150 for these reels ($60 for the Exceler). The Type Rs are supposed to have tiny bit lighter spools and 1 more corrosion resistant bearing inside. Really I can not tell any difference in casting distance between a $100 Tatula and a $200 Tatula Type R. I know all of mine perform flawlessly and I am continuing to replace my other reels, one at a time, as I can afford it. If the $400 reels did not knock your socks off ,try these reels at a much more reasonable cost. So far my favorite version is my 2 Tatulla CTs. Tackle Warehouse does not offer them in the demo program, but if you demo the Tatula Type R you will essentially test the CT. The difference is a bit narrower body that palms a little nicer, it weighs a bit less.  Really can you tell the difference between 7,4 and 7.6 ounces?  I doubt it.  Anyway demo the Tatula Type R. Then go local and put the Tatula CT in your hand, mount it on a rod, they do not feel much different. Give it a try. 1 Quote
crypt Posted October 31, 2016 Posted October 31, 2016 16 minutes ago, Maxximus Redneckus said: A 7ft rod m/h action with lures 1/2 to 1oz and robust  reel around 9.2 oz abu 4600 size its all about balance.plus the reel will last about 100 yrs. . best answer yet. but then again I'm biased to abu reels. maybe a lews. but for me an second generation orra would fill the bill. 100 dollar bill. 1 Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted October 31, 2016 Super User Posted October 31, 2016 It doesn't sound like a high end reel is for you. As Hogsticker pointed out you're looking at it wrong. I'd stick with lower priced reels and just buy 3 of them. 2 Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 31, 2016 Author Posted October 31, 2016 Thanks guys once again! How about something like this: * Reel: Daiwa Tatula 100 Type-R Casting Reel / Daiwa Zillion SV TW * Line: 20 pound Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green * Rod: ? Thanks! 3 minutes ago, rippin-lips said: It doesn't sound like a high end reel is for you. As Hogsticker pointed out you're looking at it wrong. I'd stick with lower priced reels and just buy 3 of them. I have already enough reels, I just want to replace my BPS Qualifier. Quote
Super User Big Bait Fishing Posted October 31, 2016 Super User Posted October 31, 2016 get a BB1 pro and you're good !! light reel , very strong , 95mm carbon fiber handle that doesn't need to be replaced , Â casts great , and the braking set up on them (ACB) is second to none .... you cand usually find them for around 150-160 , save some money and put it towards some good line .. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Quote
Super User fishnkamp Posted October 31, 2016 Super User Posted October 31, 2016 I think you are on the right track. Demo the Tatula Type R and buy the Daiwa tatula CT Type R for $175 retail ( may be available for less online) Now take a serious look at a Dobyns Champion XP model DC734C S/H or DC734C F/H. The difference is one is a split cork handle and the other is a full cork handle your choice as per your preference. This rod is awesome. It specs as 7'3" hvy fast. it is a bit lighter than that. It specs 1/4 to 1 ounce and lists for buzzbaits, horney toads, jigs, sencos,small swimbaits, andspinnerbaits. As a secondary use it lists chatterbaits and spooks.  It retails for $260 which would make your combo less than the reels you were looking at. Nwe that was my recommendation if you were thinking of doing it with only one combo. if you were thinking of two different rods than I would suggest a Dobyns Champion XP DC703C (7' mh 1/4 to 3/4) for spinnerbaits and lots more and a DC 735C which is a great frog, pitching,flipping , swimbait rod that rates 1/4 to 1 1/2. 1 Quote
Onvacation Posted October 31, 2016 Posted October 31, 2016 Although very basic compared to some of the rest of the reels you are looking at, when it comes to casting distance, my plain old vanilla BB1, never ceases to amaze me.  It always edges out my BB1 Pros, my Tournament G, and my Type Rs.  It is on a 7 foot moderate rod and I personally find myself letting my moderate rods do the work much more than I do with my extra fast rods which leads back to what folks are saying about the importance of the rod.  I will regress to 8 year old with an Ugly Stick sometime during the day and start forcing casts.  That is until I realize the rod can do the work for me and it will do it better.  Then it's back to the same distance or more with less effort.  Remember though, each blank is going to be different.  For example, I have two spinning rods. Both are 6'10" MLXF.  One is a St. Croix Mojo Bass, the other is a higher end company that can't be talked about.  That rod consistently, no matter who is using it, will cast 10 yards further then the Mojo Bass with the same effort.  I don't swing for the bleachers with a ML rod, so it is 100% the blank doing the work for me.  Funny thing is, I like the feel of the Mojo Bass once the bait is in the water.  The blank is sensitive enough, but not hyper sensitive if that makes sense.  On a final note, many people have been mentioning Tatula reels.  I love them and will be buying a few more soon.  However, don't forget the Tatula rods.  I just picked up my first one and I am very impressed for the money.  1 Quote
Global Moderator Mike L Posted October 31, 2016 Global Moderator Posted October 31, 2016 Find yourself a used Chronarch 100SF reel and be done with it. I have mine spooled with 20# PP on a Lommis MBR 843 MH/F rod and It is one of the most lightest, balanced, farthest casting combos I have ever used. The reel, rod or line by itself is not the answer for long distance, accurate casting. It's the whole package that you have to mate together to get what you need.  Mike 1 Quote
freelancer27 Posted October 31, 2016 Author Posted October 31, 2016 I think I have come to a decision! I will follow Gary's advice (from tackletrap) and get the following combo: * Reel: Daiwa Zillion SV TW * Rod: Megabass F5-72XX Diablo Spec-R * Line: 30 pound test Sufix 832 Braid Lo-Vis Green (I will attach a Fluro leader if needed) I think I am getting most what I want from this combo. Robust set up, Distance, good warranty and versatility for the set of applications that I am looking for: (Spinnerbaits, lip less crankbaits, small swimbaits - 3/8 - 1oz). What ya thinking? 1 Quote
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