Shootout of the $80 reels - PQ, Speed Spool, Aird

[biggiesmalls]

Which of the popular $80 reels - Lew's Speed Spool Laser MG, Daiwa AIRD, and BPS Pro Qualifier - would you prefer and why? Is there anyone who has used all of them that could weigh in? 

 

I will be purchasing two of these - one in a 7:1 gear ratio to fill with 50 pound braid and use with frogs, big texas-rigged worms, plus jigs and snakes - and the other in a 6.4:1 gear ratio filled with 15 pound Yo-Zuri hybrid to use for squarebills, lipless crankbaits, and spooks. 

 

I am pretty sure the Pro Qualifiers are still on sale - but please do correct me if I am wrong!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

1. PQ

2. Aird 

3. Lews laser mg

 

even at $99 the pq is the best value on a feature for feature benefit. I give a nod to the Aird for Daiwa braking. 

[WRB]

Not on your list but you can find Daiwa Tatula 100H & HS under $90.

Tom

[Robert Riley]

PQ is the bet since it's on sale. 

[basscrusher]

2 hours ago, Robert Riley said:

PQ is the bet since it's on sale. 

Where can the Casitas be found for $80?  I'm actually in the market for one?  And I assume that 14 gram spool is on the USDM version?

[robster80]

Another to consider is a used Citica 200E. Usually can find for 70-80.  But yea id go PQ if buying new

[greentrout]

Read your post. If I may, most of my bait casting reels fall into the 100.00 to 150.00 dollars price point. Did come across this one for 80.00 dollars and it performs very well. It's KVD's. My first Quantum in a long time.

 

 

 

[Clinton john]

I'm going to say go with the Lews, but you should know up front Lews reels is all I use, out of all the reels I have used since I started bass fishing the Lews reels have held up the longest and have been the best preformers.

 

You should also know I do not in any way maintain my reels, when I'm not fishing they or in the boat in whatever weather happens to come along.

 

I have the Laser MG you listed as well as two lower priced Lews reels and also their super duty reel.

 

Good luck finding the right reel for your needs sir.

[Deleted account]

You can get 2 h20 Mettles for $80, they are a bit too small for my liking, but a no nonsense reel that just works.

 

[lmbfisherman]

I only have experience with the PQ.  Although not an Aird, I tried a Lexa 100.  I liked the PQ better, the Lexa were just blah.  They were around the same price range of the PQ retail.

[NEMO Bass]

The PQ is quality. Thats all there is too it. Also consider the Shimano Caenan. 

[fishnkamp]

Is there a reason you can not go above the $80 mark?  I ask this only because I have a source for the Daiwa Tatula CTs for $100 shipped to your door. That reel is worth far more compared to the reels you were considering.  Just my 2 cents.

[biggiesmalls]

6 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

Is there a reason you can not go above the $80 mark?  I ask this only because I have a source for the Daiwa Tatula CTs for $100 shipped to your door. That reel is worth far more compared to the reels you were considering.  Just my 2 cents.

I definitely could if need be. If I can get a Tatula for $100 shipped, I'd be a happy man. 

 

I'm headed out the door right now, I will send you a PM today. 

[roadwarrior]

 

[runt4561]

all though I am a lews guy, I am not a fan of the laser mg so pro qualifier it is for me. also not a daiwa fan. I think you have to spend way too much money to get a good daiwa. just my opinion.

[adrenalnjunky]

Is the Lew's Laser series even in production anymore other than the Laser MG?  You see the higher end Laser series reels on sale all over the place, but Lew's doesn't list them on their website anymore. 

 

I've been contemplating a new reel, with my pricerange closer to the $100-120 mark.  I can get a Lew's Tournament MB LFS in the $115ish range, and the step down Speed Spool LFS for about $86.  Side by side you'd have to work really hard to convince me that the BPS PQ2 isn't made on the same line.  Lower bearing count than the Lew's, but appears to have the nicer brake system of the Tourney MB - seems like it should slot in between those 2 Lew's reels, if they were all in the same product line. 

 

I was also considering the Abu Revo SX for around the $110 mark. 

 

[Falkus]

NO Question - Pro Qualifier ! 

 

I have like FIVE Pro Qualifiers, Three Abu Garcia (2 STX -Gen2 and winch) and BPS Prolite Reel. I have found myself buyin those PQ due to being cheap. I tend to get one or two at the spring classic sales. you cant not buy one lol

 

It's ridiculous cheap of 49.99 bucks. Its like a little "date night" spending money with your wife, just go to McDonald Instead. 

[alpaca]

53 minutes ago, Burke said:

NO Question - Pro Qualifier ! 

 

I have like FIVE Pro Qualifiers, Three Abu Garcia (2 STX -Gen2 and winch) and BPS Prolite Reel. I have found myself buyin those PQ due to being cheap. I tend to get one or two at the spring classic sales. you cant not buy one lol

 

It's ridiculous cheap of 49.99 bucks. Its like a little "date night" spending money with your wife, just go to McDonald Instead. 

When do you get a pro qualifier for $50?

[guitarglynn1]

23 hours ago, WRB said:

Not on your list but you can find Daiwa Tatula 100H & HS under $90.

Tom

 

I've got 3 of them and they are awesome reels for the price. 

[bradco]

I have 8 Pro Qualifiers & replaced them late last year with 3 Lews LFS & 5 Daiwa Tatulas. After using the Tatulas, I would never go back to PQ. I have no complaints about the Lews either. The features on the Tatula are unreal & can cast baits much further, IMO

[Falkus]

2 hours ago, alpaca said:

When do you get a pro qualifier for $50?

 

During the Spring Fishing Classic Sales - (Feb 17 to March 5th, 2017) 

 

Look at the last page -

Bass Pro Shop - Classic PDF

 

If you live nearby and can make a trip to the BPS store. I dont know when the next time they will do that but they tend to do sales often on those reels.  Johnny Morris makes tons of dough ..

[alpaca]

Darn... no bass pro within two hours of me.

[nameiztaken]

Daiwa Fuego CT can be found for $80 on the auction site any day of the week.

IMO best reel for the money. (Its basically a Daiwa Tatula CT without T-Wing)

 

@alpaca

[alpaca]

3 minutes ago, nameiztaken said:

Daiwa Fuego CT can be found for $80 on the auction site any day of the week.

IMO best reel for the money. (Its basically a Daiwa Tatula CT without T-Wing)

 

@alpaca

Thanks. I think I am going with the fuego.

 

[nameiztaken]

Just now, alpaca said:

Thanks. I think I am going with the fuego.

 

I don't think you'll be disappointed. I tried one out and it appears to be as premium as my Curado I.