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

[new2BC4bass]

6 hours ago, runt4561 said:

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.

 

You are entitled to your opinion.  I read the same thing several years ago.  I didn't agree with that opinion then, and I sure don't now either with the advent of the Tatula line.  I will agree the less expensive Daiwas are a bit heavier and larger than many competitors in the same price range.  Doesn't make them inferior AFAIC.  A Procaster 100HN cost me $30 on closeout ($70 retail) a few years ago.  I feel it is a nice solid reel.  Casts quite well.  TT gave it an 8.50 rating which is pretty good.  It is on my short, dedicated spinnerbait rod.

 

Have not used the new Fuego so can't comment on that one nor the Exceler that a few guys on here say is a good reel for the price.

[biggiesmalls]

Well if the PQ's are on sale for $50 as of now - I will 100% be going with a pair of those. $50 for that reel is insane. 

 

If not - the Tatula CT for $100 is in the picture, as is the Fuego and the Shimano Casitas and Caenan. A NIB Lew's is on the table as well. Although if I can get 2 Pro Qualifiers for the cost of one of the reels I just mentioned - then it's immediately going to be a pair of Pro Qualifiers. 

 

On a side note - does anybody use or know someone that uses the Lew's Speed Stick, the IM6 version? For $50 it seems like a pretty nice rod. And if I can get two setups for $100 each - I will be quite the happy man. 

[dam0007]

AirD is a solid reel but the drag just isn't up to par with the Fuegos or Tats. Hell even the Lexa... 

[biggiesmalls]

Just now, dam0007 said:

AirD is a solid reel but the drag just isn't up to par with the Fuegos or Tats. Hell even the Lexa... 

Okay, so AIRD is out of the equation. Which would leave the Pro Qualifier and the Fuego/Tat-CT at the top of the pack. Like I said - if the PQ's are only $50 right now (or will be soon), I will be buying two of them immediately.

[dam0007]

1 hour ago, biggiesmalls said:

Okay, so AIRD is out of the equation. Which would leave the Pro Qualifier and the Fuego/Tat-CT at the top of the pack. Like I said - if the PQ's are only $50 right now (or will be soon), I will be buying two of them immediately.

Tackle TRap just had a deal might still have it. Tat CT, Daiwa J Braid and a shirt for $110... might be a option 

[iceintheveins]

If you can get a Tatula for 100 bucks, go with that. Otherwise, the PQ is the best 100 dollar reel out there. I have four, and they have needed a bit of maitenence for the first time this year, after five hard years of use. They cast heavier baits better but still cast most 1/4 and 3/16 ounce lures quite well.

[biggiesmalls]

7 hours ago, dam0007 said:

Tackle TRap just had a deal might still have it. Tat CT, Daiwa J Braid and a shirt for $110... might be a option 

Doesn't look like that deal is around anymore - I would've put that one right up with the Pro Qualifier if it was still around

[runt4561]

12 hours ago, biggiesmalls said:

Well if the PQ's are on sale for $50 as of now - I will 100% be going with a pair of those. $50 for that reel is insane. 

 

If not - the Tatula CT for $100 is in the picture, as is the Fuego and the Shimano Casitas and Caenan. A NIB Lew's is on the table as well. Although if I can get 2 Pro Qualifiers for the cost of one of the reels I just mentioned - then it's immediately going to be a pair of Pro Qualifiers. 

 

On a side note - does anybody use or know someone that uses the Lew's Speed Stick, the IM6 version? For $50 it seems like a pretty nice rod. And if I can get two setups for $100 each - I will be quite the happy man. 

 

if the lews rods you are referring to are the TP1 all white model with the winn grips then yes, I have used them and they are very nice rods for the price point. my only gripe is that they don't come with a hook hanger.

[biggiesmalls]

24 minutes ago, runt4561 said:

 

if the lews rods you are referring to are the TP1 all white model with the winn grips then yes, I have used them and they are very nice rods for the price point. my only gripe is that they don't come with a hook hanger.

I am referring to the ones with the cork grips, they are $50 on TW. Not the white TP-1 models

[ThePolkFolk]

On ‎4‎/‎5‎/‎2017 at 9:54 PM, greentrout said:

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.

 

 

 

I was surprised at how well this reel performed.

[Senko lover]

My advice - similar to what some other guys have said - would be to look around for some deals on a new or used reel that's in a more expensive price range. If you're not in a hurry, you can find some really good bargains. I got a $140 Lew's Tourney MG reel as my first baitcaster, and got it for $50.00 brand new on black friday. One heck of a deal  and I wish I had gotten more lol.

[nameiztaken]

12 hours ago, Senko lover said:

My advice - similar to what some other guys have said - would be to look around for some deals on a new or used reel that's in a more expensive price range. If you're not in a hurry, you can find some really good bargains. I got a $140 Lew's Tourney MG reel as my first baitcaster, and got it for $50.00 brand new on black friday. One heck of a deal  and I wish I had gotten more lol.

I don't know... I've had absolutely terrible outcomes from buying used reels, they seem to be money pits.

 

I bought my Curado I new and couldn't be happier, I don't think I'm going to buy any used reels anymore. a TD-Z would be an exception though.

[th365thli]

 

Read this thread. If this isn't the best endorsement then I don't know what is. I have six PQs, from 8 years old to 2 years old. All work flawlessly. BPS jus released the PQ 2.0, which is exactly the same as the original version except now the original is 80 dollars and the new one is 100. Buy the original. 

[Goose52]

4 hours ago, th365thli said:

Read this thread. If this isn't the best endorsement then I don't know what is....

 

OR, read the final thread of the 5-Year Challenge:

 

When I started the 5-Year Challenge in 2009, there was no doubt that the PQ was just about the best deal going in it's price range. Available in 4 gear ratios, right- and left-hand, a whopping 8 models. The competition? Shimano Citica available in 1 ratio, Revo S available in 1 ratio, and can anyone even remember if Daiwa had a legitimate contender at that time? By the time I finished the 5-Year Challenge in 2014? It was a different ballgame - a number of new reel designs had been introduced and the PQ was no longer alone in offering ratios to suit every need. One significant game-changer was the Tatula available at the on-line "deal" prices that could get close to the PQ price.

 

TODAY?  There are just TOO many good reals available in this price range - lots of models, lots of gear ratios, lots of new features.  A VERY tough call to say that any one of them is "BEST"...

[Bluebasser86]

I'd take a President XT over any of them listed. 

[th365thli]

11 hours ago, Goose52 said:

 

OR, read the final thread of the 5-Year Challenge:

 

When I started the 5-Year Challenge in 2009, there was no doubt that the PQ was just about the best deal going in it's price range. Available in 4 gear ratios, right- and left-hand, a whopping 8 models. The competition? Shimano Citica available in 1 ratio, Revo S available in 1 ratio, and can anyone even remember if Daiwa had a legitimate contender at that time? By the time I finished the 5-Year Challenge in 2014? It was a different ballgame - a number of new reel designs had been introduced and the PQ was no longer alone in offering ratios to suit every need. One significant game-changer was the Tatula available at the on-line "deal" prices that could get close to the PQ price.

 

TODAY?  There are just TOO many good reals available in this price range - lots of models, lots of gear ratios, lots of new features.  A VERY tough call to say that any one of them is "BEST"...

 

Nowhere did I say the other reels aren't as good and that the PQ is the "best". I said that was the best ENDORSEMENT. I have yet to find other detailed and comprehensive long term reviews for other budget options (thank you for that by the way). Best review/endorsement =/= best reel.

 

 I simply gave my experience. And my experience is that the PQs are reliable long term, as opposed to other cheap/budget offerings that don't have the longevity. We are giving suggestions are we not? I have no doubt there are other very good options that will last long, but the PQ has my vote AND it has documented data to back its reliability up. Therefore, I believe it is the safest choice, especially since the first iteration is only 80 dollars now. 

[Goose52]

48 minutes ago, th365thli said:

 

Nowhere did I say the other reels aren't as good and that the PQ is the "best". I said that was the best ENDORSEMENT. I have yet to find other detailed and comprehensive long term reviews for other budget options (thank you for that by the way). Best review/endorsement =/= best reel.

 

 I simply gave my experience. And my experience is that the PQs are reliable long term, as opposed to other cheap/budget offerings that don't have the longevity. We are giving suggestions are we not? I have no doubt there are other very good options that will last long, but the PQ has my vote AND it has documented data to back its reliability up. Therefore, I believe it is the safest choice, especially since the first iteration is only 80 dollars now. 

 

Huh?  The only portion of my post that had anything to do with you was to direct readers to the final report of the test series, instead of one of the interim reports. Full Stop.

 

The remainder of my post was directed to the Board members, giving my current feelings on the matter. It did not relate to your post at all. Full Stop.

 

 

[RoLo]

"Which of these popular $80 reels"

 

Two of the three reel brands you specified are 'not' popular.

I have no dogs in this hunt, but if the reels you specified

were open to negotiation, you might've mentioned that

 

Roger

[th365thli]

7 hours ago, Goose52 said:

 

Huh?  The only portion of my post that had anything to do with you was to direct readers to the final report of the test series, instead of one of the interim reports. Full Stop.

 

The remainder of my post was directed to the Board members, giving my current feelings on the matter. It did not relate to your post at all. Full Stop.

 

 

 

Whoops, misread, my bad

[biggiesmalls]

13 hours ago, RoLo said:

"Which of these popular $80 reels"

 

Two of the three reel brands you specified are 'not' popular.

I have no dogs in this hunt, but if the reels you specified

were open to negotiation, you might've mentioned that in your post.

 

Roger

Sorry Roger, they are definitely open to negotiation. If you have a suggestion other than those reels I would love to hear it. 

[Clackincrank53]

On April 5, 2017 at 8:56 PM, A5BLASTER said:

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.

 Have never even held a PQ and used a buddy's Exeler for a day once and I own several lews under 100 bucks and for the money they're great reels and cast very well for the price. Now I do maintain mine but only if they're acting up and I'll say this all I've ever had to do to any of my lews is a drop of oil in a couple of them and that was after they were a few yrs old...but I don't leave mine out in weather or lay them down in dirt,sand etc.. When I bank fish but I have a thing for scratches and nicks on my reels and if I see any rash on them I won't use them and give them to my boys or my nephews  but I'm weird in that way haha

[jimf]

I have Lew's Speed Spool and a couple of BPQ.  I don't know the Laser, but I think the BPQ matches up well with the Lews Speed Spool.  Therefore I would guess BPQ > Lew's. 

 

I also own a Tatula and if you can find that for a few bucks more then that's the way to go.  

 

 

[Choporoz]

I can add little value to your question.  I have used a Speed Spool for a few years and it has held up extremely well.  I can't compare the other two.  (like a number of others above, if I had $80 for a reel, I'd wait until I could get a Tatula.  I have four and you cannot go wrong.)

 

no value there... the reason I'm posting is to suggest you reconsider your YZ choice.....if you haven't already purchased it, I strongly suggest that you go with 12# instead of 15#.  12 will be all you could ever need for bass fishing.  15 introduces stiffness that will make you crazy, even if you bathe it in KVD L&L daily.

[Jaderose]

Got 3 PQ's.  One I paid 99 for...one I paid 79 for and one I paid 49 for.  All 3 were great deals

[Chuck Popeeye Moser]

On 4/6/2017 at 3:36 PM, alpaca said:

When do you get a pro qualifier for $50?

Has anyone tried yje Kasyking line of reels?