High End Baitcasters

[BrianSnat]

Quote

 

Since I moved to baitcasters I bought a bunch of middle level reels.  Shimano Curados, Diawa Tatulas and various Lew's reels in the $99 to $200 range.  I haven't tried any high level reels.  I'm sure they have ther benefits, but I'm happy with what I have. They do the job nicely.  Of those it seems that Lew's consistently offers the best bang for the buck.  With that in mind, if  I were to splurge on high level baitcaster I would probably stick with Lew's.

[NathanDLTH]

Thank you everyone who continues to contribute, hearing what others are saying helps aid in my decision. Still wondering if the price is worth the performance, that's the hardest thing for me and justifying the cost. The weight savings is nice, but honestly I'm a big guy 6'4" and 270ish and throwing big baits only because a challenge when they get heavier for as in swim/glidebaits(no I do not intend to use a high end reel for big baits). 

[Tywithay]

Once you get past a certain price point, you're not paying for more performance. The mid-tier reels like the Curado and Tatula perform basically just as well as the Antares and Steez. The difference with the high end reels is refinement. They're smoother, cast a little easier, lighter, etc. Reels can only cast as far as bearings and spools allow, and there hasn't been any world changing additions in several years. The Curado K has many of the features that were only available on the top of line reels a few years ago. Same is true of Daiwa reels. 

[NathanDLTH]

Well I guess that answers my question. Hmm, do I really want/need one maybe the obvious question than. 

[freelancer27]

High end bait casters are like everything 'high end' in life. You pay a lot of money for a slight increment in performance (refined manufacturing, Casting distance, weight) and sometimes even loose quite a bit (Ferrari vs Volkswagen).

Is it worth it? Very subjective question with a very subjective answer to it. 

Here is my personal experience: 
I started with a BPS Qualifier reel for around 100 USD. I used it for a couple of months until I was wondering if a more expensive reel would not do a better job, so I bought a Lews Team Pro Speed Spool (for like 170 USD). This was a big upgrade! After some additional months, I was wondering if I would get such another big upgrade if I again spent a bit more money.. so I bought a Daiwa Coastal (220 USD at that time). And yeah I thought that it was a reel well worth it but looking back I can tell this was the price range where the diminishing returns started... 

Soon after I started to look into high end baitcaster, when I bought my BPS reel I thought that I would never spend 600 USD on a reel - that would be crazy. With more and more reading/ watching videos and doing research in different forums I and ended pretty fast at the top (2016 Antares DC and Calcutta Conquest). I bought both of them and I am not going to lie, they are amazing! Now a year later (after having purchased a couple different reels) I am realizing that though it is nice to have high end reels, there are better ways to spend your hard earned money when it comes to fishing. For example I was lucky to try the Daiwa SV103 (sale for 190 USD) and I got really impressed by the reel. 
Of course it is hard to take somebody elses experience and applied to one self (this is somehow how I ended up with some high end gear in the first place )


So here is what I would recommend: get yourself 1 high end reel and keep it at least for 6 months and use it in different situations along side your regular reels. After the time if you feel like it was worth the money  then go ahead and get more of them.  After 6 months I feel the 'G.A.S' has passed and reality should give you a honest reflection of your purchase.

Also worth a thought: rather than spending a lot of money in rods/reels and lures, get a kayak/boat or go on a fishing trip of a life time!

Just my 2 cents...

[Columbia Craw]

For me high end is 200 to 250 bucks.  With that, Diawas are my preference.  I like the ease of set up, gear train and overall performance.  The fit my hand. I have nothing bad to say about Shimano or any reel for that matter.  My Diawas just continue to impress me. 

[Master Bait'r]

Opinion?  It's a matter of opinion until you realize ONE company and ONE COMPANY ONLY has a computer controlled electronic breaking system that is sealed, self-powered and samples/applies braking forces 1000 times per second...  And everybody else uses fixed-setting magnets and hanging weights like they have for decades- whether or not they work well, that is not exactly "cutting edge".  

 

Whether or or not you're buying a DC reel, they exist and nobody- not even Megabass- can touch it with all their bells and whistles, crackle paint, carbon fiber and clear panels on top of already sexy Daiwas.  I personally would rather pay the extra money for a functional DC system than sexy bits that mostly just look nice anyways.  

 

Shimano is fishing's NASA.  Everybody else is fighting for second place.  

 

9 hours ago, Tywithay said:

 The mid-tier reels like the Curado and Tatula perform basically just as well as the Antares and Steez. The difference with the high end reels is refinement

 

Until of course you add a DC system and then its' laser light shows and pyrotechnics.  

 

Refinement.  Lol

[NathanDLTH]

Thanks people, love the feedback. Good chance when the tax return comes I know where it's going lol!

[Tywithay]

4 hours ago, Master Bait'r said:

Opinion?  It's a matter of opinion until you realize ONE company and ONE COMPANY ONLY has a computer controlled electronic breaking system that is sealed, self-powered and samples/applies braking forces 1000 times per second...  And everybody else uses fixed-setting magnets and hanging weights like they have for decades- whether or not they work well, that is not exactly "cutting edge".  

 

Whether or or not you're buying a DC reel, they exist and nobody- not even Megabass- can touch it with all their bells and whistles, crackle paint, carbon fiber and clear panels on top of already sexy Daiwas.  I personally would rather pay the extra money for a functional DC system than sexy bits that mostly just look nice anyways.  

 

Shimano is fishing's NASA.  Everybody else is fighting for second place.  

 

 

Until of course you add a DC system and then its' laser light shows and pyrotechnics.  

 

Refinement.  Lol

I've used several DC reels and they are spectacular. Though, they have gone backwards in recent years. The original DC on the Calais was one of the furthest casting reels ever produced. Nowadays, it's all about backlash prevention, rather than distance. That being said, the Daiwa Mag3D is easily on par with the DC system. It doesn't have the fancy electronics, but the science behind it is equally as impressive. It also performs just as well, if not better, in some reels. The Z2020 is the best reel I have ever used, better than the Calcutta DC, Calais DC, Metanium, etc. I don't have any loyalty to either brand and use reels from both, but to say one is light years ahead of the other in terms of technology is way off base.

[Maico1]

5 hours ago, Tywithay said:

I've used several DC reels and they are spectacular. Though, they have gone backwards in recent years. The original DC on the Calais was one of the furthest casting reels ever produced. Nowadays, it's all about backlash prevention, rather than distance. That being said, the Daiwa Mag3D is easily on par with the DC system. It doesn't have the fancy electronics, but the science behind it is equally as impressive. It also performs just as well, if not better, in some reels. The Z2020 is the best reel I have ever used, better than the Calcutta DC, Calais DC, Metanium, etc. I don't have any loyalty to either brand and use reels from both, but to say one is light years ahead of the other in terms of technology is way off base.

Guess you have not played with the 16 Antares DC....put the DC7 to bed.

[Master Bait'r]

6 hours ago, Tywithay said:

the Daiwa Mag3D is easily on par with the DC system. 

 

Youre entitled to your opinion but I wholeheartedly disagree.  They've gotten good with traditional braking but pair it against the same year's DC and it's out the window.  

 

Also I don't want you thinking I am saying anything else stinks, just in the fine degrees of flagship reel performance there's no messing with the on-the-fly calculations of a D.C. system.  Moreso if you're switching baits a lot or the weather sucks which is always the case for me.

[rippin-lips]

None of what you mentioned are really considered a true high end reel. The $200 price point is about mid tier. It's a very competitive price point and there are some great options in it. Right now Daiwa only has one high end reel available and it's the Steez SV TW @ $499. 

[NathanDLTH]

I listed what I own not what's high end. 

[3crows]

On 9/10/2017 at 2:51 PM, NathanDLTH said:

 So who has the best high end baitcasters? Daiwa or Shimano? Talking specifically USDM not JDM.

I currently own:

3xTatula SVs: 6:3:1, 7:3:1, 8:1:1

Zillion SV 6:3:1

Curado 70 7:2:1

I'd like to hear from everyone who reads this. 

 

But you asked about high end baitcasters. Most folks do not own high end $250 plus reels. But, in the high end, I tend to agree with the NASA fellow, Shimano is it. I also think in the lower end Shimano is it. The new Casitas and Caenan for example are fine little reels, got one of each on sale for $84 and $74 each. Love them, great value. 

 

But in the hotly contested mid tier reels there is no winner except for the folks buying them because they are all solid reels be they Shimano or Diawa. As long as you pick a Shimano or Diawa reel in the gear ratio and frame size that fits your needs, I think you are good to go. And I say Shimano and Diawa only because you limited the thread to them in your OP. You also said non JDM which eliminates the DC Shimano reels. I touched one of those once, golden light emanated from it's innards and it floated above my palm hardly resting upon it as if anti-gravity was a new Shimano feature, yeah, they are the best, too bad we do not get them here.

[NathanDLTH]

 

2 hours ago, 3crows said:

But you asked about high end baitcasters. Most folks do not own high end $250 plus reels. But, in the high end, I tend to agree with the NASA fellow, Shimano is it. I also think in the lower end Shimano is it. The new Casitas and Caenan for example are fine little reels, got one of each on sale for $84 and $74 each. Love them, great value. 

 

But in the hotly contested mid tier reels there is no winner except for the folks buying them because they are all solid reels be they Shimano or Diawa. As long as you pick a Shimano or Diawa reel in the gear ratio and frame size that fits your needs, I think you are good to go. And I say Shimano and Diawa only because you limited the thread to them in your OP. You also said non JDM which eliminates the DC Shimano reels. I touched one of those once, golden light emanated from it's innards and it floated above my palm hardly resting upon it as if anti-gravity was a new Shimano feature, yeah, they are the best, too bad we do not get them here.

Yes, I did ask about high end, wanted those who read my post to have some understanding of what I own already. In hopes they could give recommendations, however most have eluded to the concept of personal preference which is totally acceptable. I ruled out JDM reels for the reason of DC reels, apples to apples so to speak, own a JDM reel would open the flood gates for me lol! Yes, I realize many people who never break the 250-300 dollar market on reels, but that doesn't rule out used high end reels lol! But we are getting no where now, with that I thank yee for all the words of wisdom and advice. Good night. 

[kickerfish1]

I guess the term "high end" would have to be defined in some way that all of us could agree on it first. Someone may think high ends is anything over $200, another might think something over $300, someone might say only $500+ and there are a few that may think only high end if it is rare, collectable, limited run, special color plus some sort of magical price point.

 

Personally I think anything under $50 is pretty much a disposable reel in the same sense someone would buy a disposable razor to shave with. Just something to use to get by but thinking is not precision or long term with all the plastic in the construction. Around $100 and you are in everyone's favorite price point for the budget stuff. Usually the reels are built much better and things are significantly noticeable from the $50ish reels. Jump to $200 and you are getting into the good stuff. Sort of like the Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys. You get the reliability, quality construction and a few more bells and whistles. Jump to $300 and you usually are starting to see things like special spools, magnesium frames, higher quality bearings, sometimes longer or CF handles. Clear the $300 mark and the improvements are less noticeable. Usually a bit lighter, sometimes a more sophisticated breaking system, perhaps a fancy paint job. When you get into the rare reels you are mainly paying for the collectability and condition of it. Some things were only produced for a year or two, some came with collectors pins, some are nearly impossibly to find used in about any condition nowadays.

 

I wouldn't want to be the one to tell you what you should buy. However I do thing something JDM would be a good place to start. The one thing people don't always realize is that by buying a JDM version of a reel it can only be less expensive. Take the US Metanium MGL vs the JDM Metanium MGL.

 

The other thing I would ask myself is what do I truly want my high end reel to do that my current reels don't? Do I want it to be lighter? Do I want it to be a reel known to be able to cast for distance? Am I wanting something that many would consider as smooth as a baby's bottom? Am I wanting something rare or limited?

 

Here are 4 $300 retail Shimano reels that I currently own and use and a brief run down on them

 

1. Chronarch D7 - It casts easily with minimal effort, when you really get on it the casting distance is very incredible yet controlled, and when you reel any bait or are reeling a fish in it is just as smooth under load as it is without.

 

2. Core 50mg7 - This reel is pretty tiny and compact yet the magnesium frame feels super solid. It casts everything great from lighter plastics and jigs to jerkbaits and small/medium cranks.

 

3. Metanium MGL - The breaking system is incredible and casting distance is as good as you can imagine and as good as your thumb will allow. The external adjustment really helps fine tune it more than the Curado I IMO.

 

4. Exscence DC (older model) - Pretty much the wow factor Masterbait'r was talking about. Yes DC reels are a bit heavier due to the digital system they utilize. This reel is super powerful and super smooth and the casting distance is as good as any of the other reels I listed above maybe a touch more. One cool thing about the reel is the clicking drag. No, I am not talking about the drag start clicking which it does but rather when a fish of decent size pulls drag you will here it click. The other cool feature about the reel is the night mode setting? Ever been fishing before when it was so dark you couldn't see when your bait was going to touch down? Well with this setting you can cast 100% without your thumb and not have to worry about one small over run of line. Perfect for a new angler starting out or a kid that is getting started.

 

I am sure more could be written and said. Is it worth it? Who knows as that is up to you and everyone else to decide. It would be hard to sit here and tell you something higher end will help you become a better angler, catch more fish, or be something that you can feel and see the "difference" in. At the same time there is always those folks that go cheap on everything, even when they can afford yet are always having equipment related problems.

 

Best advice with whatever you piece you decide to buy is to one shop around whether buying new or used. And also make certain you keep the reel in a reel cover when not in use should you decide you don't like it you can sell it for a much smaller loss than if you use it and it takes a beating on the exterior. For example I have seen mint Chronarch D reels go for $300ish in near mint condition while reels with marks, scratches, and dings sell for around $200. Talking $100 difference due to the exterior condition of the reel. Also keep your reel, box, papers, and add'l items that may have came with the reel as they will only add to the value and appeal to more buyers as well.

 

Hopefully that helps. Sorry for the ramblings...

[NathanDLTH]

19 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

I guess the term "high end" would have to be defined in some way that all of us could agree on it first. Someone may think high ends is anything over $200, another might think something over $300, someone might say only $500+ and there are a few that may think only high end if it is rare, collectable, limited run, special color plus some sort of magical price point.

 

Personally I think anything under $50 is pretty much a disposable reel in the same sense someone would buy a disposable razor to shave with. Just something to use to get by but thinking is not precision or long term with all the plastic in the construction. Around $100 and you are in everyone's favorite price point for the budget stuff. Usually the reels are built much better and things are significantly noticeable from the $50ish reels. Jump to $200 and you are getting into the good stuff. Sort of like the Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys. You get the reliability, quality construction and a few more bells and whistles. Jump to $300 and you usually are starting to see things like special spools, magnesium frames, higher quality bearings, sometimes longer or CF handles. Clear the $300 mark and the improvements are less noticeable. Usually a bit lighter, sometimes a more sophisticated breaking system, perhaps a fancy paint job. When you get into the rare reels you are mainly paying for the collectability and condition of it. Some things were only produced for a year or two, some came with collectors pins, some are nearly impossibly to find used in about any condition nowadays.

 

I wouldn't want to be the one to tell you what you should buy. However I do thing something JDM would be a good place to start. The one thing people don't always realize is that by buying a JDM version of a reel it can only be less expensive. Take the US Metanium MGL vs the JDM Metanium MGL.

 

The other thing I would ask myself is what do I truly want my high end reel to do that my current reels don't? Do I want it to be lighter? Do I want it to be a reel known to be able to cast for distance? Am I wanting something that many would consider as smooth as a baby's bottom? Am I wanting something rare or limited?

 

Here are 4 $300 retail Shimano reels that I currently own and use and a brief run down on them

 

1. Chronarch D7 - It casts easily with minimal effort, when you really get on it the casting distance is very incredible yet controlled, and when you reel any bait or are reeling a fish in it is just as smooth under load as it is without.

 

2. Core 50mg7 - This reel is pretty tiny and compact yet the magnesium frame feels super solid. It casts everything great from lighter plastics and jigs to jerkbaits and small/medium cranks.

 

3. Metanium MGL - The breaking system is incredible and casting distance is as good as you can imagine and as good as your thumb will allow. The external adjustment really helps fine tune it more than the Curado I IMO.

 

4. Exscence DC (older model) - Pretty much the wow factor Masterbait'r was talking about. Yes DC reels are a bit heavier due to the digital system they utilize. This reel is super powerful and super smooth and the casting distance is as good as any of the other reels I listed above maybe a touch more. One cool thing about the reel is the clicking drag. No, I am not talking about the drag start clicking which it does but rather when a fish of decent size pulls drag you will here it click. The other cool feature about the reel is the night mode setting? Ever been fishing before when it was so dark you couldn't see when your bait was going to touch down? Well with this setting you can cast 100% without your thumb and not have to worry about one small over run of line. Perfect for a new angler starting out or a kid that is getting started.

 

I am sure more could be written and said. Is it worth it? Who knows as that is up to you and everyone else to decide. It would be hard to sit here and tell you something higher end will help you become a better angler, catch more fish, or be something that you can feel and see the "difference" in. At the same time there is always those folks that go cheap on everything, even when they can afford yet are always having equipment related problems.

 

Best advice with whatever you piece you decide to buy is to one shop around whether buying new or used. And also make certain you keep the reel in a reel cover when not in use should you decide you don't like it you can sell it for a much smaller loss than if you use it and it takes a beating on the exterior. For example I have seen mint Chronarch D reels go for $300ish in near mint condition while reels with marks, scratches, and dings sell for around $200. Talking $100 difference due to the exterior condition of the reel. Also keep your reel, box, papers, and add'l items that may have came with the reel as they will only add to the value and appeal to more buyers as well.

 

Hopefully that helps. Sorry for the ramblings...

Thanks for the summary. 

[NathanDLTH]

What rod would y'all recommend? My most expensive rod is Tatula Elite AGS Ehler rod 7ft MMH 1/8-1oz. It ran about 289.99. Would a Zodias be good or should I look elsewhere?

[fishballer06]

On 9/10/2017 at 3:51 PM, NathanDLTH said:

So who has the best high end baitcasters? Daiwa or Shimano?

 

Both. I own the high end reels from both companies. 

[NathanDLTH]

Yes we do. 

[lmbfisherman]

The reason I like my Mets and Conquest, it's all about refinement and effortless casting.  I don't have to do much vs say my Citicas with my casting motion.  It just makes me smile!

[NathanDLTH]

Cool

[Yudo1]

Life is too short and unpredictable. If fishing with high end stuff puts a smile on your face, then go for it as long as you can afford it. I think you picked the 2 best reel companies IMO. Get both.  I own shimano/daiwa reels from $200-400 and enjoy each and every reel. They all have different strengths and uses. Fortunately, I haven't had the urge to buy anything new lately and currently have my arsenal set. Most of my purchases have been from Japanese companies when the dollar/yen was favorable and also used stuff. Buying used sometimes gets you incredible value and if you decide to sell, you only lose a few bucks.

[new2BC4bass]

12 minutes ago, Yudo1 said:

Life is too short and unpredictable. If fishing with high end stuff puts a smile on your face, then go for it as long as you can afford it. I think you picked the 2 best reel companies IMO. Get both.  I own shimano/daiwa reels from $200-400 and enjoy each and every reel. They all have different strengths and uses. Fortunately, I haven't had the urge to buy anything new lately and currently have my arsenal set. Most of my purchases have been from Japanese companies when the dollar/yen was favorable and also used stuff. Buying used sometimes gets you incredible value and if you decide to sell, you only lose a few bucks.

Yup.  A favorite way of mine to shop.  Used and closeouts are the best.

[DaveT63]

I love my Shimano 51 reels (Core, Chronarch, and Curado).  But I tried the Daiwa SV reels, and now it seems that's about all that ends up in my truck.  Those SV spools are a game changer.  And I like the fact that you can put them in non-SV reels.  I put a Zillion SV spool in my Steez 103 and WOW!

 

I won't get rid of my Shimanos any time soon, but I do like the Diawa SV system.