Best $300 or under reel

[HookingDreams]

i am thinking of getting a Shimano Scorpion DC. But i am open to something else, and just want to see what’s y’all think is the best for $300 and under.

[anderb54]

You can get a Metanium MGL for ~$300 if you look at JDM import sites. That being said, I feel like my Chronarch is just as nice as my Metanium. 

[burrows]

Chronarch mgl

[LadiMopar]

I'm a long time Daiwa user (abt. 40 years) and had I had a few more dollars to spend I would have bought a Zillion SV (abt $299).  Although a Steez would be my ultimate choice (abt $500).

 

Recently bought the Tatula CT Type R XS (8:1:1) at the Cabela Bargain cave for a scant $144. It was a demo, but didn't have a scratch on it. Casts like a dream on the Daiwa Tatula  Elite signature series 7' cranking rod.

 

Best of luck in your decision!

LM

[onenutinthewater]

Chronarch MGL

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Whatever brand and model with the style and features you prefer won't let you down. None stand head and shoulders over the others at the price point you're looking at. 

[DaveT63]

Pretty much any $200-300 reel you get is going to be a great reel.  That said, if you are willing to consider used, you can up your game for the same money or less.  I recently bought an original JDM Steez 103L off ebay for $187.  It came in and was flawless.  Not a mark on it.  Then I bought a Zillion SV spool for it for $69.  Talk about a dream reel!!!

 

I used to be a huge Shimano fan.  Then I tried the Daiwa SV reels, and they are quickly winning me over.  I still have some Shimano reels I love, like a Curado 51E and a Chronarch 51E, but I sold both my Core 51Mg7s for the Steez and an SV103.  I've never tried the Chronarch MGL or Metanium MGL, but I can't imagine them being any better than my Daiwas.

[FrankN209]

You can pick up a Shimano Metanium MGL for 301.00. 

[HookingDreams]

2 hours ago, FrankN209 said:

You can pick up a Shimano Metanium MGL for 301.00. 

i heard the Chronarch is just as good maybe better for a cheaper price

[Tywithay]

For $300, I'm looking for a used Steez or Antares. I'd rather have a $500 reel for $300.

[Dwight Hottle]

Shimano Bantam can be had for close to that price. They are sweet little reels. 

[KP Duty]

Zillion sv tws.  You can pick up one on the bay for $240-250.  I love mine.  

[onenutinthewater]

Chronarch MGL $232 from Japan....... I think I may need another!

[soflabasser]

Didn't see you say it had to be a baitcaster so I will say that a Shimano Stradic spinning reel is worth every single penny and its under $300.  Penn also makes good spinning reels such as the Penn Fierce, Battle, Spinfisher, and other models well under $300.

[HookingDreams]

On 5/1/2018 at 7:06 AM, soflabasser said:

Didn't see you say it had to be a baitcaster so I will say that a Shimano Stradic spinning reel is worth every single penny and its under $300.  Penn also makes good spinning reels such as the Penn Fierce, Battle, Spinfisher, and other models well under $300.

Heck yea i 100% agree with you. Around that range, you literally CANNOT go wrong with Penn or Shimano! Stradic, Battle, of Spinfisher, you are going to love them, but i was referring to a baitcaster and I’m thinking of a Shimano Chronarch or a Metanium. I can order from Japan Lure Shop and get the Met for $100 off US price and get the Chronarch for $50 off US price. So I’m not sure.

[haggard]

On 4/28/2018 at 4:38 PM, HookingDreams said:

i am thinking of getting a Shimano Scorpion DC. But i am open to something else, and just want to see what’s y’all think is the best for $300 and under.

What would be very helpful to know before we answer is what types of water (based on your region) you'll be fishing most of the time. Region dictates water type; water type (and to a certain extent cover type) dictates species; species dictates rod selection and to a certain extent reel selection.

[lmbfisherman]

Met MGL, if it wasn’t for government making me pay duty, I’d buy more Mets.  I can get the Chronarch MGL cheaper, so I’ve been going that route.  

[Riazuli]

On 4/29/2018 at 12:47 PM, HookingDreams said:

i heard the Chronarch is just as good maybe better for a cheaper price

I'd be wary of these claims... sounds to me like someone wanting to justify the lower cost.  In trying to stay objective, shimano puts more quality and effort into a metanium, warranting a higher price.  I know just because something costs more doesn't always make it better, but within the same brand, that argument holds a little stronger.  That's not to say the chronarch wouldn't be a great reel (I have a Curado K and a metanium 100 and like both reels a lot), but if money isn't a factor or you can find a good deal on a metanium within your budget or close to it, that's likely going to be a better bet.  Opinions will always differ, but to me it seems like the Curado, chronarch, and metanium are all similar, with them being higher quality and better performance in the order I just listed them in.  Shimano seems to think so.  

[blckshirt98]

Be careful of buying JDM reels as the domestic divisions won't do maintenance or repairs.  You're going to have to do your own maintenance or send them off to a third party shop. 

[HookingDreams]

7 hours ago, blckshirt98 said:

Be careful of buying JDM reels as the domestic divisions won't do maintenance or repairs.  You're going to have to do your own maintenance or send them off to a third party shop. 

Thanks for the advice!!