Getting a new reel! Which one should I get?

[Slade Carroll]

Hey guys I’m getting a new reel in the next couple of weeks I either want to get the shimano syncopate 4000fg or the abu Garcia blackmax baitcaster which one should I get?

[new2BC4bass]

Will this be for bass fishing?  Because the 4000 holds way more line than needed for bass.  Even the 2500 holds more than I'd want.  Personally I prefer baitcast reels.  Some prefer spinning.  What is your preference?  What type of techniques are you planning on using?  What kind of cover?  What weight lures?  Etc.?

[lmbfisherman]

Well interesting, spinning or baitcaster.  I guess we need context here, like new2BC4bass has stated. 

[NYWayfarer]

I am not a big fan of the quickfire feature on the shimano syncopate. It is easily the weakest point of the reel. Expect it to be the first thing to break which will render the reel useless unless repaired. 

Go with the Black Max. I have one and it's rock solid. It is not my favorite baitcaster in that price range but it is a good reel regardless.  

[Slade Carroll]

My dad has the shimano syncopate and I’ve used it and think it’s awesome I will use the bait caster for bass fishing primarily ocean fishing catfish carp fishing I’ll use it to catch anything that swims!

I’m leaning towards the baitcaster!

Plus my dad said he’d let me use his anytime I want

I love the quick fire thing but as a kid I always used spincsst so the bait caster will be easier to use for me

I use every type of lure there is literally only one I use least is topwater

[TylerT123]

2 hours ago, Slade Carroll said:

My dad has the shimano syncopate and I’ve used it and think it’s awesome I will use the bait caster for bass fishing primarily ocean fishing catfish carp fishing I’ll use it to catch anything that swims!

I’m leaning towards the baitcaster!

Plus my dad said he’d let me use his anytime I want

I love the quick fire thing but as a kid I always used spincsst so the bait caster will be easier to use for me

I use every type of lure there is literally only one I use least is topwater

Just because you used spincast reels doesn’t mean using a baitcaster will be easier. The Black Max won’t perform great with saltwater or big catfish. 

[ratherbfishin1]

3 hours ago, Slade Carroll said:

My dad has the shimano syncopate and I’ve used it and think it’s awesome I will use the bait caster for bass fishing primarily ocean fishing catfish carp fishing I’ll use it to catch anything that swims!

I’m leaning towards the baitcaster!

Plus my dad said he’d let me use his anytime I want

I love the quick fire thing but as a kid I always used spincsst so the bait caster will be easier to use for me

I use every type of lure there is literally only one I use least is topwater

Ouch... that hurts to hear

 

I realize your a kid but if you could mow a few lawns or do some chores or something I would highly recommend saving a little more and getting a shimano.  You have no idea how hard that was to say because I am a HUGE lews baitcaster fan and I might be wrong but I feel that shimano will hold up better to saltwater.

 

Not to give you a hard time but just because you can use a spincast doesn't mean a baitcast will be easy to learn.  A baitcaster is unique considering with a spincast you can go out all day without touching the line, never seen someone do that with a baitcaster.

 

With all that said if you are using it for mainly bass go baitcaster.  If you are going for mainly cats and saltwater fish no doubt spinning at that point... unless you want a round baitcaster but that isn't necessarily the best option for all lures.

And if you are doing a pretty large mixture of everything I would have to say a 2500 size spinning reel.

 

Good Luck and remember it's not about the gear it's about the fish you catch!

[TylerT123]

46 minutes ago, ratherbfishin1 said:

Ouch... that hurts to hear

2x, I almost hope he lives somewhere cold! 

[DaveT63]

Sounds to me like you are better served with the Black Max then.  But I'm not sure how either of them would hold up to salt water and ocean fishing.  Be sure to rinse them very well with fresh water after every use.

[LCG]

It's cheaper to buy quality items once. 

 

Get the best reel you can afford that suits your needs. The saltwater rating is going to require a quality reel with quality parts, which generally means more money. But it will last a lot longer.