Decision made! Which baitcaster?

[MUSLENUTZ]

Made the decision to go with my first bait caster. Putting it on an Avid X 7 MHF. Looking to spend $150-$200. Shimano, Dawai, Abu or Lew’s? 

[MrFrost]

In that price range, my only experience is with Dawai, but in that respect, in that price range I think all four brands offerings are probably very good.

[PAbasser927]

If I plan to throw light baits, I pair my rods with a Tatula SV.  If not, I save myself a considerable amount of money and go with a Fuego CT.  Both fantastic reels and can be had discounted on eBay. Even cheaper right now with a 15% discount using promo code “POPULAR”.  My brother just picked up a Fuego for less than $60 using the promo this morning.

[fishballer06]

Curado K. In my opinion (and probably quite a few others here), it's the best reel in that sub $200 price range.

[OnthePotomac]

Another Curado K fan here (2 now).  Absolutely beautiful reel in design and performance.  Mine are 8.5:1.  It a nice size being 10% smaller than the Curado I.

[TylerT123]

My only baitcaster is a Curado K, I like it. If you plan to throw heavy baits with it, you’ll absolutely love it.

[MUSLENUTZ]

I plan on using this for senkos, jigs, cranks, everything. So I want it versatile. 

[Hulkster]

another vote for the curado. I own the curado 200i, which was the generation prior to the K and love it, and by all accounts the K is even better. Which makes it a no brainer IMO

[Choporoz]

1 hour ago, MrFrost said:

In that price range, my only experience is with Dawai,

Do those come from the same factory as the Shishamo '47 bearing' reels?

[kschultz76]

For a beginner and for the control it offers I’d go Tatula SV in that price range. Get the bearings flushed and properly lubed, get the reel tuned, add a couple extra knob bearings and it’s a killer reel. 

 

Ive not used the Curado K, but it looks like a solid offering and I’m also happy with all the Shimanos in my stable including my Curado Is. The learning curve maybe a bit steeper but you’ll train your thumb faster. 

[MrFrost]

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

Do those come from the same factory as the Shishamo '47 bearing' reels?

I don't understand your post?

[Lasher]

Isn't the Avid X the spinning rod series?  If so I would want a spinning reel.

[Choporoz]

5 minutes ago, MrFrost said:

I don't understand your post?

 

[MUSLENUTZ]

Casting or spinning 

[TylerT123]

16 minutes ago, Lasher said:

Isn't the Avid X the spinning rod series?  If so I would want a spinning reel.

The Avid X is a spinning and casting series, he’s talking about the casting model.

[GReb]

Lews has some nice reels in that price range too. My only advice is to get as many in your hands as possible before buying. They all “fit” differently and everyone has their favorite feels. Go with a versatile gear ratio of 6.3 - 7.1

[MUSLENUTZ]

Curado DC, very cool

[Beetlebz]

My choice lately without fail has been the daiwa fuego ct, the tatula ct if you want a little more refinement. The SV model is great for unusual presentations that require extra braking. 

 

I personally feel that the learning curve is a little steeper with shimano SVS brakes but they're fine reels too. 

 

In the price range the AbuGarcia makes a fantastic reel, but imho you gotta spend a ton of money (over $150) to get a reel with serviceable brakes, but they're well built. Below that price point they all have pretty anemic magnetic brakes.

[FishTank]

After trying one out for the first, I am also going with the Curado K.  But if you are planning on going big and slow, I like the new Revo Winch.

[LonnieP]

Tatula CT or SV

[MUSLENUTZ]

Google curado dc, I never knew digital existed. Pretty wild. Coming soon. 

[AirborneNautilus]

Tatula CT can be had on ebay for $88 with a coupon code POPULAR right now. At that price, you can get a CT and a tatula SV TW for just slightly over your maximum budget

[OnthePotomac]

With regard to throwing Senkos, or Senko type worms, I have both of my K's on 7' MH Carbonlites with 15lb Invizx and use both for weightless worms and other plastics.

[MUSLENUTZ]

Decided to go with Mojo Bass MHF 7.1 with a Curado DC. I couldn’t feel too much of a difference between the avid x and felt the micro guided might be an issue. If I was going spinnning I would definitely get the avid x. Looking forward to the delivery. 

[r83srock]

I have a lot of avids and legends, my friend has avid x’s. I like my mojo 7’1mhf the best. It’s just the deal for me.