Buying a new bait cast reel- What do you look for?

[5/0]

People asking for recommendations and advice on new bait cast reel purchases on this forum are endless. I have been VERY guilty of this myself!

I got to thinking about this and thought maybe the questions should be framed differently. Rather than asking which Brand X, Model X vs. Brand Y, Model Y to buy, we should be asking something entirely different.

Namely, what do you look for in a bait cast reel? The price does not necessarily have to be a factor, not does the gear ratio, or even the application. I’m thinking stuff like: durability, how long will parts and service be available, ease of use, good drag, and good brake systems. Or anything else we should be looking for in a reel.

Look forward to your thoughts!

 

Joe

[Glaucus]

How it fits in my hand and inches per turn are my top priorities other than the price and quality aspect.

 

Drag doesn't matter too much. At 10lbs and more it's plenty. Capacity doesn't matter too much because almost nobody is going to spool a full spool unless you're trying to launch a heavy lure on 65lb braid with an SLX or something. Gear ratio doesn't matter too much as it's IPT that means something.

[Deleted account]

9 hours ago, Glaucus said:

How it fits in my hand and inches per turn are my top priorities

This ^. Fishing reels, as with most sporting goods these days are far superior than what the task requires.

 

[MN Fisher]

10 hours ago, Glaucus said:

How it fits in my hand and inches per turn are my top priorities

 

42 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

This ^. Fishing reels, as with most sporting goods these days are far superior than what the task requires.

 

I pretty much ignore the fit as I don't palm my reels, but the IPT is a deciding factor depending on what I'm going to use it for.

[J Francho]

I think about the purpose, IPT/gear ratio, and how it palms for me.  That's casting reels.  For spinning I only care about drag, weight, and IPT.  I prefer a fast reel since I fish deep clear water for smallies.

[fishwizzard]

Line capacity/spool weight and then ergonomics are what I am the most interested in, everything else is secondary.  

[JustJames]

Comfort > size line capacity > color scheme > braking system (centrifugal/magnet) > price and lastly brand (has to start with either S or D)

[MAN]

Mainly cost, appearance and braking system.  Bearings have never been a big deal to me and its just less that can fail if I have less. Gear Ratio isn't that important as I can turn the handle slightly faster or slower if needed.     

[dodgeguy]

1. How it feels palming it because it has to be a baitcaster.

2. Drag has to be carbon and smooth. 

3. Has to be an externally adjustable centrifugal brake. 

4. Has to cast far without a bomb cast

5 . Has to cast Ned rigs easily.

6. Gears have to be buttery smooth.

7.  Has to be a good value. 

8. Has to weigh very little and have an aluminum frame.

9. Has to say Lew's on the side.

[Fishes in trees]

I'm similar to the prior poster, except my bait casting reels have to say Shimano on the side.   I'm not going to throw Ned rigs with a bait caster.   I won't buy reels through the internet (or rods either) unless I'm replacing one I already know or just getting another one, so my local fishing story where I buy all my reels has to have it in stock.

 

It makes a difference what I'm going to use it for - reaction baits or "feel baits".  I'm pretty set on reaction bait reels with Calcutta 250 TEGTs.   I have a couple of Curado D's ( long out of production ) which had a wide spool and are great for throwing square bills and cranks.   This year I upgraded my spinner bait act with a Curado DC.   Primarily though, my bait casters have to say Shimano on the side.   I don't think you can go wrong with a mid-range & up Shimano bait caster.

[redmeansdistortion]

As long as it's stamped Made in Sweden on the side plate, shut up and take my money.

[new2BC4bass]

First it has to be something I can afford.  Never handled a reel before purchasing....yet.  Preferably something new and different (to me) although if it is a reel I like, I am not adverse to owning more than one.  I own multiples of several reels, i.e. OG Fuego, Alphas, Primmus, Pixy. Patriarch XT and Helios Air.  Lately I have looked for used reels in good condition that I couldn't afford if new...such as the Steez and Exsence DC.  I'd like to have a Bantam MGL, but used prices haven't come down far enough.

 

Obviously a reel needs to have some good reviews since I have to buy sight unseen.  Ergonomics has never bothered me although there have been a couple that I noticed felt good right away....a Concept A being the most notable.

[5/0]

Thank you all for the input!

[Fishaholic7lbs]

Aluminum frame is a must.. how bout handle size.. if I’m winding alot i like a bigger handle that’s comfortable.. also IPT.. I found out earlier in oife that its better to have the same reel across the board instead of a hodgepodge of reels 

[Shimano_1]

Aluminum frame first off. Ergonomics. Reputation of brand and their customer service.  Looks of the reel to an extent. If I were to break it down these would be my criteria.  Then again I love lews reels and most call them doyo junk. They've been excellent for me as have shimano and daiwa.  Chose mostly lews currently for the reasons above 

[HenryPF]

Micro-click tension knob - I am spoiled after I bought a reel with this.

 

I do not thumb my reels when casting - only to stop the bait.

[rtwvumtneer6]

Large handle with comfortable grips.  Does it feel solid, or cheap?

Any chatter, vibration or grinding when you turn the handle?

Weight - is it going to wear me out if I'm on it 8 hours straight?

I put them on a rod if I can... 

BIG one for me... If the side plate comes off that can be a deal breaker.

 

I tend to shy away from the "newest" model, as the test of time is tough for a reel that's only been on the market a few months.  

 

 

[MickD]

Since I'm unlikely to be able to cast a reel before purchasing I purchase by brand.  The Shimano and Daiwa baitcasters I've bought have all been good.  I lean a little more towards Daiwa because my recent Daiwas have been great reels at very good prices.  There is a brand that I used to buy, but it didn't last well.  That brand may be fine now, but with two brands of great reels, why try it again?

 

So I'm down to two brands and now I look for the features/specs that fit my needs.  Like weight, size, drag capacity, and line capacity.