Need help on deciding between two baitcaster reels

[NavyVet1204]

Good afternoon y’all,

 

I’ll start by saying that my experience with baitcasters is nearly non existent. This will be my first bait caster and rod setup that I need opinions on as well as what weight of braid for my type of fishing. My overall budget is $275 for both rod and reel.

 

Im torn between the Abu Garcia Revo SX and the Lews tournament SPL. The reels are about $30 in difference in price $159 and $179 respectively. I come from a long line of Abu Garcia ownership as far back as my great grand dad 50 years ago and I know they are great, but they are being made in China now more so than before. The Lews I have no experience with what so ever and it comes as a recommendation(s).

 

The primary purpose for this rod and reel set up is for bass fishing with worms and bullet weights 1/4-1/2 oz. Maybe an attempt at top water frog type lures here and there. What weight of braid would you reccomend? I’m thinking of 30lb? 
 

Thanks and sorry for the wall of text!
 

 

[anderb54]

If your budget for both rod and reel is $200, I've heard plenty of good things about the Shimano SLX combo. You'll want to have more than $40 left after a reel purchase to put into a rod, especially since it sounds like you'll be using it for a technique that is more enjoyable with a more sensitive rod. If you're not into the combo route, there's plenty of ~$100 rods on the market that get great reviews, and you could pair it with a SLX, Revo X, Fuego CT or something similar. 

[DomQ]

Go for the Abu if that's what your comfortable with man, plus the SX looks sweet! 

[NavyVet1204]

10 minutes ago, anderb54 said:

If your budget for both rod and reel is $200, I've heard plenty of good things about the Shimano SLX combo. You'll want to have more than $40 left after a reel purchase to put into a rod, especially since it sounds like you'll be using it for a technique that is more enjoyable with a more sensitive rod. If you're not into the combo route, there's plenty of ~$100 rods on the market that get great reviews, and you could pair it with a SLX, Revo X, Fuego CT or something similar. 

My apologies for the budget, I meant to say $275 not $200. Even though I do prefer using worms with weights, I will of course be using various other types of lures, but nothing that will stretch outside of the line weight and type of rod I want. Medium heavy, 7’, fast action. 
I have been reading up on those Shimanos you mentioned and they seem pretty exceptional. I’m not so much into the combo set up as I’m particular about rods and reels being better suited/paired separately for better tuning. Thanks a lot friend!

Just now, DomQ said:

Go for the Abu if that's what your comfortable with man, plus the SX looks sweet! 

Yes it does my friend. I’m trying to not let the look of it get to me though as I’m shooting for application lol

[Big Hands]

I have never used either of the reels in question, but just wanted to comment on your apology for the "wall of text". 

 

If you don't give any details and context, you should not expect a well considered response in return. If someone does't have the time to read a few sentences, how much thought do you think they'll put into answering your question?

 

For line weight, I think I would suggest that you contact some local tackle shops and ask them what's working in your area. I have learned by fishing in different areas of the country that what line size is king in one area might be completely inappropriate in another.

 

You have a Bass Pro Shops store near you. I would take the drive over there. A friend of mine in Texas got a smoking deal on a BPS CarbonLite 2.0 rod and a Garcia Revo SX for $159:

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/Abu-Garcia-Revo-SXBass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-20-Baitcast-Rod-and-Reel-Combo

[NavyVet1204]

1 hour ago, Big Hands said:

I have never used either of the reels in question, but just wanted to comment on your apology for the "wall of text". 

 

If you don't give any details and context, you should not expect a well considered response in return. If someone does't have the time to read a few sentences, how much thought do you think they'll put into answering your question?

 

For line weight, I think I would suggest that you contact some local tackle shops and ask them what's working in your area. I have learned by fishing in different areas of the country that what line size is king in one area might be completely inappropriate in another.

 

You have a Bass Pro Shops store near you. I would take the drive over there. A friend of mine in Texas got a smoking deal on a BPS CarbonLite 2.0 rod and a Garcia Revo SX for $159:

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/Abu-Garcia-Revo-SXBass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-20-Baitcast-Rod-and-Reel-Combo

That’s a smash up deal right there!! I don’t know how I missed as much as I have been on bass pros website the last few days...wow and it’s in stock too! 

[Big Hands]

3 minutes ago, NavyVet1204 said:

That’s a smash up deal right there!! I don’t know how I missed as much as I have been on bass pros website the last few days...wow and it’s in stock too! 

They may have just recently put it up there. When he got it last month it wasn't up there. It was an in-store only deal and I was about to post it as such here and just went to the site to make sure.

[NavyVet1204]

Texas rig! That’s the term for my favorite type of lure set up. My dad And I are huge fans of Carolina rigs for cat fishing. 

[Grim_Reaver]

For braid, I would suggest 40lb over 30, especially if you plan on using frogs. You won't lose much casting distance and it will handle the shock of hard hooksets better (if you're a slack liner).

[NavyVet1204]

1 minute ago, Big Hands said:

They may have just recently put it up there. When he got it last month it wasn't up there. It was an in-store only deal and I was about to post it as such here and just went to the site to make sure.

What are the chances that Rod is a good fit for that reel I wonder? I’m gonna have to check it out one day next week. We got bad weather coming through this way tonight and tomorrow so I’ll have to wait.

2 minutes ago, Grim_Reaver said:

For braid, I would suggest 40lb over 30, especially if you plan on using frogs. You won't lose much casting distance and it will handle the shock of hard hooksets better (if you're a slack liner).

40lb was suggested by a friend for the exact same reason. I was also told that 30 should be the minimum.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Lews and Abu reels are built in the same factories on the same platform. Check the features and price for apples to apples comparison and the best deal. 

[Grim_Reaver]

2 minutes ago, NavyVet1204 said:

30 should be the minimum

I'd say that's about right for baitcasters. Anything below that tends to dig into the spool bad with some braids. It hurts when you're on a hot bite and you go to cast and see your lure go flying without being attached to the line, only to look down and see your line dug into itself on the spool.

[NavyVet1204]

I think I will start with 40 then. Any particular brand you recommend? I only have experience with spider wire and not much experience to boot.

[Ogandrews]

If it was between those two I would get the lews but personally I wouldn’t buy either. The curado k is $179 and blows both out of the water. If you don’t want to spend that much on a reel than the slx xt $130 or the regular slx $99 are both awesome reels and still better than the two your looking at imo. Another great option is tackle warehouse has a sale on the curado 70 right now, I think it’s around 140-150. The curado is smoother and will last longer but they all are great. For braid I would recommend power pro maxcuatro in 40lbs. It is much thinner than regular braid so it is the same diameter or smaller than regular 30. It casts better than any braid I have ever used and cuts through weeds super well, rarely backlashes. It is around $30 a spool so it’s not cheap, if you want something cheaper go with suffix 832 it’s great line just thicker than the other. I’m not sure if you have a rod picked out but my top options in your price range would be the shimano slx/st croix bass x $100, st croix mojo Bass $130-140, and the dobyns Sierra $170. All are pretty much the best you will get for the money

[NavyVet1204]

28 minutes ago, Ogandrews said:

If it was between those two I would get the lews but personally I wouldn’t buy either. The curado k is $179 and blows both out of the water. If you don’t want to spend that much on a reel than the slx xt $130 or the regular slx $99 are both awesome reels and still better than the two your looking at imo. Another great option is tackle warehouse has a sale on the curado 70 right now, I think it’s around 140-150. The curado is smoother and will last longer but they all are great. For braid I would recommend power pro maxcuatro in 40lbs. It is much thinner than regular braid so it is the same diameter or smaller than regular 30. It casts better than any braid I have ever used and cuts through weeds super well, rarely backlashes. It is around $30 a spool so it’s not cheap, if you want something cheaper go with suffix 832 it’s great line just thicker than the other. I’m not sure if you have a rod picked out but my top options in your price range would be the shimano slx/st croix bass x $100, st croix mojo Bass $130-140, and the dobyns Sierra $170. All are pretty much the best you will get for the money

Thanks for the info friend! I can’t confidently say I like a rod before I have it in hand to see how it feels and handles, but I will definitely keep what you said in mind.I have scoured YouTube for days on “best braid” and so forth and of course every video is the same different opinion lol. I was actually just looking at power pro and sufix brand braid in the 40lb weight and my local bass pro has them on sale right now. 
 

There’s so many different “designators” in types of braid and it’s so confusing such as “ kowabunga double, super sport max, power sling ultra, turbo tax wax” etc. Obviously I made those up, but that’s what all the names seem like lol I’ll  grab up some of what you suggested with the maxcuatro and go from there and see how it works.

[Armtx77]

23 minutes ago, Ogandrews said:

If it was between those two I would get the lews but personally I wouldn’t buy either. The curado k is $179 and blows both out of the water. If you don’t want to spend that much on a reel than the slx xt $130 or the regular slx $99 are both awesome reels and still better than the two your looking at imo. Another great option is tackle warehouse has a sale on the curado 70 right now, I think it’s around 140-150. The curado is smoother and will last longer but they all are great. For braid I would recommend power pro maxcuatro in 40lbs. It is much thinner than regular braid so it is the same diameter or smaller than regular 30. It casts better than any braid I have ever used and cuts through weeds super well, rarely backlashes. It is around $30 a spool so it’s not cheap, if you want something cheaper go with suffix 832 it’s great line just thicker than the other. I’m not sure if you have a rod picked out but my top options in your price range would be the shimano slx/st croix bass x $100, st croix mojo Bass $130-140, and the dobyns Sierra $170. All are pretty much the best you will get for the money

Just bought my 2nd Curado K 201HG....so sweet!

 

I have one on a Falcon LowRider MF/ALL PURPOSE/MH and it is exactly that for me in a lot of respects.

 

I'm looking at a custom made rod in the 6'3" range for bank fishing, to mount the 2nd one.

[NavyVet1204]

9 minutes ago, Armtx77 said:

Just bought my 2nd Curado K 201HG....so sweet!

 

I have one on a Falcon LowRider MF/ALL PURPOSE/MH and it is exactly that for me in a lot of respects.

 

I'm looking at a custom made rod in the 6'3" range for bank fishing, to mount the 2nd one.

That sounds like a good deal you are about to get. I love bank fishing especially in tight quarters with brush. My wife is deadly accurate with her rod and reel too.

[PhishLI]

NV1204,

 

Just throwing this out there. No reel at the $200 price point blows any of the others at the same price point out of the water. You won't experience a revelation choosing one over the other.  If you tried them all you most certainly would rank them and end up with a preference. $400 reels don't blow $200 reels out of the water either. There are subtle differences, and those differences have value, but do not translate into anything earth shaking during a day of fishing. Companies across the board put out a pretty solid product in the $200 zone these days. Choose what you want.

[Grim_Reaver]

Can't go wrong with original power pro. I've tried spiderwire, suffix 832, and Daiwa J braid in various sizes. Needless to say, I'm back to original PP and will be trying Maxcuatro in the near future. 

 

Also, since @Ogandrews put in his plug for the Curado K, I'm gonna suggest you also look at the Daiwa Tatula 100 too. Similar size, lighter, and almost backlash proof. I bet it also casts lighter lures better than the K.

[FishTank]

The Abu and Lew's reels mentioned are in a way to similar to compare.  

 

I would suggest again the idea of the Shimano SLX combo.  

[PhishLI]

1 minute ago, FishTank said:

I would suggest again the idea of the Shimano SLX combo

X2

[new2BC4bass]

I've mentioned it before...buy the reel that interests you the most.  Not used either so I can't express an opinion on them.  Own other (older) models from both companies and have been satisfied with them.

 

I am just going to throw out some rod suggestions.  Again...no personal experience with these particular models.  TW has the Ark Viper on sale for $60...a $100 rod.  The Aird X is highly regarded ($55).  Tatula XT.  Abu Vendetta or Veritas.  Fury.  Bucoo SR.  HMG.  iRod Fiber.  Lew's TP-1.  Reviews of the TP-1 Black say it is even better ($30 more).  Okuma EVX.  Okuma Helios mini guide is on sale at TW for $100...List $185.  Curado or SLX.

 

I only own 2 of those models.  I have several HMGs and I like them.  I bought an Okuma Helios 7' M that I liked well enough to go buy a second.  Unfortunately this was a few years ago and I paid more than the $100 TW is currently asking.  TackleTour gave the Helios a 'GREAT' rating.  http://tackletour.com/reviewokumaheliosrod.html

 

There are also reviews of the Helios on this site.

 

Good luck with your search.  There are plenty of good options in your price range.  If you would like a more expensive rod, consider something like the Fuego CT, SLX, Lew's Speed Spool LFS or look into the used reel market.  That would open up another whole list of rods. 

[WRB]

Do you plan to primarily frog fish?

I don't know why everyone is so high on braid, it's horrible line to learn to cast a bait casting reel with. If you mostly plan on T- & C-rigs with soft plastics my suggestion is start with 12 lb Berkley Big Game mono. BG casts very good and has thecrightvlrice point to allow changing line often.

As noted by DVT the 2 reels you are looking are indenticle by the same mfr.

Tom

PS, the rod in the BPS deal is a medium power not well suited for T-rigs. I would consider looking a MH fast action rod.

[NJBasstard]

I know it's not on your list but I'd rather get a Curado or Tatula over both of those reels. The Tatula 100 & 150's are on sale at Sportsman Outfitters for $110 which would leave a good budget for whatever rod or just pair it with a Tatula rod from there and have a killer combo for less than your budget.

[Shimano_1]

Like always everyone is going to steer you towards daiwa or shimano.  Personally of the 2 you listed I prefer the lews. They may be built in the same factory but I've always preferred lews in any price point to the revos. My fishing partner uses all revos tho and seems to love them. I'd get whichever reel "you" like and contrary to popular belief those doyo reels will actually catch fish too. Daiwa and shimano make fine reels no doubt, as does lews, Garcia,  okuma and dare I say quantum.