BPS Johnny Morris Signature baitcaster

[plawren53202]

Wanting to hear from anyone who has experience with the BPS Johnny Morris Signature baitcaster (not the Platinum signature reel). I recently got the JM Signature spinning reel and have been really impressed by it. That's making me want to give the JM Signature baitcaster a try as well. 

[Jaderose]

I have one that has served as my frogging reel for a few years.  I like the reel but have never been in love with it.  Nothing I can really put my finger on but it's just has never felt a like an extension of my hand like the old school PQ's do.  Not to mention I have had some casting distance issues with it.  I'm going to tear it down this winter, give a deep cleaning and possibly update the bearings.  Is is a nice real?  Yes.  Would I tell you to buy one?  Yes...with reservations.  Go to the store.....mount it on an appropriate rod and just see how it feels to you.  If it feels good in your hand, go for it.

[scaleface]

I have one in the 5 to 1 gear ratio . Its my crankbait reel . I have no complaints on it . Real smooth , cast great .

[plawren53202]

Thanks guys for the input. I decided to go ahead and buy one. I won't be able to fish it until a club tournament Sunday, so I'll have a better review at that point, but at first glance out of the box, the JM Signature has the look and feel of a really high end product. It has that tightness, smoothness, and lack of any rattle or grind that higher end reels have. 

[plawren53202]

On ‎10‎/‎23‎/‎2020 at 3:34 PM, plawren53202 said:

Thanks guys for the input. I decided to go ahead and buy one. I won't be able to fish it until a club tournament Sunday, so I'll have a better review at that point, but at first glance out of the box, the JM Signature has the look and feel of a really high end product. It has that tightness, smoothness, and lack of any rattle or grind that higher end reels have. 

Follow up...still haven't "fished" it, but with the tournament tomorrow, today I took it down to our subdivision pond to make sure I had the brakes etc. dialed in. Have to say so far I am extremely impressed with this reel. With the dual centrifugal/magnetic brakes it was extremely quick to get it dialed in. It casts at least as far as any other reel I own (my good ones are in the neighborhood of the Lew's Tournament MP), and I purposely put it on one of my middle of the road rods to test casting distance (so that it wasn't benefitted from a great casting rod).

 

In fact the JM Signature compares very favorably to the MP (and heck, for all I know it's made in the same factory as the MP)...although I really like having aluminum frame and sideplates (rather than aluminum frame/graphite sideplates), I know it adds a bit of weight but it just feels "quality" to me. The retrieve is super smooth, there's absolutely no gear noise or grind. Can't wait to try this out in action tomorrow, but so far I'm counting this purchase as a real success.

[lynxcat]

I have an old Signature that is a backup up but treated me very well. The Platinum is my everyday combo now...I have two and am considering a third. 
 

Around Black Friday, BPS typically takes $60-70 off the combo so it makes it around $250. Amazing deal at that price point. 

[lynxcat]

I wish that BPS would make an even higher end option with its Patriot rod. I’m a big fan of the value the BPS rods and reels provide. If the Patriot is discounted for BF then I’ll probably give it a try and then top it with a Daiwa CT

[zell_pop1]

I would like to see the Patriot rod with more options,  like say full grips. Who makes them...St Croix?

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, zell_pop1 said:

I would like to see the Patriot rod with more options,  like say full grips. Who makes them...St Croix?

According to this thread - Temple Fork Outfitters

 

[MAN]

I have been wanting to give this reel a try. I have fished the platinum and it was a great reel.  If you compare this reel to the H20 Tac-40 reel they have the same specs except for the japanese sealed bearings. The Tac is $99. 

  

[Blaine Donders]

If the Signature is as good as the Platinum, Carbon Lite 2.0, or Pro Qualifier, it will be money. 
 

And the Signature spinning reel rocks.

[Shimano_1]

Handled those h2o reels in the store and honestly was not impressed at all. The signatures are wonderful reels tho I own one and my old man has used a cple for a while! The platinum reels are fantastic as well. Waiting on sales to snag another for myself 

[plawren53202]

4 hours ago, Blaine Donders said:

If the Signature is as good as the Platinum, Carbon Lite 2.0, or Pro Qualifier, it will be money. 
 

And the Signature spinning reel rocks.

Couldn't agree more. I am still surprised at how much I like my Signature spinning reel. It just has all the look and feel of a really high end reel. 

 

And so far I'm feeling the same about the Signature baitcaster. Fished it in a tournament this weekend and it performed perfectly. Casts great, super smooth, and ergonomically fits really well in the hand. Plus, I know the aluminum sideplates add a little weight but I love the way they look and feel, just looks higher end.

 

My experience with these Signature reels has made me really curious to try out other BPS reels, especially the Carbonlite.

[Blaine Donders]

3 minutes ago, plawren53202 said:

Couldn't agree more. I am still surprised at how much I like my Signature spinning reel. It just has all the look and feel of a really high end reel. 

 

And so far I'm feeling the same about the Signature baitcaster. Fished it in a tournament this weekend and it performed perfectly. Casts great, super smooth, and ergonomically fits really well in the hand. Plus, I know the aluminum sideplates add a little weight but I love the way they look and feel, just looks higher end.

 

My experience with these Signature reels has made me really curious to try out other BPS reels, especially the Carbonlite.

I have the Platinum and a couple Pro Qualifiers as well as 2 of the Signature spinning reels. My brother has a few of the Carbon Lites. They are greatly underrated for sure. 

[zell_pop1]

Is not the signature spinning a Daiwa B&G with Johnny's name? Regardless the JM reels are pretty good , they are especially a good deal when on they are on sale.