Great Baitcasters 140 Max in case the Lews KVD is not available on Black Friday

[Cgolf]

45 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

For the most part I’m analytical by nature, but something about “signature” reels just turns me off right out of the gate. I summarily dismiss them. Not saying that’s right, it’s just a personal thing for me. Any of the name brand reels at a $140 retail price point will be quality. Your choice will come down to personal preference and current deals. 

Any thoughts on Quantum in general, or the icon specifically? Kinda surprised by the love Quantum is getting, was totally unexpected. I know my 2004 reels are awesome, hadn’t thought they were still a player anymore. Just getting as many opinions as possible lol. 

[CFDoc]

29 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Tom,

 

Many USDM Shimanos and Daiwas are built in the industrial powerhouse nations of Thailand and Malayasia, but even Daiwa subs out four models to Doyo in that backwater called Korea.? It's true that I'd be reluctant to buy a reel from the Chairman Mao Reel Company, but known brand names put out pretty good stuff today for the most part past a certain price point regardless of where it's built. I've put my money where my mouth is, and coming out of the aerospace industry I know a thing or two about a thing or two. It's not the bad old days anymore.

This cannot be said enough.

 

The pretentiousness towards mid ranged Shimano/Daiwa is almost always based on false narratives that just will not die.

[PhishLI]

32 minutes ago, WRB said:

We built the Koren and Chinese mfg capability. It started Tosiba followed by our aerospace insustry. Counterfeiting parts became a major issue and remains to this day. The problem is certifying materials. I only spend my entire 50 year career in aerospace as a engineer.

You are Doyo's QA.

Tom

Tom,

 

 With all due respect, sincerely, we're talking about fishing reels, not screw jacks or landing gear. Pre the current situation Lew's is well known for rock solid customer service in most cases. Quantum has a great warranty if you register the product. If I'd found build issues with anything I've bought up to this point I'd broadcast it.

 

I haven't gotten a dud yet with either. I'll tell you this, my Curado K had major issues with little use, and Shimano rattled off a list of things to be fixed over the phone before I sent it in, so they were aware of it beforehand. My Tat SV's gears turned too poo even with having been greased several times. Below Shimano core solid Bantams and Metaniums, or Daiwa Steez variants, there's not a massive gulf in quality where affordable reels are concerned. There may be some ways to go in some cases, but it's not the junk you may think it is, especially over a certain price point. BTW, Quantum is Banax, not Doyo. Yes, I have a Banax tatoo.

[Cgolf]

Current argument aside, what I find interesting is that probably 99 percent of the angling community would call you a liar if say Abu and Lews were made in the same factory. With the whole global economy thing nowadays they ultimately probably wouldn’t be surprised. 
 

in a way it reminds me of the difference between Chevy, GMC, and even Pontiac. Difference was we knew they came out of the same factories and the firebird just had different features and slightly different bodies than the camaro. Heck Toyota and Pontiac teamed up on the Vibe/Matrix. The difference was that this is known. With the reels all we know is the brand on the side without this site I wouldn’t know Quantum is made out of a different factory. 
 

what would be a cool pinned thread is what reels are made where. I think many would find that useful. I would be very careful buying a Doyo reel based on my Abu experience. Would also like to know where my Pfluegar spinning reels were built because the build quality was lacking, looked like they forgot to grease one of the reels. 

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, cgolf said:

The other thing holding me back on the icon is the 6:3:1 gear ratio, but the Accurists aren’t a lot higher. The crush is my fastest reel I think, others are in that 6:3:1 range. That said I am not a speed demon by any means, but the new reel is likely for my spinnerbait/swim jig rod, so extra speed would be good. 

That’s where I saw them. After the Dobyn’s rod wait earlier this year, I’m not sure how I would feel ordering from them again. 

Best price I could find right now for the 7.0:1 Icon is $65 on ebay.  I personally like faster reels, but couldn't pass up $40 for a $120 reel.  Especially after reading PhishLI's comments on the reels from personal experience.

 

I have bought all my reels without first handling them.  However, I am not picky about how they feel in hand.  I seem to adapt to them with no problem....from the small Pixy to older Trion or OG Tatulas.

[CFDoc]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

I would be very careful buying a Doyo reel based on my Abu experience. 

You should be careful regardless. All of the OEMs have had their duds.

 

They’ve all also had their share of big time winners.

 

The fact remains, $150 puts you in one of the widest groups of reel offerings where you’re getting about the same performance from everybody. 

[Cgolf]

6 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Best price I could find right now for the 7.0:1 Icon is $65 on ebay.  I personally like faster reels, but couldn't pass up $40 for a $120 reel.  Especially after reading PhishLI's comments on the reels from personal experience.

 

I have bought all my reels without first handling them.  However, I am not picky about how they feel in hand.  I seem to adapt to them with no problem....from the small Pixy to older Trion or OG Tatulas.

This will tell you how much I pay attention to gear ratio, is the Abu on my spinnerbait rod already had a 7:1:1 reel on it. I generally see how the bait is coming back in the water and adjust my retrieve from their lol. At least I had the right reel paired with the right technique.

 

I will say I did like the 7:5:1 crush on my jerkbait rod, let me pick up line quickly on a take.

[Hook2Jaw]

I'm a Daiwa fan, but I will say don't buy the Tatula 100 based on the two I own.  The heavy spool of that reel performs much better with baits heavier than half an ounce.  I like my 150, but I tuned it a tad before it truly pleased me.  I also throw heavy crankbaits on it.  My 100s backlash and backlash, again and again.

 

My Daiwa Tatula 100 owes me a Jackall Rerange 110 in Hasu.  Garbage reel. 

 

Daiwa Fuego CTs and Tatula CTs are where my money heads for Daiwa reels around that price point.

[Cgolf]

For now going with the icon for sure. Depending on how much tackle I get I could still add a fuego CT, or Accurist. Thanks all, this has been a learning experience. Choosing a reel is definitely not as easy as I thought it would be. 

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, cgolf said:

For now going with the icon for sure. Depending on how much tackle I get I could still add a fuego CT, or Accurist. Thanks all, this has been a learning experience. Choosing a reel is definitely not as easy as I thought it would be. 

Reel or rod it doesn't matter.  There are a lot of good options today.  Deciding on one is tough.  Heck...narrowing the selection down to 3 can be tough. 

[WRB]

I never said made by Doyo is junk, I said it could be made of counterfeit parts and unknown materials. We have signaled that long term performance or resale value isn't a priority in America, use it and toss it. Inventory of spare parts isn't needed and quality inspection isn't required. Sears had that business model and where are they today.

With Daiwa and Shimano reels parts and customer service is locally availble.

Peace,

Tom

[CFDoc]

53 minutes ago, WRB said:

I never said made by Doyo is junk, I said it could be made of counterfeit parts and unknown materials...

 

With Daiwa and Shimano reels parts and customer service is locally availble.

 

What about the Daiwas/Shimanos made by Doyo et al.? lol 

 

 

 

[NYWayfarer]

14 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I couldn't quite make myself pay that much for a Lew's, but love the looks of that reel. 

Got mine for $234 on a price match from DSG. Lowest price I ever found and I couldn’t pass it up. I have no regrets.  Handles the occasional surprise 9 pound catfish like a dream.

 

http://

[Bassin_Harrison]

Just a heads up: 

 

I felt the new KVD rods up at Kittery Trading Post in Maine and man they felt soooooo cheap. Like a <$50 rod. I know you're talking about the reel, but if they put as much quality into the reel as the rod, I don't expect it to be very good. 

 

And I'm not one of those Lew's bashers, I love em and have had nothing but great experiences with their products/customer service. But that rod felt awful. 

[Lmsmbassaddict]

I would get an slx over almost any lew's but that's just me. If you get the SS LFS make sure your getting the one with the p2 super pinion. That to me made lews products all around better.

 

I'm not a Shimano fan boy, or any fan boy for that matter. What I am is a shmuck for quality products. But, it has to be reasonably priced. I'm no steez hater, believe that but it's just not practical for me personally. I buy my stuff to use. And that's where it counts. 

 

Shimano: Slx (reg. XT, DC) curado

 

daiwa: (Fuego, tatula)

 

lew's: kvd (admittedly I find kvd gear to be pretty good unlike other pro models) SSLFS tournament mp, tournament slp. I personally would pick the tournament mp. 

 

When choosing lews I think it's imperative to make sure you are getting the new stock and an easy way to tell is most have the p2 pinion. Correct me if I'm Wrong, I'm not really into lews but have used and actually like the ones listed but not as much as I love my curado k or type r ct (which I thoroughly love) 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

On 11/2/2020 at 12:26 AM, cgolf said:

Any thoughts on Quantum in general, or the icon specifically? Kinda surprised by the love Quantum is getting, was totally unexpected. I know my 2004 reels are awesome, hadn’t thought they were still a player anymore. Just getting as many opinions as possible lol. 

Quantum’s lower end entry level reels are use and discard. Their higher end reels are not bad. The mid level $140ish reels are ok but imo not on par with Shimano and Daiwa offerings. 

[Cgolf]

4 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Quantum’s lower end entry level reels are use and discard. Their higher end reels are not bad. The mid level $140ish reels are ok but imo not on par with Shimano and Daiwa offerings. 

 

My old accurists, I have always wondered if there was anything I could do to increase the casting distance etc. I ended the thought figuring the casting controls were setup for what it is currently doing and any upgrades would outpace the old braking system. The reels have just been so solid it almost pains me at this point knowing they won't be in the boat next vacation. I may be a bit sentimental but it always feels weird replacing solid gear. I just need more casting distance for a lot of presentations and that is where they are limited.

 

The icon for 40 bucks figured it was worth a shot. I can always take an old accurist as a backup reel.

[Blaine Donders]

22 minutes ago, cgolf said:

 

My old accurists, I have always wondered if there was anything I could do to increase the casting distance etc. I ended the thought figuring the casting controls were setup for what it is currently doing and any upgrades would outpace the old braking system. The reels have just been so solid it almost pains me at this point knowing they won't be in the boat next vacation. I may be a bit sentimental but it always feels weird replacing solid gear. I just need more casting distance for a lot of presentations and that is where they are limited.

 

The icon for 40 bucks figured it was worth a shot. I can always take an old accurist as a backup reel.

I use a PT Accurist S3 nearly every time  I go out. Very good casting reel. It can flat bomb baits. The Icon and Energy are the same. The Accurist paint job just feels nicer. You will enjoy them all. The only reels I use all the time that outcasts them are my Daiwa CT and Smokes.

[huZZah]

I really like my shimano slx 150.  I use it on a 7’ mh fast with 12lb mono for spinner baits/buzzbaits and it’s fantastic.
 

Got it on sale at academy if I remember correctly. 
 

My favorite reel by far. It’s just so smooth to cast. 

[PhishLI]

6 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

SLX setup the same way the SLX was way smoother.

They start out that way, but it fades rather quickly. That's based on the 3 within my circle.  Our Fuegos are actually quite a bit smoother after way more fish. Go figure. They're still totally fishable of course, but it irked my brother because of the extra maintenance he puts into his reels over a season.