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Posted

Looking for a nice set of reels - believe in having a matched set - need recommendations.

 

For years, I was using Quantum PT reels - I lost a few at the lake and also broke one and then the search begain about 3 years ago to find replacement set.   Of course, I tried Quantum Smoke - they are great, just a bit disappointed in the feel of the thumb trigger - feels cheap with a line in the plastic casting.  The spinning reels just didn't have same quality of the older PTs.  So, I tried Diawa last year - and frankly the spinning reels Feugo - lots of line twist and tangles - not sure - maybe its me.  But, not a fan of handles.  End of this year I bought just two Lews reels - one Custom Speed Spin Spinning reel S200 and a Custom Speed Spool Casting reel CG1H.  I love the feel of the baitcaster, but the spinning reel is very heavy feeling.  

 

So, help me choose....tell me why you use the brand you do now and what has good product in the 200 dollar price range for the reel.  I don't really want to spend more - with 14 rigs usually in my setup it gets expensive quick.

 

Rods - I am on a similar search - but narrowing that down to St. Croix Premier.  But, I have to say the Lews Speed Stick LITE is impressive for the price point.

 

My goal ultimately is to have a set of rods and reels with a similar feel and function - I am a firm believer when I was at the top of my game - I had a matched set and it matters!   The last 3 years have been tough fishing for me and although I know its me more than the equipment; I want to rule that out.  Going from being a State Qualifier to one of the worst locally is humbling.  I know time on the water will make more difference than rods/reels - but want to get back to that confidence I had with Quantum Reels and Falcom rods (sure wish they still sold the old style Cara rods!).

 

Any suggestions and let me know what you use woudl help - I don't want a Ford Chevy thing - but honest feedback on my current choice Lews and something other to consider.

 

 

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  • Super User
Posted

Well, Shimano has a well earned reputation for quality and dependability: Strong,

silent and reliant. Specifically, Stradic CI4+ spinning; Curado K baitcasting are both

great starting points.  If you have a bigger budget, I have some other suggestions 

in the Shimano line-up.

 

For production rods my preference is G. Loomis.

 

Preach Amy Poehler GIF by Sisters

  • Like 2
Posted

Love G Loomis - but the price tag is crazy for the models I prefer.  Maybe I need to step it up seeing that the boat is 2-3x more than when I first started in the 90s.   

 

Shimano - actually never bought one - not sure why - I had a friend who used nothing but Shimano Curado.  I will review them - do you like the new STX Shimano?  Or just the Curado?

Posted

I used to fish Powell Rods and Quantum PT Tour and KVD Tour reels but more recently have been adding ALX Rods to my rod arsenal.

 

I find them light, crisp and ultra-sensitive. The added bonus is that if you cannot find the exact rod in the line-up you like for a specific application Alex can create a custom rod for you.

 

Due to the fact that I have a big investment in the older Quantum PT and KVD reels and I could not find anything newer with the same feel I decided to send my reels in for professional service and bearing upgrades and that has given my older reels a new lease on life.

 

I love the consistent feeling of the thumb bar on the PT Tour and KVD Tour. The only down side of using these older reels are that parts are becoming increasingly difficult to come by.

  • Super User
Posted
13 hours ago, Fastie said:

Love G Loomis - but the price tag is crazy for the models I prefer.  Maybe I need to step it up seeing that the boat is 2-3x more than when I first started in the 90s.   

 

Shimano - actually never bought one - not sure why - I had a friend who used nothing but Shimano Curado.  I will review them - do you like the new STX Shimano?  Or just the Curado?

 

I am not familiar with the STX. I own Core, Aldebaran, Curado, Conquest

and Calcutta CTE.

  • Super User
Posted

I have the Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin which is very much like the model you have. Both are aluminum framed spinning reels. The aluminum makes the reel rock solid but I agree with you a bit on the heavy side. 
 

Due to the weight I have been using the Lew’s Speed Spin series SS20HS more and more. The custom pro is a great spinning reel but there is something about the $59.99 speed spin that I love.
 

As far as rods go my favorites have been my St Croix Triumph and Premier spinning rods and my Lew’s TP1 Black casting rods.

Posted

Opinions are gonna be all over the map. Everyone makes decent to great gear. You're gonna have to find what works best for you.  I am currently running several lews including a spinning reel that was 60 bucks and have been quite satisfied.  Daiwa,  shimano and quantum all make solid gear if your buying aluminum frames and spending around 100 bucks on a reel. I personally think the days of reels lasting 20 years is over. Buy what feels best to you or best bang for your buck

Posted

My main manufacturers for reels are Shimano for spinning and Daiwa for baitcasting primarily. I also have a smattering of Abu Garcia, Okuma, Quantum, and Lew's depending on the application.

 

As for rods, by sheer numbers if you include my ice fishing gear, I heavily favor St. Croix. If you count all fishing gear, it would be Sage due to my fly rods.

  • Super User
Posted

I have tried reels from Shimano, Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Quantum and Lew's and so far Shimano has been the best for me, followed by Daiwa.  Now that doesn't mean the other brands are not making good reels, it's just Shimano and Daiwa seem to be ahead of the game in their respected head to head reels. 

 

If you are on a budget, the Shimano SLX is great bargain but for a workhorse, the Curado K would be my choice.   

  • Like 1
  • Super User
Posted
On 11/7/2020 at 8:16 PM, Fastie said:

Love G Loomis - but the price tag is crazy for the models I prefer.  Maybe I need to step it up seeing that the boat is 2-3x more than when I first started in the 90s.   

 

Shimano - actually never bought one - not sure why - I had a friend who used nothing but Shimano Curado.  I will review them - do you like the new STX Shimano?  Or just the Curado?

 I believe it is a typing error.  SLX is a Shimano reel.  STX is an Abu reel.  But I knew what you meant.  Can't help, tho, as I've never handled an SLX.  They do get positive comments for their price range.

Posted

Older Japanese made Shimano bait casters With 6 pin centrifugal braking system is all I use. Just set em and forget em. Been fishing Shimano’s for 40 yrs and I’m also a reel tech and hardly ever get Shimano’s with issues. Mostly just tear down,clean and lube and their good to go. They’ve just always work for me. 

Posted

 

I just picked up a Lew's tournament pro and I plan on pairing that with a medium speed stick lite or a mojo bass but I'm not sure yet. This setup would be mainly for my topwater and moving baits but whatever the outcome will be I'm sure I'll be happy with it. Just use what you have confidence in good luck!

Posted
23 hours ago, shackman said:

Older Japanese made Shimano bait casters With 6 pin centrifugal braking system is all I use. Just set em and forget em. Been fishing Shimano’s for 40 yrs and I’m also a reel tech and hardly ever get Shimano’s with issues. Mostly just tear down,clean and lube and their good to go. They’ve just always work for me. 

I agree. I hardly ever have any issues with my shimano reels. Been a shimano fan since the late 1980's. Been fishing them since then. Most issues are usually an easy fix or just lube related.

  • Like 1
Posted

I'd really look at Dobyns, lots of lines for the user to pick from and then reels it's pretty wide open. Shimano and Daiwa are the mainstay for many people, they have a reputation because their product lasts. Period and it's quality. I like Daiwa for various reasons, but I have held on to my Bantam MGL for many reasons. Other rods I'd consider Megabass Orochi, ALX, Kistler, and Expride. 

Posted

I've owned almost every rod brand and I think Loomis is an overprice rod, lots of just as good stuff out there way under what their rods cost. Shimano makes great rods and you can find a nice one starting at $50 bucks and up. For reels I think Shamano can't be beat, it has a super great warranty,  I bought two Lew's recently and returned them both they can't hold a light to Shimano.  I'm going to buy the SLX XT or the SLX MGL  haven't decided totally yet.  

  • Like 1
Posted

I don't think you can go wrong with Daiwa & Shimano reels, only the two brand reels I have experience with and have been happy with both. I don't think you need 14 setup's but that is my opinion. I would rather have higher quality reels & more sensitive rods than I would quantity. Take your reel to a tackle store that may have multiple brands and get your hands on rods. If not order some rods from Tackle Warehouse and decide which brand/action you like/need. They have free return label to return them if you don't like them. They will usually have Black Friday sales in a couple weeks. 

  • Super User
Posted

For spinning I used Pflueger for years but recently have been using a Daiwa more and more...the next spinning reel I buy will be another Daiwa. For baitcasting I've got several different brands but my two go too brands are Abu and Lews. For rods I prefer Dobyns for spinning and St Croix for casting. This said I believe all major companies are making quality stuff at almost all price points. You can get into great spinning or bait cast combos for $200.

Posted

I'll parrot what others have said.  Shimano and Daiwa make the best reels (IMO).  I favor Shimano Stradic series either the regular or the Ci4+ (now Vanguard) in spinning reels and the Curado in BC's.  For rods I'm a St. Croix fanboy.

Posted

I have gone the JDM route. The Shimano Bantam or the 20 Metanium's are the best I have found period. I have a mixture of rods. Kistler Argon or their new Graphite are super light and sensitive. I've got several Argons and a couple of the Graphite's. I have several of the other Kistler's.  Mag2, Helium3, KLX and KLX feel and reel. I'd love to get a Zbone or two one of these days but I can't justify the price for them.  I've gotten my Argons and Graphites on sale.  150 for the Argon and 120 for the Graphites.  Spinning reels, Stradic, Ultegra and Diawa Luvias are in the quiver.

FM

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