Best Reel for 125$

[trout123]

What good baitcasting reels are there for 125$ dollars give or take? The 2 main ones Im looking at is the shimano sxl xt and diawa tatula ct but Im open to other suggestions.

[r3825]

Save up $30 more and get the Daiwa Tatula 150

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

12 minutes ago, r3825 said:

Save up $30 more and get the Daiwa Tatula 150

Why?

 

OP, what techniques you have in mind for this reel? Are you new to baitcasters?

[DomQ]

I love the look and feel of the slx xt, much smoother reel in my opinion but the tat ct is a really fun reel to use. I like the large star drag and small tension knob.

[trout123]

7 minutes ago, Hewhospeaksmuchbull said:

Why?

 

OP, what techniques you have in mind for this reel? Are you new to baitcasters?

Im thinking of using it for just about everything except finesse plastics lol. Ive been using an abu garcia blackmax for a few months but thats about it.

[Columbia Craw]

Tatula CT is rock solid.  The Magforce braking system is incredibly easy to set and go . 

[Big Hands]

Just now, trout123 said:

Im thinking of using it for just about everything except finesse plastics lol. Ive been using an abu garcia blackmax for a few months but thats about it.

I think you could find a Daiwa Tatula 100 within your budget if you shop well. I have both a Black Max 3 and a Tatula 100, and the difference in casting distance and all around feel is more than noticeable. I also have a couple of Pro Max 3 reels, which are a step up from the Black Max 3, and I would trade both Pro Max 3 reels for a single Tatula 100 if that says anything about how much I appreciate the Tatula 100.

 

I recently saw the Tatula 100 on sale for $99.

[NYBasser]

Both the Shimano SLX and Tatula CT are within your price range. I have both and would definitely lean toward the Tatula CT as the magnetic brake system on it is super easy to use and adjust.

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

I agree that the Tatulas are fantastic reels, however if you would like to save some money take a look at the Fuego CT. Basically the same reel minus some bearings and TWS. They maybe a little bigger but I'm not sure.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Spend another 30$ abd get an SLX MGL, Im pretty sure its the same platform and look as the XT, but is good for flippin pitching with the low inertia spool. 

[trout123]

6 minutes ago, Rusty_Shackleford said:

Spend another 30$ abd get an SLX MGL, Im pretty sure its the same platform and look as the XT, but is good for flippin pitching with the low inertia spool. 

Can you describe what a low inertia spool is and why its good? Ive never heard about one before.

[GReb]

What are you throwing with it

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Its an MGL spool which are lighter then most other standard spools.  A lighter spool doesn't take as much energy to rotate thats why lighter spools are better for casting lighter weights.  It also has lower line capacity which means which lowers total weight as well.  A 70 size spool is also a double edged sword because you cant fit a ton of heavy line on it.  Probably not the best reel for things that require a lot of heavy nylon or even braid.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

I vote SLX 

[new2BC4bass]

Rusty gave the same answer I was going to give.  If you are looking for an all around reel, I would personally skip a reel with the MGL spool.  85 yards of 12# mono/copolymer/fluorocarbon/hybrid is enough line for bass fishing, but I don't like being that close to the end.  IPT has to suck.  Now if you plan on using braided line in the 20/30 lb. range, then okay.

 

EDIT:  This is the best reel you can get for less than $125.  Patriarch XT.  Do a search. Scheels.  $250 reel for $120.  Dual brakes.  Ugly white.    I like the looks of the blue one much better. 

 

 

[LCG]

I will second the SLX MGL. This is a very versatile reel, throw weightless trick worms, Ned rigs, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, texas rigs, etc. The reel excels with lures under 1/2oz. It is just a tad behind from my Curado K for overall feel, but just barely. The K is for texas rigs, spinner baits 3/8 and over and the MGL does everything under 3/8oz. Very solid reel for the price. 

[swhit140]

Daiwa Tatula CT will be on sale Tackle Warehouse Dec 18th sale. It will be on sale 30-41% just don't know exact discount yet on the reels listed. I'd say pick which one you like the best. I have a good number of Daiwa reels, that is what I use. I've tried the Fuego CT but I prefer the Tatula CT.

 

 

 

 

[Russ E]

My vote is for the new model tatula 100. Very nice reel. I own 3.  Most retailers sell them for around $150.00

Did not pay over $120.00 for any of mine. If you search around there are deals out there. There are a couple dealers on ebay that usually has them at a discount price.

[Catt]

Lew’s Tournament MP LFS ?

[trout123]

4 hours ago, GReb said:

What are you throwing with it

Just about everything, I've only got one baitcasting setup but I have a spinning combo which I use for dropshots and ned rigs ect. Im probably gonna be throwing things from 3/8 oz up.

[Revival]

I vote for the Tatula CT.

 

If you look around, you can find used but excellent condition Tatulas SVs for the same price as well.

[zell_pop1]

Save some money and buy a standard SLX .

[NoShoes]

Daiwa Tatula is a nice real. 

[Blaine Donders]

I had the SLX XT and have a Tatula CT and 100. I sold the Shimano because the CT was better in every way except the ergos, and that’s a personal thing. I mean in smoothness and casting, they weren’t even close. 
 

The new Tatula 100 solves this. It’s not as compact as an SLX, but close enough that it feels great. I would find one on sale and not look back. 
 

The Doyo’s in this price range work good, just don’t prefer them compared to Daiwa. Don’t ask me why, I don’t know. I have Lew’s and BP at this price, and both work fine.
 

Quantum for this price are gtg. The Accurist rocks for $99, and I really like it, but it’s not in the same league as a Daiwa in refinement or fit and finish, if that’s important to you.

 

I say Tatula 100 for the win at $125. Just have to shop carefully!

[Spoons]

Go with the Tatula ct. You won't be disappointed. I'm not able to compare it to any low profile shimanos since I don't have any, but it was much better than my abu garcia revo x. I think it handles light baits well for a baitcaster too. I've had mine through the mud and everything else from every day fishing and it hasn't failed me yet. I've only held the slx before which felt great but I believe it has a smaller spool than the tatula.