Is there anything that compares to the Shimano Nasci at the $100 price point?

[Boomstick]

The Daiwa BG is the first to come to mind. It's a pretty solid aluminum reel with a very smooth drag and while it retails for $100, I paid $40 or $45 for mine. They also have a wider diameter reel than many reels so they don't lose loops.

 

As far as the baitcaster, I struggled with it for a little while when I first learned but when I got it, it set in quickly.