baitcast reels

[David Austin]

I looking for suggestions on a couple new baitcast reels.  I am already planning to grab a Daiwa SV TW and maybe a Shimano Curado DC.  I already have an old Daiwa Team Daiwa reel that has never been used (reel is probably around 20 years old and never even had line on it) and I'm thinking about using it also.  Need suggestions for at least 2 other reels.  I've been looking at the  Lew's Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS.  Is it a good reel??  Until the last few months I've always used spinning reels and am now switching everything over to baitcast.  

 

[Dens228]

If you have a couple extra bucks I like the Tatula Elite.  A bit smoother than the SV TW which is also a great reel though. 

[BigAngus752]

What are you going to use them for?  The SV is a game-changer for certain techniques but is a waste of money for others.  I prefer to pick the technique, then the rod, then match the reel.  

[papajoe222]

What techniques do you plan to use them for?

[David Austin]

13 minutes ago, BigAngus752 said:

What are you going to use them for?  The SV is a game-changer for certain techniques but is a waste of money for others.  I prefer to pick the technique, then the rod, then match the reel.  

spinnerbaits, square bill crankbaits, texas rigs, flipping/pitching, chatterbaits, lipless crankbaits, etc.  I'll have at least 5 different rods including a heavy fast, med heavy fast, med fast, med moderate, med heavy mod.  Planning to use the SV TW on the med heavy mod for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits and other such baits.  

[rtwvumtneer6]

This is a double-edge sword.  On one hand, you want to try several brands and establish which is best for you.  But when you find it, you'll end up replacing most of the reels you started with.  

 

Unless you need all 5 immediately, I would suggest choosing one or two reels you are absolutely set on and get familiar with using  them.  You'll learn quickly what you like or don't like about each and that will help to guide your future purchases.  

 

Same for rods.  I'm slowly converting my rods to one manufacturer (and mostly one line from that company).  It takes most of the guess work out of ordering, and adds a level of comfort and confidence for me on the water.  

 

Just my rambling thoughts...

[David Austin]

2 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

This is a double-edge sword.  On one hand, you want to try several brands and establish which is best for you.  But when you find it, you'll end up replacing most of the reels you started with.  

 

Unless you need all 5 immediately, I would suggest choosing one or two reels you are absolutely set on and get familiar with using  them.  You'll learn quickly what you like or don't like about each and that will help to guide your future purchases.  

 

Same for rods.  I'm slowly converting my rods to one manufacturer (and mostly one line from that company).  It takes most of the guess work out of ordering, and adds a level of comfort and confidence for me on the water.  

 

Just my rambling thoughts...

Yeah, I'll be getting them over time. No rush. Just looking for some suggestions of good reels to check out.

[BigAngus752]

47 minutes ago, David Austin said:

Planning to use the SV TW on the med heavy mod for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits and other such baits.  

I think you’ll find the SV shines when used for lighter lures or things you want to use “less thumb” with. I have one of my 6.3:1 SVs on a medium crank bait rod for throwing lighter cranks and another 8:1 SV on a heavy rod for pitching smaller jigs. Both of them excel for these techniques.  I prefer Tatula CT-Rs on my chatter bait and spinner rods as they hold more line (the SV spool is shallow) and the R’s profile fits my hand better for hours of casting and hard hooksets. @rtwvumtneer6is right. A lot of it is personal preference. 

[new2BC4bass]

I have no experience with this white model, but have 3 of the older blue models.  If it is as good as mine, then it is a great buy.  $120 for a $250 reel.  However, I've never dealt with this store before. https://www.fishingtackle-store.com/products/Pflueger-Patriarch-XT-Low%2dProfile-Casting-Reel.html

 

I love my blue ones.  Light, nice looking and cast well.  Good braking system.  Don't like white, tho. 

 

I like the looks and feel of my Okuma Helios SX, but haven't used it yet.  At TW $172.49 for a reel that lists around $220.  I've seen it listed higher.

 

I mention these reels as options you and just about everyone else ignores, but that I have found to offer good value for the money.

 

Or you can go with one of the many Lew's offerings within your budget.  I am kind of partial to Daiwas.

 

And yes I like my Tat SV a lot.

 

[Boomstick]

3 hours ago, Dens228 said:

If you have a couple extra bucks I like the Tatula Elite.  A bit smoother than the SV TW which is also a great reel though. 

Buy the SV for control and the elite for distance. I argue to buy a SV for skipping and light lures and ideally an Elite for everything else or save some money and go with a 100 or CT and you're set. There's no point in using a SV for crankbaits or spinnerbaits unless you're making short targeted casts where an Elite keeps it in the strike zone longer.

[Bluebasser86]

Several years ago, I went fishing with a buddy that had a SV Daiwa. I had all Shimano reels, but he let me try it out. I now use almost all Daiwa with several of them being SV models. It would take a lot to get me to go to anything else. 

[Deleted account]

Yeah, I'm not sure about an SV for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and other full sized baits. Skipping and pitching is where they are a plus. I don't use them because I find the bodies on most too small for my liking, but they do a good job with tiny baits.

[dodgeguy]

Lews tournament pro is a great all purpose reel. It throws small baits and big ones with no problem. The 27 point brake is the best I've ever used.. Buy it from sportsmans outfitters at 159 I think. You won't regret it.

[Deplorable Fisherman]

7 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Buy the SV for control and the elite for distance. I argue to buy a SV for skipping and light lures and ideally an Elite for everything else or save some money and go with a 100 or CT and you're set. There's no point in using a SV for crankbaits or spinnerbaits unless you're making short targeted casts where an Elite keeps it in the strike zone longer.

I use Zillion SVs for both my crankbait and spinner bait reels. Nothing wrong with using those reels for distance casting. 

[David Austin]

10 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I have no experience with this white model, but have 3 of the older blue models.  If it is as good as mine, then it is a great buy.  $120 for a $250 reel.  However, I've never dealt with this store before. https://www.fishingtackle-store.com/products/Pflueger-Patriarch-XT-Low%2dProfile-Casting-Reel.html

 

I love my blue ones.  Light, nice looking and cast well.  Good braking system.  Don't like white, tho. 

 

I like the looks and feel of my Okuma Helios SX, but haven't used it yet.  At TW $172.49 for a reel that lists around $220.  I've seen it listed higher.

 

I mention these reels as options you and just about everyone else ignores, but that I have found to offer good value for the money.

 

Or you can go with one of the many Lew's offerings within your budget.  I am kind of partial to Daiwas.

 

And yes I like my Tat SV a lot.

 

I just checked out that site and something seems kinda fishy that they have reels that cheap.  

 

What are some other daiwas you'd recommend around 250 or less?

[Dens228]

33 minutes ago, Deplorable Fisherman said:

I use Zillion SVs for both my crankbait and spinner bait reels. Nothing wrong with using those reels for distance casting. 

I bought a Zillion and actually prefer the Elite.  I'm glad I actually like the less expensive option for once.  LOL

[David Austin]

3 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

I bought a Zillion and actually prefer the Elite.  I'm glad I actually like the less expensive option for once.  LOL

What's the differences between the SV TW, the elite, and the regular sv??

[Dens228]

2 minutes ago, David Austin said:

What's the differences between the SV TW, the elite, and the regular sv??

I'm not knowledgeable enough regarding the inner workings of the reels but can tell you the Elite is smoother in both casting and reeling.  A much noticeable difference.  

[Deplorable Fisherman]

18 minutes ago, David Austin said:

I just checked out that site and something seems kinda fishy that they have reels that cheap.  

 

What are some other daiwas you'd recommend around 250 or less?

Snail mail....you'll wait a month for your item...or you could spend $189 to get it in 3 weeks...LOL

 

14 minutes ago, David Austin said:

What's the differences between the SV TW, the elite, and the regular sv??

I believe all SVs now have their T Wing system, so really no difference (they came out with a Fuego SV without the T Wing if you can find it). The Elite does not have the SV spool (Stress Free-Versatile). You can find the older model Zillion SVs for about $200-250 now if you shop around. The SVs still hold plenty of line unless you really plan on casting further than a football field...?

[Boomstick]

1 hour ago, Deplorable Fisherman said:

I use Zillion SVs for both my crankbait and spinner bait reels. Nothing wrong with using those reels for distance casting. 

No, they just tend to not cast as far and don't offer benefit for bomb casting. I use a Tatula SV too btw

[Deleted account]

1 minute ago, Boomstick said:

No, they just tend to not cast as far and don't offer benefit for bomb casting. I use a Tatula SV too btw

Not to mention that with heavier lines your arbor knot tying skills will be tested, no bueno.

[Deplorable Fisherman]

2 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

No, they just tend to not cast as far and don't offer benefit for bomb casting

Really? I must be doing something wrong (or right) as they cast further than I really need them to...

[Deplorable Fisherman]

If you end up with a Daiwa reel with the SV spool, take a look at this video. Also, if you get an Elite, they have what Daiwa calls the 'zero adjust' which is basically how Ehrler is setting up the spool tension but adjusted from the factory. You can still play around with it, but it's probably not necessary. I have a Tatula 100 that has that feature I use for frogging. I've never touched the spool tension knob and never had a backlash.

 

 

[Boomstick]

42 minutes ago, BassWhole! said:

Not to mention that with heavier lines your arbor knot tying skills will be tested, no bueno.

I never had a problem with that, I just found I rarely actually need a SV for things like crankbaits and while it still works well enough I could have saved the money or bought an Elite instead for the extra distance. Or maybe spent a little more, went the Shimano route and gone with the Aldebaran MGL 50.

[PhishLI]

15 hours ago, David Austin said:

  I've been looking at the  Lew's Tournament Pro Speed Spool LFS.

It'll never get it's due respect here because it says Lew's on the sticker, but this particular model is a truly great reel, and I have a slew of new Daiwas and Shimanos for comparison. If I were forced to thin the herd I'd sell many of those reels before I sold this one.