How Bass Pro Shops reel, Pro Qualifier, stacks up

[livemusic]

I have brand new Pro Qualifier reels never used yet. How do you think these stack up against 2021 reel offerings? I would probably use for soft plastics as I have other more spendy reels for long distance casting if that is an issue. The box says...

 

PQX10SHD

7 bearing system

1 pc aluminum frame

dual braking system

double anodized spool

tiranium nitride coated line guide

recurved handle and star drag design

maxium drag power, 10 lb

7.1:1 gear ratio

 

I think I have seen advertised Pro Qualifier 2, so maybe they have a new model? I don't even know if they still sell this one. I bought these on sale 2-4 years ago, I don't recall exactly.

 

I have a couple of these that I have used for years and I have had no issues, I have thought these are good reels.

[zell_pop1]

The one you have is just fine with a very good reputation, probably on par with a Daiwa Fuego or Shimano SLX but a little heavier. The newer lighter one is not as well thought of but when on sale is probably an ok buy.

[padon]

i have one i bought for a rod i dont use much. its 3 years old and has been fine. no issues casts good.like i said i dont use it a tremendous amount but sos far so good.

[livemusic]

FWIW, just another data point... the Pro Qualifier weighs 8 oz and I note that higher end baitcast reels I have weigh 6.8oz to 7oz.  Out of curiosity, I think I will compare these rigs while fishing to see if it actually makes a difference.

[Bankc]

Pro Qualifiers are great reels.  At one time they were considered the best reel you could buy for the money.  But these days there are lots of good reels available for an affordable price, so they're no longer the obvious value leader that they once were.  Hence their reputation has waned.  That being said, it's not like they got any worse over time.  Just other cheap reels got better.  

 

But if you already have one, there's no reason not to use it, as no reel you can buy today will be a better value than free.  And there's nothing wrong with these reels.  They're excellent performers.  They're made by Doyo, which makes Lew's, Abu Garcia, and Pflueger baitcaster reels, so they're going to be on the same level of quality as those brands.  It's just that you can spend less money today on something like a Daiwa Fuego and get their carbon fiber drag and improved braking system, or a Shimano SLX and get Shimano quality for about the same price.  So they don't get recommended as often.  They will still fish as good as they have in the past.  

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, livemusic said:

FWIW, just another data point... the Pro Qualifier weighs 8 oz and I note that higher end baitcast reels I have weigh 6.8oz to 7oz.  Out of curiosity, I think I will compare these rigs while fishing to see if it actually makes a difference.

Nice!    Too many get upset if a reel weighs over 6 oz.  One of my all time favorite reels weighs 8.3 oz.  I'm 73 and can't remember the last time I exercised.  It is still one I like to use whenever I will be fishing something that the rod it is on gets used for that day.  A heavier reel can help balance out some rods making the combo feel lighter than it actually is.

 

I've gotten tired after spending 12 hours or so on the water, but have yet to blame it on the weight of my rod/reel combo.  Might be different if I had some of the health problems a few have....but I don't...so....

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, new2BC4bass said:

Nice!    Too many get upset if a reel weighs over 6 oz.  One of my all time favorite reels weighs 8.3 oz.  I'm 73 and can't remember the last time I exercised.  It is still one I like to use whenever I will be fishing something that the rod it is on gets used for that day.  A heavier reel can help balance out some rods making the combo feel lighter than it actually is.

I'm not all that hung up on weight either. One reel that impressed me enough to get another is the Pflueger Supreme - and it's 7.8oz. Another reel I have two of is the Fuego CT at 7.6oz. I'm no spring-chicken either and I've had no issues using either.

[MAN]

Same here my favorite reels are easily over 7.5oz. But targets weight below 6oz are a must now.  Once these carbon fiber gears get figured out the heaviest thing about the reel will be the line on it.   

[new2BC4bass]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I'm not all that hung up on weight either. One reel that impressed me enough to get another is the Pflueger Supreme - and it's 7.8oz. Another reel I have two of is the Fuego CT at 7.6oz. I'm no spring-chicken either and I've had no issues using either.

It is a delight to use a really light combo, but it doesn't catch me more fish and definitely not necessary.  It's more of a "wow" factor for me.  When I got back into fishing, I went from spinning with 4# XL to more MHF casting rods and predominately 3/8-1/2 oz. lures.

 

Got a 6'6" MM Aetos and put a PXL Type R on it.  Such a great pleasure to use.  Haven't weighed it, but man, feels sooo nice. 

[MN Fisher]

3 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

Got a 6'6" MM Aetos and put a PXL Type R on it.  Such a great pleasure to use.  Haven't weighed it, but man, feels sooo nice. 

Compared to my old Ambassadeur 500R on the Ambassadeur rod - all my rigs are 'lightweights.

BC runs 11.38oz to 12.19oz total without line

Spin runs 10.28oz to 13.59oz without line

 

Weighed the Ambassadeur rig just for S&G - 18.65oz

[new2BC4bass]

I've weighed only a few rods.  Several weigh less than 4 oz.  Weighed only 3 reels and they already had line on them.  Two weigh less than 6 oz.  The Excense DC weighs 8.8 oz. and is one I will have till I die. 

[MiceNReets]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I've weighed only a few rods.  Several weigh less than 4 oz.  Weighed only 3 reels and they already had line on them.  Two weigh less than 6 oz.  The Excense DC weighs 8.8 oz. and is one I will have till I die. 

Love the exsence dc reels! My ‘12 is by far my fav reel I own.  A keeper til the end.  

[Deplorable Fisherman]

4 hours ago, Bankc said:

They're made by Doyo, which makes Lew's, Abu Garcia, and Pflueger baitcaster reels, so they're going to be on the same level of quality as those brands.

I will challenge this statement as just because they are made by the same manufacturer does not equal same quality level. Not saying specifically for the reel mentioned by the OP, but they can easily be made with different quality standards. Many companies have different factories across the globe and depending on how much you want to spend will determine which factory it came out of and the quality of the product. You can also get products made in the same factory but to lower standards. 

As an engineer in the sales market, I can tell you that products that come out of the same factory with different brand names have different standards. If you know what you're looking for an do some research, you can, however, find a lower priced product built exactly the same as a higher priced one, simply with a different name.

 

 

 

 

[Eric 26]

Although I’ve never verified the above comment I have seen others comment reflecting the same sentiment. I read somewhere and I’ll be damned if I can find the comment anywhere that the Piscifun Carbon X of which I own 2, are made in the same facility as the Daiwa Tatula spinning reels. I also bought a BPS carbonlite 2.0 3 years ago and I’m still loving that Doyo produced reel.

[TOXIC]

Having been pro staff for Bass Pro for 15 years, I used a LOT of Pro Qualifier reels both spinning and casting.  I am still using some of the “Wide Spool Technology” spinning reels that were made specifically for braid.  Although I used a lot of JLM Signature rods and reels, some of my favorites and ones that were absolute workhorses were the Browning Midas and Citori.  I am still using them as well and have a few new in the box.  

[Eric 26]

As I’m sitting here thinking about it I also own and love my Piscifun Saex Elite bait cast reel, which is the exact same reel as the Ardent Elite casting reel with the addition of centrifugal brakes on the Piscifun and being red/black colors vs blue/black on Ardent. I purchased that reel I believe 5 years ago on Piscifun’s website for around $110.00 including a “spare” bfs spool shipped to my door. The reel is still available on Ali Express for $85.00 vs the Ardent for $149.99 at Cabelas. A real bargain in my opinion.

[Eric 26]

23 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

Ha, that's actually a Haibo Smart.  You can get them for as little as $75.  I've had a smart 50 for a few years.  Good little cheap reel but the centrifugal brakes like to fall off.  You can buy the brakes and brake blocks on aliexpress though.

Thank you for the clarification, sounds like you’re enjoying yours as much as I am mine. I have to ask what brand rod is that on the top in the picture? 

[Spankey]

On 4/15/2021 at 9:03 PM, padon said:

i have one i bought for a rod i dont use much. its 3 years old and has been fine. no issues casts good.like i said i dont use it a tremendous amount but sos far so good.

My situation is very similar. Have the Qualifier 2. Back a couple of years ago during the BPS Spring Fling they were ridiculously cheap. It’s on a Bass X Rod that I throw frogs on.  I realize I don’t have a lot tied up in this setup but wanted something dedicated to just frogs and slop fishing. I would recommend one. No issues with it. Again I realize this setup in not breaking the bank. 

[Spankey]

On 4/15/2021 at 8:08 PM, BaitFinesse said:

Thats the old good one.  Not super fancy or all the nice but it is a proven and solid workhorse of a reel.  Keep it and use the crap out of it.

I could be wrong but I believe the only difference to them is the paint scheme on them. Sort of remember the guy at BPS making that point. 

3 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Some $35 Aliexpress thing.  Obsession brand I think.  Way better quality to price ratio of anything on the US market but no warranty and 2pc to keep shipping costs down.  Mine is the light powered casting rod.  The weird cone rear grip seems to help sensitivity.

Different for sure. 

[K1500]

I’ll be the dissenting voice. I have two BPS pro qualifier 2 limited edition reels. One went back for a replacement it was such a bad caster. The two I still have are both my least favorite reels. They don’t cast nearly as far as anything else I have, from cheap to expensive. I’m not sure what’s wrong with them, but there is substantial drag on the cast, regardless of the tension and magnetic brake settings. I won’t buy another one, and it kind of soured me on the BPS reel line in general. 

[Pikeman12]

1 hour ago, K1500 said:

I’ll be the dissenting voice. I have two BPS pro qualifier 2 limited edition reels. One went back for a replacement it was such a bad caster. The two I still have are both my least favorite reels. They don’t cast nearly as far as anything else I have, from cheap to expensive. I’m not sure what’s wrong with them, but there is substantial drag on the cast, regardless of the tension and magnetic brake settings. I won’t buy another one, and it kind of soured me on the BPS reel line in general. 

I will agree with this. I bought the pro qualifier when there was a deal going on at bass pro. I baby my equipment and honestly this reel started giving me issues after 1 day of use. The casting range started getting worse and the reel started making all kinds of noise. Might have just gotten a dud, but I returned it and spent the extra cash and bought a tatula ct and haven't looked back. 

[livemusic]

I don't have any way to confirm this but my buddy who turned me on to the Pro Qualifier years ago, touting it as a bargain reel when they go on sale, says that the Pro Qualifier II model or whatever you call it, has not turned out to be as high a quality. He says it's lighter but not as good.

 

Basspro used to have the Pro Qualifier on sale for $50 each annually. (I recall that they limited you to two/day purchase.) They do the spring sale every year but about every other year, the reel's sale price would be lower, the $50 price, instead of, like, $80 sale price. I think the normal price was $100. That's when I bought mine, at the $50 price. One year, they also had a sale, I think price was for $100, and you got the Pro Qualifier reel AND a Johnny Morris rod. The rod was white. I bought that $100 combo and use it all the time and it works flawlessly. So, I have multiple (original version) Pro Qualifiers!

[Eric 26]

39 minutes ago, livemusic said:

I don't have any way to confirm this but my buddy who turned me on to the Pro Qualifier years ago, touting it as a bargain reel when they go on sale, says that the Pro Qualifier II model or whatever you call it, has not turned out to be as high a quality. He says it's lighter but not as good.

 

Basspro used to have the Pro Qualifier on sale for $50 each annually. (I recall that they limited you to two/day purchase.) They do the spring sale every year but about every other year, the reel's sale price would be lower, the $50 price, instead of, like, $80 sale price. I think the normal price was $100. That's when I bought mine, at the $50 price. One year, they also had a sale, I think price was for $100, and you got the Pro Qualifier reel AND a Johnny Morris rod. The rod was white. I bought that $100 combo and use it all the time and it works flawlessly. So, I have multiple (original version) Pro Qualifiers!

I also looked at the Pro Qualifier 2 (blue accents)$50.00 on sale but was also told it was not built to the same specs as the sliver with gold accented one by a sales associate. I bought a Tatula CT instead, although I still like my BPS Carbonlite 2.0 combo.