What reel should I purchase for a Daiwa AIRD-X?

[Devon B.]

I have decided to purchase a Daiwa AIRD-X rod in 7' MH (havent purchased yet), is it better as a spinning or baitcasting rod and what reels would y'all recommend on it. I have no experience with baitcasters but I can watch youtube videos on them. Thanks! - Devon

[Jrob78]

I am going to recommend casting 100 out of 100 times for a 7' MH rod. What is your budget for a reel?

[MN Fisher]

27 minutes ago, Devon B. said:

is it better as a spinning or baitcasting rod

I've had both - still have 2 casting Aird-X rods. Many bass anglers out there do quite well with spinning gear only, so it's really personal preference for the most part.

 

28 minutes ago, Devon B. said:

what reels would y'all recommend on it.

I'd go with a good reel right off the bat.

 

If you want spinning, I'd go with either a Daiwa Fuego LT-2500 or a Shimano Nasci FC 2500 - both are excellent reels that'll give you years of service.

 

Casting - Daiwa CA-80 or Daiwa Fuego CT in 7.1:1 gear ratio...I'd start with a metal frame reel here...I've upgraded all my casting reels to metal frame.

[Devon B.]

14 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

I am going to recommend casting 100 out of 100 times for a 7' MH rod. What is your budget for a reel?

Less than $100

 

5 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I've had both - still have 2 casting Aird-X rods. Many bass anglers out there do quite well with spinning gear only, so it's really personal preference for the most part.

 

I'd go with a good reel right off the bat.

 

If you want spinning, I'd go with either a Daiwa Fuego LT-2500 or a Shimano Nasci FC 2500 - both are excellent reels that'll give you years of service.

 

Casting - Daiwa CA-80 or Daiwa Fuego CT in 7.1:1 gear ratio...I'd start with a metal frame reel here...I've upgraded all my casting reels to metal frame.

Ok I'll look into those. Thanks for all your help in this whole process 

[Mobasser]

Look at the ABU Black Max. It's a good casting reel for the money.

[Aaron_H]

3 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Look at the ABU Black Max. It's a good casting reel for the money.

 

The Black Max has been discontinued for a bit now, but you could probably find leftover stock. The replacement Max X is still a decent reel for the money.

 

The rods are rated the same between casting/spinning (spinning is rated a touch lighter on line weight), it would come down to personal preference. I would go casting, it's nice to learn something new and it will open up a much broader range of rod power/action combinations that are tough to impossible to find in spinning rods.

 

Already had some great reel suggestions. The SLX can be had just under $100 as well if you can stomach the idea of pairing Shimano and Diawa together ?

[BrianMDTX]

8 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Look at the ABU Black Max. It's a good casting reel for the money.

lol. I have a M/F and a MH/F Aird-X and both have Black Max’s on them. 
 

And truth be told, I like fishing with them. They cast great   They make a great combo. 

[MN Fisher]

My two remaining Aird-X rods have a Patriarch 7.9:1 (MH/F) and a Fuego CT-XS (H/F)

[Devon B.]

5 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Look at the ABU Black Max. It's a good casting reel for the money.

Ok, are all the brands similar at each price range? Daiwa makes the CC80 for about the same price, bass pro makes the megacast, and so on.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, Devon B. said:

Ok, are all the brands similar at each price range? Daiwa makes the CC80 for about the same price, bass pro makes the megacast, and so on.

Truth be told

 

Most of the reels in the $100 and under grouping are made in the same factory, despite the brand. Just each brand sends it's particular specifications...so you'll have a line of Abu next to a line of Lews next to a line of BPS...or it might be three days making Abu, swap out the parts then three days making Lews.

[Devon B.]

Just now, MN Fisher said:

Truth be told

 

Most of the reels in the $100 and under grouping are made in the same factory, despite the brand. Just each brand sends it's particular specifications...so you'll have a line of Abu next to a line of Lews next to a line of BPS...or it might be three days making Abu, swap out the parts then three days making Lews.

Ok thanks! I'll likely go with the Daiwa cc80 unless someone has a better suggestion.

[Mobasser]

3 minutes ago, Devon B. said:

Ok, are all the brands similar at each price range? Daiwa makes the CC80 for about the same price, bass pro makes the megacast, and so on.

What I would suggest is go to a reputable dealer that stocks different brands. Check them out, and see which one you like. There's really several good ones out there now.

[Devon B.]

1 minute ago, Mobasser said:

What I would suggest is go to a reputable dealer that stocks different brands. Check them out, and see which one you like. There's really several good ones out there now.

Ok, Cabela's is the only one around me that I know of but I will when I can.

[Mobasser]

Just now, Devon B. said:

Ok, Cabela's is the only one around me that I know of but I will when I can.

Good idea. You can look at several models.

[r83srock]

I fish my Aird X next to my more expensive rods and it’s great! I have the 7’ Mh casting with a Tatula CT on it. It feels a match made. I will say, I bought the new Abu Max X and that would be a great choice at $60. It’s worth the street price but you can get it cheaper on sale.