Baitcasting Reel Between $100-200

[MJack]

I purchased a nice Shimano baitcasting rod recently. It’s a 6.10ft medium heavy fast Zodias. What’s a good reel for this rod between $100 and 200? Thanks! 

[JediAmoeba]

If you like magnetic braking - find a Daiwa Tatula SV for under 200.

 

If you like centrifugal brakes get a Shimano Curado for under 200. 

 

Both these reels retail for about 210 but can be found for around 175-180 shipped. 

[stratos4me]

Shimano SLX. Curado is better if you can find it under 200.

[Cbump]

This one’s nice

 

[MN Fisher]

1 hour ago, JediAmoeba said:

If you like magnetic braking - find a Daiwa Tatula SV for under 200.

 

If you like centrifugal brakes get a Shimano Curado for under 200. 

 

Both these reels retail for about 210 but can be found for around 175-180 shipped. 

If you want both braking systems in one reel - Lews Tournament MP for $160 retail.

 

That's the reel that would replace my Pflueger Patriarchs (also dual braking) if needed.

[casts_by_fly]

At $165 (search around just a little) the abu Garcia revo stx gen 4 is a great reel. I have two of that generation and I think they are a great reel at that price point (I wouldn’t pay full retail on them). 

[Pogues2300]

Tatula sv and you won’t be disappointed.

[Jar11591]

12 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

If you like magnetic braking - find a Daiwa Tatula SV for under 200.

Yep. They’re pleasures to fish with. If i was buying a reel with a budget between $150-$200, it would be this reel every time. 

[Phil77]

Putting a daiwa reel on a Shimano rod is blasphemy. Get a curado and repent.

[MJack]

5 hours ago, Phil77 said:

Putting a daiwa reel on a Shimano rod is blasphemy. Get a curado and repent.

I was wondering if that would be kosher???

[dodgeguy]

Any of the 199$ Lew's reels.The tournament Pro is the best do everything reel.The bb1 is the best crankbaits reel.the sp is good for skipping and pitching.

[PBBrandon]

Curado 150 MGL, Tatula SV, Lews Tournament Pro. All great choices. I have that exact rod with a tournament pro on it and it feels great in hand

[ShyBass]

Go on eBay and find yourself a used reel for a good price. Shimano 18 bantam mgl's can be had for $150 right now which is a steal. You can also find 16 metanium mgl's in pretty good condition for cheaper than that.

 

If you want something brand new, both the shimano scorpion mgl (basically a curado 200k with an mgl spool) and daiwa tatula sv103 are great options. Both are $170-175 brand new from digitaka.

[WRB]

Shimano SLX 70 MGL will do everything Curado reel can do for less money within your budget.

Tom

[FryDog62]

Shimano SLX/Curado depending on pricing are great reels. Tatula CT as well. 
 

However, if you plan to skip and lures - any Daiwa SV spool is what you want.  If not, you give up some distance and go with above options. 

[Cbump]

50 minutes ago, WRB said:

Shimano SLX 70 MGL will do everything Curado reel can do for less money within your budget.

Tom

Why shimano have to make SLX so ugly though?

[Catt]

On 2/17/2023 at 11:32 PM, MN Fisher said:

If you want both braking systems in one reel - Lews Tournament MP for $160 retail.

 

I have both the MP & MB

 

Both will do anything you want easily.

 

$40 more will get you a HyperMag 5.4 ozs.

[NYWayfarer]

The Shimano SLX DC would be my vote. 
 

[WRB]

17 hours ago, Cbump said:

Why shimano have to make SLX so ugly though?

Beauty is in the eye of the holder. Black w/blue anodized accents.....ugly?

Tom

[Cbump]

Yes

[drakesndrum]

Have had good luck with the Daiwa Tatula CT reels.  You can find them under $120 if you look.  Smooth and lightweight with good drags.

[PhishLI]

On 2/17/2023 at 10:26 PM, MJack said:

I purchased a nice Shimano baitcasting rod recently. It’s a 6.10ft medium heavy fast Zodias. What’s a good reel for this rod between $100 and 200? Thanks! 

If you don't have mini-me hands, the Tatula 150 is a great choice in a very versatile reel. It'll do typical bass baits well and is heavy-duty enough if you ever choose to upsize your baits. Put a drop of oil into the spool bearings when you get it and it'll run quiet. Takes about 2 minutes. That's for you too @king fisher

Daiwa Tatula 150 Casting Reel - Tackle Warehouse