best baitcasting reel around $100

[Eric 26]

57 minutes ago, Happybeerbuzz said:

Everyone is putting forth the Daiwa Fuego CT as Daiwa's $100 offering.  I have three of them from when they were $100 reels (or less), and I think they are the bee's knees.  However, today, it would be accurate to pit the CA 80 against the SLX and LFG.  Beyond pointing out apples and oranges, I have no experience with any of the three so I will stop here. 

 

I have the CA80, a BPS  Carbonlite 2.0 which I believe has been established as a LFS with dual braking and an SLX along with a Tatula CT which is a Fuego with the T-Wing. I recommended the Fuego based on imho having the easiest braking system to use with a heck of a range again imho. I would put the SLX second based on the recommendations given just for the fact if it’s the op’s only baitcaster he may have to open the side plate more often to change the brake settings based on lure weights where again the fuego is completely external brake adjustment. As far as my Carbonlite I like it but feel the other 2 are better and that includes better than my CA80. I bought my my CA80 for $65.00 and at that price I would highly suggest it.

[T-Billy]

10 hours ago, Catt said:

 

Guess I'll have to stop throwing Wacky Rigged Trick Worms with my LFS. 

It'll throw 'em, but I have other reels that'll throw 'em a whole lot further.

[WRB]

American-Legacy-Fishing is having a Spring Sale.

They offer 10% off and free shipping as a standard discount.

Shimano SLX 70 MGL normally $150 would be $135 plus any sale discount.

Sweet reel!

Tom

[FrnkNsteen]

I had a couple Lews LFS and they were good reels. The only thing I had an issue with was the drag.

 

I like both the SLX and Fuego. SLX for cast and wind techniques where distance is key. Fuego for close range or pitching around cover. Either will work for either, but that's where each excelled in my opinion.

[optimator]

33 minutes ago, WRB said:

American-Legacy-Fishing is having a Spring Sale.

They offer 10% off and free shipping as a standard discount.

Shimano SLX 70 MGL normally $150 would be $135 plus any sale discount.

Sweet reel!

Tom

I’ve got the MGL on my Kistler LMH. Primarily weightless/light plastics. I love it. How well does that reel work with heavier baits? I’m thinking about buying another one to put on my ALX Toadface.

[Catt]

1 hour ago, T-Billy said:

It'll throw 'em, but I have other reels that'll throw 'em a whole lot further.

 

For $99 I don't think so 

[Tatulatard]

1 hour ago, Catt said:

 

For $99 I don't think so 

Plenty of $99 and under reels will out distance the lfs with light weight baits.  That's not the strong suit of the lfs.  It's a simple and reliable reel for $99 that's easy to learn.  

[Catt]

43 minutes ago, Tatulatard said:

Plenty of $99 and under reels will out distance the lfs with light weight baits

 

The right rod makes all the difference 

[WRB]

4 hours ago, optimator said:

I’ve got the MGL on my Kistler LMH. Primarily weightless/light plastics. I love it. How well does that reel work with heavier baits? I’m thinking about buying another one to put on my ALX Toadface.

The SLX 70 MGL has aluminum frame and brass gears and should be able to handle braid and frogs. 

I use it with 11# Armilo for utility presentations from top water to T-rigs. My last outing actually used it for top water frog in heavy floating debris and caught several bass, not ideal line but the reel is solid and very easy to cast in tight quarters.

Tom

PS, the SLX MGL is equal to the Curado MGL for $100 less, can’t believe Shimano will continue to offer it much longer.

[MyKeyBe]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Quantum_Smoke_X_100_Casting_Reels/descpage-QS3C.html

 

I don't have one but your probably not going to find a better, new reel than this for less than $120.00. I'm pretty sure this is about the same (different grips and has line memo) as the old KVD smoke reels. The KVD is a fantastic reel. If your a lefty some places still have the KVD's for about $100.00.

[zell_pop1]

I have had the SLX and Fuego and for $100 the BPS Inshore Extreme is a better reel. However it is only available in one gear ratio and the SLX is probably slightly better with light lines and lures. Matter of fact there is a new SLX out now might be the one to try.

[Mbirdsley]

Slx with out a doubt. 

On 4/26/2023 at 6:22 AM, TnRiver46 said:

I’ve always been partial to these but the price has gone a bit over $100

 

they still have a few models under $100, a little wider and heavier and a different spool release 

I do like my round reel 5500 abu revo rocket. It’s on my deep cranking rod and will throw those big cranks a mile.  If and when I get a new light cranking combo I’m thinking about the blue abu that you posted.
 

 I know a couple round reel abu fanatics and they say the Swiss made ones are way better than the china made ones.  However, you can still find the silver ones used that were made in Switzerland for $50ish-60ish if you keep your eyes open.  

[Reel]

Another votre for the SLX.  I've got three of them.

[Bird]

Shimano SLX

Lew's LFS

ABU Revo

And pay a little extra for a quality rod and your set.

[TnRiver46]

33 minutes ago, Mbirdsley said:

Slx with out a doubt. 

I do like my round reel 5500 abu revo rocket. It’s on my deep cranking rod and will throw those big cranks a mile.  If and when I get a new light cranking combo I’m thinking about the blue abu that you posted.
 

 I know a couple round reel abu fanatics and they say the Swiss made ones are way better than the china made ones.  However, you can still find the silver ones used that were made in Switzerland for $50ish-60ish if you keep your eyes open.  

I’ve got 3 Of the silver ones 

[Tatulatard]

10 hours ago, zell_pop1 said:

I have had the SLX and Fuego and for $100 the BPS Inshore Extreme is a better reel. However it is only available in one gear ratio and the SLX is probably slightly better with light lines and lures. Matter of fact there is a new SLX out now might be the one to try.

I like that this one has dual brakes instead of the inertial brakes of the regular extreme. Small reel with a 32mm spool too I believe.  No long term reports on how they hold up unfortunately where as the slx and fuego ct are known qualities with the fuego ct being exceptionally robust.  It's a contender though with that dual brake.  Some aren't a fan but its a big plus in a budget reel to have the ability to go all centrifugal for max bomb cast distance with braid or max on the mag dial for slow speed control casting and skipping baits to targets. With just a single braking system you end up favored to one end of the spectrum with diminished results at the other.  Magforce z also offers similar good broad spectrum performance.  You can set a fuego ct up for max distance and only be a bit behind a good centrifugal reel then max the mag dial and only have a bit less control than an powerful magnetic and light weight spool reel when skipping/control. 

[stratos4me]

My buddies starting out without much money often ask me which baitcaster to get. My answer is always the same...Shimano SLX. If they are rich and enjoy the finer things in life I recommend a JDM metanium if they are ok without a warranty or a Curado if they want a warranty. There is a reason so many long time bass fisherman are loyal to Shimano reels. Of course, people will talk up various brands, but I would just get the Shimano and be done with it.

[Hytekrednek]

I would look for a used top shelf reel from shimano in very good condition. I just picked up a like new scorpian antares for $120 delivered.  it is smooth as silk, a wonderful caster, and built like a Swiss tank

[ska4fun]

Daiwa  Fuego

[optimator]

2 hours ago, ska4fun said:

Daiwa  Fuego

Even though I prefer my Shimanos I have to agree with this. I've had 2 Fuegos for a few years now and they do work great. $76 at Amazon right now. 

 

Fuego CT