Bass Pro Shop Tournament Special Baitcasting Reel

[Kirtley Howe]

I am looking for an inexpensive baitcaster to pair with my Avid-X 7' mhf rod. I am on what can only be called an austerity budget at this point. I have looked around a lot for reel that is inexpensive but has decent features and good reviews. So far, the best I have found that is in my price range is this reel. Based on the reviews on the Bass Pro site, it appears to be an excellent value. But I tend to take those reviews with a grain of salt. Does anyone here have any reel world experience with these reels, and if so what do you think of them? Any other suggestions for a reel that is $60.00 or less instead of this one? Please note that the price on this reel is $59.99 with free shipping (plus tax of course) which is already at the top of my price range. I plan to use this as a "carry in the truck" combo, and really can't justify more money. Thanks in advance.

[MN Fisher]

The Abu Max X is the upgrade of the older Black Max - well thought of for a 'cheap' reel. $50 + tax and shipping

https://www.amazon.com/Abu-Garcia-Profile-Baitcast-Fishing/dp/B08X1JH2XP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=6QCGTNSSQQQ&keywords=Abu+Garcia+Max+X&qid=1691620653&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=abu+garcia+max+x%2Csporting%2C114&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[Eric 26]

I’m not sure if you’re a righty or lefty but the flea market section has a lefty Lews lfs  for $50.00 shipped to your door. 

[Kirtley Howe]

I am a righty when it comes to baitcasters. And the reason for looking at bass pro shops is I have some gift cards for there. If I didn't have them, I would not even be looking at reels right now.

Bass pro only offers the Max X as a combo, for $89...out of my budget

[WRB]

Look at the Flea Market forum pages 2 and deeper, several right hand bait casting reels listed under $50 shipped!

Tom

[Kirtley Howe]

Bass pro only offers the Max X as a combo, for $89...out of my budget

Also...as I said above....the only reason I can even consider a new real at this time is that I have Bass Pro gift cards, so the reel pretty much has to be something offered by them. 

[Eric 26]

@Kirtley Howe Thank you for pointing out the gift cards and hence the need to purchase from them. If there is anyway you can up your budget by $10.00 I would highly and I mean highly recommend the Abu Garcia Revo X that is currently on close out available through Bass Pro. Available in 6 or 7 speed with an aluminum frame and graphite side plates. You’ll hear horror stories of people loosing the side plate but I’ve never lost mine and feel if you use common sense you won’t either.  If you must purchase the Tournament Special all I can add is I’m a fan of BPS products and just as importantly the warranty they offer which I’ve never had to use but I know is 1 year on that reel.

[Kirtley Howe]

@Eric 26 Thanks, but the budget is pretty much set in stone (just ask my wife). Big question still is has anyone here ever actually owned or used the Tourny Special reel. I really would like to hear from someone who has practical experience.

 

[volzfan59]

@Kirtley Howe, When I worked for BPS, we sold a ton of the Tourny Special reels. We rarely had any come back as defective returns. Don't misunderstand, all reel companies have some come back defective. Some more than others. Take the BPS Formula series baitcaster's as an example. We had a bunch of those come back defective, a bunch. I could never recommend them. Also, for what it's worth all BPS products have a minimum one year return warranty.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I don’t get to see a lot of late model entry level reels but I can tell you in broad strokes the BPS models compare favorably to ABU and Lews with similar features and price point. 

[Kirtley Howe]

Ordered the Tourny Special today. Should arrive by the 15th. I will let you all know how it works out.

[Kirtley Howe]

The reel came in today. I must say I am impressed with the quality of the reel for the price. I have not fished with it yet, but did some practice casting in the back yard, and the reel performed well. Easy to set up, and cast great. I left it with 2 brakes on as it came from the factory. I will play with it more on the water and see if that is the optimum set-up, but it feels right as is. I like the fact that it is an all aluminum body so it feels very solid without feeling heavy. It is a bit (.03 oz) heavier than some of my other reels, but that is not enough weight to turn me off in any way. Can't wait to get it out on the water.

[Kirtley Howe]

Got out with the new set up today. Arid-X 7' MHF rod, BPS Tourney Special casting reel. 14lb. test Excel mono. I threw 1/4 oz jigheads with a 3" grub tail with no problem and for good distance. Also threw 3/8oz. crankbaits, 1/2oz crankbaits, both weighted and weightless wacky worms, Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, Whopper Plopper, etc.. The set-up more than exceeded my expectations. For the money, I can't imagine a better value.