Recommendations for a low priced bait caster reel

[krshome]

Ok years ago I had a bait caster set up that was a nightmare. I could never get the reel set up right for casting. It was a big box store set up probably $70, 20 years ago. I would like to give it another shot but don’t want to dump a lot of cash into it, say between $40-$60. I just need a reel that works and something that I’ll be happy using for a while. Any recommendations 

[msgf91]

Abu black Max 

Or one of the CDM reels from AliExpress. I just picked up a SoloKing Acura (Mine was the dovello hicc50 variant) on sale for 30. It came with a BFS spool and a shallow spool so it can do bfs and regular fishing duties. 

[Peacedivision]

I bought a piscifun carbon xcs for a friend this Xmas and it's a solid reel for $50

[PourMyOwn]

Buy a good used reel and if you don't like it you will be able to get your money back. You should be able to get a green Curado 200B in your price range.

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, krshome said:

I just need a reel that works and something that I’ll be happy using for a while. Any recommendations 

Amazon.com : Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539734), 4 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Left-Handed - Box, Multi : Sports & Outdoors

[Bigbox99]

The only reel I trust in that price range is a 9.5 oz 300 size reel.  The $48 Jhoncoo Ares.  Its a aluminum frame and handle side plate reel with a double supported pinion. I haven't found the 100 size reel counter part to the Ares yet.  The closest is the Histar Black Mamba with similar construction to the Ares in a 100 size but they are $66 to $73.  Too much IMO but I do own one at $66.  

 

Anyways if you do get the Ares then you want a a H to XH rod to pair with it.  My recommendation would be the Lews Laser SG1 74H.  It's a 3/4 to 3 oz in what it can realistically throw.  This will not be an all around MH but it will handle the heavier end of the spectrum of a MH such as 3/8 oz chatterbaits as well as some exposure to baits in the 1oz+ range if you want.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The quality of budget reels has improved significantly, and especially over the last 10 yrs. Still, $70 in 2000 is $100> now. 

[Eric 26]

@krshome I’ll throw my .02 in the ring.  For $40-$60 dollars you’ll be hard pressed to find something you will like imho, I purchased a Kast King Royal Legend 2 and although I’m comfortable yet by no means an expert with baitcasters I found the reel wouldn’t hold the appropriate settings which makes it a pain in the butt and no fun to use it n the long run. Although I have zero experience with the Abu Max series they are highly recommended here and elsewhere so I would personally go that route. With that said the Piscifun Alloy M offers an aluminum frame for a little over your price point around $70.00 but you can generally find some deals on Amazon and even the official Piscifun site. Although I have zero experience with the Alloy M I have 3 of their spinning reels and really find they’re built above their price point. Also I’m drawing a blank on which member here it is but there is a good review of both the Piscifun Carbon XCS and Alloy M on this site. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[MN Fisher]

I've had a Daiwa CA-80 for a couple years now - it's been very sturdy and reliable. One of the lowest priced aluminum frame reels out there. Available in right or left hand, 6.3:1, 7.5:1 and 8.1:1 ratios.

https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-CA80HS-Profile-Baitcasting-Reel/dp/B07QW21DNR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=FJ01V7HXY0WX&keywords=daiwa+ca-80&qid=1705267493&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=daiwa+ca-80%2Csporting%2C108&sr=1-2

[Eric 26]

I will add that @MN Fisher hit this on the head. I purchased mine for around $65.00 shipped a few seasons ago and it’s one of my absolute favorite reels I own. If you’re patient and have the time to search you can find some great deals.

[greentrout]

H2OX Premier Baitcast Reel 49.99. 

 

Free Shipping

 

Academy Sports + Outdoors. 

[Columbia Craw]

Ken is on the right track.  But...... you can get the JDM version, the Daiwa Bass X for 71.37 from Digitaka shipped free. Five day delivery .   This is a remarkable reel at that price point.  

[MN Fisher]

14 minutes ago, Columbia Craw said:

But...... you can get the JDM version, the Daiwa Bass X for 71.37 from Digitaka shipped free. Five day delivery .

I picked up a Bass-X from Amazon (JDM shipped from Japan) for $62. Now it's only the HS (7.5:1) right-hand model. I haven't used it on the water yet, but bench-testing looks promising.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Bait-Right-Handle-Model/dp/B07MJZXQK1?th=1

 

Stats also say the Bass-X is lighter than the CA...so I don't know if it's the brass vs aluminum main gears that do that or what.

[Columbia Craw]

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I picked up a Bass-X from Amazon (JDM shipped from Japan) for $62. Now it's only the HS (7.5:1) right-hand model. I haven't used it on the water yet, but bench-testing looks promising.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-Bait-Right-Handle-Model/dp/B07MJZXQK1?th=1

 

Stats also say the Bass-X is lighter than the CA...so I don't know if it's the brass vs aluminum main gears that do that or what.

Even better !

[Eric 26]

@MN Fisher I sure hope you treat us all to your impressions/review when you do use that reel.😬

[GRiver]

I’ve had “reel”good luck (sorry for the pun) with Bass Pro.

I just ordered a Prodigy baitcaster combo for $79.00 / 7ft-med- heavy and a left hand reel/ centrifugal brake and mag. 
They are on sale, so we’ll have to wait and see.
I convinced myself I needed a guest rig, but really If I like it, it will be added to my other rigs.

 

[JackstrawIII]

Find an on sale Lews Speed Spool. So solid. 

[Hytekrednek]

a vintage shimano in great condition can be had for not much money. better than many reels made today that cost more, I think.

[Jar11591]

Lews LFS, Pflueger President XT, a used Daiwa Fuego, Kastking even has some surprisingly decent reels at a lower budget. Most manufacturers have solid reels at lower price points in my opinion, besides Abu. Abu’s budget options are clunkers from my experience. Much better reels to be had for the same price. 

[new2BC4bass]

No experience with new reels under $100.  I can suggest looking for a used reel in good to excellent condition.  I've purchased a few in that range that I was satisfied with.  Once in awhile you can find a super deal.  I've purchased a $250 reel for $75 that was in excellent condition.  (My best ever find.  I now have 3 of these reels.)  Just bought a $170 reel for $80+$7 for shipping off this site.

[12poundbass]

Another vote for the Abu max reels Black Max or Pro Max (whatever they’re called now. I’ve had good luck with KastKing reels. 

[webertime]

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256806107991414.html?spm=a2g0n.productlist.0.0.1bf31af27DnLaH&browser_id=c2eacdd1bb10423fa44823a1fa3fd89b&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=yqhhhjihmcaumpfu18d103c42f821ea52170a5b173&gclid=&pdp_npi=4%40dis!USD!95.88!44.55!!!685.87!318.68!%40210321c717053744190736253e530c!12000036642321927!sea!US!0!AB&algo_pvid=0316de4b-2f46-4ed6-9f35-95472b77df3e

 

$45...

[Functional]

A bit over your listed budget but I just picked up a Lews Speel Spool for $85 shipped. At $100 its already a fantastic buy, at $85 I should have bought 2.

 

I can fish with a less sensitive rod but a reel that performs like crap and I'll enjoy fishing a lot less...I'd save a few more dollars and get the Lews. 

[Gera]

I guess your experience will be much better than it was back then, reel tech has changed a lot since then. I would however save a little extra and get to the $100-$120 mark, at that point you will really find great options that will make your experience a much pleasant one. l live in MI so I have few months before I would really need a new reel. If you have that time, consider this. 

(Also, a big jump in quality) 

 

just a thought. 

[WRB]

Keep your eye on the Flea Market forum for some cost saving deals on good reels. I suggest staying with name brands like Daiwa, Lew’s and Shimano. 

Also both Tackle Warehouse  and ALF have sales and close outs.

What rod do you have or plan to use? What type of lures and weight makes a big difference is choosing a bait casting reel.

Just curious what reel gave you problems?

Tom