Best bait caster for $250

[jweis]

What does everybody consider the best baitcasting reel for $250?

[linesider7]

If I were buying a reel tomorrow with that budget, I'd probably try the Daiwa Zillion.

[KYbass1276]

The Ziliion I have two and love them

[mike bat]

my vote is for the zillion ,,, im a shimano guy and i own 2 ....  ;D

[Jimzee]

I guess I'm going to have to get a Zillion soon due to all the good things said about them.  Oh God....the monkey never stops.  :-/

[Redlinerobert]

Zillion is great, but I'd take a $200 Daiwa TDZ 105H over it any day.

[Jimzee]

Zillion is great, but I'd take a $200 Daiwa TDZ 105H over it any day.

I have one.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

I bought a Daiwa TDZ when they were on sale at Cabelas and it is really nice but I still like my Chronarch better.  Actually my favorite reel is still my new Curado 101, it casts like a dream and is smooth as silk.

[flechero]

If I was buying a new reel today and had $250- no question about it, a Chronarch 50 MG.

[Al Wolbach]

All good reels, no doubt. If you want to cast further get a Ardent XS...........Al

[Captain Chaos II]

You can't really go wrong when you get to the $200 price point.  Shimano, Abu Garcia, Daiwa, Ardent(never used one but hear good things) all have good reels when you are willing to spend that much.

I'm with the TD-Z guys.  Great friggin' reel.  And you can still find them around for $250, new.

[roadwarrior]

Nothin' to talk about:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_28379_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

The Shimano Chronarch MG is THE BOMB!

Always buy Shimano.  :

BTW, For $200  it's the Curado:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_73517_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

[linesider7]

If I was buying a new reel today and had $250- no question about it, a Chronarch 50 MG.

This reel slipped my mind.  Touche.

[bassman1282]

the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.

[Guest DavidGreen]

the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.

There must be a good reason for that..

If I had $250 to spend on a reel it would be the CH51MG nice and light, or even the new CU101D a little heavier but still a nice reel.

I like these reels because of their overall size...

My Scorpions are sweet also.

Tight Lines All!!!

[Captain Cali]

Haven't tried the Daiwa's but I would get another CH50/51MG in a heartbeat.

[bassman1282]

the fact that no one has mentioned a quantum PT Tour is unbelievable.

There must be a good reason for that..

If I had $250 to spend on a reel it would be the CH51MG nice and light, or even the new CU101D a little heavier but still a nice reel.

I like these reels because of their overall size...

My Scorpions are sweet also.

Tight Lines All!!!

lets hear what the good reason is reelmech

[Alpster]

That's easy! I would buy another Chronarch 50mg to go with the two I have already - "the posse has spoken" LOL

Ronnie

[norm2525]

I am very fond of my chronarch. It is the older model but I still love it.  I would buy another one in a heartbeat. If the boss didn't mind, of coarse. lol.  I would like to try one of those ardent reels though.

[FishTank]

My personal favorite at that price is the Zillion.  I have fished the Chronarchs and they are great reels but the Zillion is just better in my opinion.  I'll give it a season or two before I am totally 100% convinced.

[GAMEOVER]

I love my Zillion and plan to keep it. When I keep something its because it meets my high performance standards if it dont then I sell it. For $250.00 you have quite a few options. Im sensing this is going to be an all purpose reel judgeing by such a general post so under this assumption I do not recommend the Zillion for you. I use mine as a burner workhorse. The 200 dollar TDZ craze is pretty much done with dont feel bad, I missed my chance as well for one. So scratch the TDZ off. The best reel Shimano has ever came out with is the Chronarch 50/51MG. Dollar for dollar its better then even their DC flagship reels in my opinion, yeah I said it lol. Abu Garcias Revo STX sounds like it would be perfect for you. Your getting a 200 dollar reel that you couldnt even upgrade for performance aspects if you wanted. Upgrade the drag to Carbontex? No need to have a 10lb drag when your stock drag is rated for 20+lbs! Upgrade your spool bearings for smoother and/or longer casts? No need because you have stock Abec 7s (this is from a reputable source whos runs a small reel service)! Im a hardcore Daiwa guy to the bone but if your intentions are for an all purpose reel I just cant recommend anything other then the Abu Revo STX knowing what I know, for the price ofcourse.

Now if you like light reels I first recommend finding a used Daiwa Pixy if you cant find one of these then buy a Chron 50/51MG. Id take the Pixy over the Chron MG anyday..

[Guest DavidGreen]

lets hear what the good reason is reelmech

Oh golly thats a tuff one    well lets see...

Post any "what is the best reel question" in any price range, or even a poll (please don't) and you will see the same answers as here.

The majority will be Daiwa® and Shimano®....

Go ahead do a search of the archives.

Tight Lines!!!

[fourbizz]

I have both new chronarchs (100b, 50mg) both awesome reels. I love them both, but I like the 100B a little more. Not 250, but close.

[GAMEOVER]

Thats the first time I heard someone liking the new one better then the old one. The new ones heavyer, not as light, and doesnt palm as well.

[fourbizz]

Thats the first time I heard someone liking the new one better then the old one. The new ones heavyer, not as light, and doesnt palm as well.

It balances better on rods where sensitivity is critical. I have big hands, palming is not an issue. I throw 8 ounce baits on 8' rods with an 11 ounce reel. The extra couple ounces on the 100B is not a big deal after that.

The MG forces my rods to be exrtremely tip heavy, something that I think takes away from detecting bites and the bottom. But I will have that rod balanced (or at least counter weighted) soon.

I choose my gear based not upon what market it is intended for, or how much it costs, or as some sad status symbol. I choose my gear based upon what will perform well for my needs.