Browning Midas Reel

[.dsaavedra.]

I really like this reel and want to buy it while its on sale: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_91075_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

what do you guys think of the reel? is it worth the $100? i dont have alot of money cuz i dont have a job cuz im 15! all i have is $106 and i'm tryint to sell my fly reel for $20. anyway   is the reel worth it and do you think its a good deal?

PS: how long do items ususally stay on sale at BPS?

[burleytog]

In short, no.

[jdw174]

In short, no.  If you're willing to spend a C-Note on a reel, I'd go for the new AbuGarcia Revo at $99.

[cart7t]

For $100? Here's what I see you're getting.

Aluminum frame

9 bearing system

Pretty decent drag system

Dual mag/Centrifugal braking system.

Decent line capacity

On the downside, at 9.5oz the reel seems a tad on the heavy side.  There's also little long term reliability reviews on the reel.  Then again, there's not much long term reliability reviews on the Revo's either.  

If you're really stoked about the reel I'd say go for it.  For the money you're getting plenty of features.  

[roadwarrior]

NO.

With a little patience you can buy a new Shimano Citica or "like new" Curado (older model) on the BassResource.com Flea Market. I don't believe there are any on there for sale right now, but they come up all the time. These are great reels with a PROVEN history of performance and durability.

[Cephkiller]

Here's what you want if you can borrow $0.90  

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Shimano-Citica-200-DSV-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-200DSV_W0QQitemZ130138191121QQihZ003QQcategoryZ108153QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[roadwarrior]

Here's what you want if you can borrow $0.90

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Shimano-Citica-200-DSV-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-200DSV_W0QQitemZ130138191121QQihZ003QQcategoryZ108153QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Great call...no need to wait around.

[burleytog]

All Citica D's are $100 with free shipping at Delo's.

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html

[.dsaavedra.]

ok, so the browning isnt a very good reel? how about that shimano citica? i like the price, and if shipping really is free thats awesome. but which one is the best? i really dont know the difference between them, other than some have certain features others dont, but then in the little description, it doesnt say all the features EACH one has....so which one is the best? i kinda like the 200D..what do you think about that one?

[.dsaavedra.]

o and what about the centrifugal brakes on that one....are they any good? i had magnetic brakes and i liked those. they are easy to adjust....how easy are centrifugal brakes to adjust?

[burleytog]

Shimano  

Browning (or whomever is manufacturing them these days)  

[Indianafisherman]

Don't waste your time with Browning, I got a higer end one for christmas a couple of years ago and it was the worst reel I have ever used, period. I would go with a BPS Rick Clunn Sig. Series or a Shimano Citica.

[.dsaavedra.]

ok so hows the citica 200D?

[.RM.]

The only place you can buy a Browning reel is BPS. That means, the only place you will ever get it serviced, should you need to is, BPS....

[Guest SkyChimp]

I must be the only one on this site that likes Browning reels, hates Sufix Seige line, and thinks Shimano is overrated.

I happen to like Browning reels.   I don't have any baitcasters, but do have several Browning spinning reels.  I also have some Shimano spinning reels in the same price range.   With respect to smoothness and functionality, I've found the Browning reels to be equal to any of my Shimanos.   I don't see any inferior materials in the Brownings.  I fish with the Brownings more because I like the way they feel better.  

I have owned a Shimano Curado SF baitcaster (as well as several round Cardiffs) and ended up selling it (Cardiffs, too).  I felt it was poorly made and used cheap materials.  I hated its clunky feel and plastic drag knob.  Since then, I've bought other baitcasters, among them the new Abu Garcia Revos.   I've never had a better baitcaster than the Revo.  IMO, its a sleeper of a reel.  It's not as popular because it doesn't say Shimano on it, but if you can get past that, you'll get a fantastic reel.

In short, the fishing world doesn't hinge on Shimano, or any other brand.   If you like the Browning, buy it.  If it's as good as their spinning reels (and I'm sure it is), it's probably a very good reel that will serve you very well.  

[Pencil Pusher]

I have two Midas baitcsters and like them. BPS licenses the Browning name for fishing Reels, Rods and accessories. I also have  reels made by Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum and Abu. I wouldn't pay the regular price of $149 for the Browning but I bought mine early this year on sale for $99 and at that price point I think it is a good reel for the money. I'm not a fan of the Citica at its price point.

[Micro]

Shimano

Browning (or whomever is manufacturing them these days)

I understand it's Pinnacle.  Apparently, Pinnacle manfactuers Brownings and BPS reels.  

[Jeff H]

Silstar makes Pinnacle don't they?  Doesn't Marty Stone endorse Browning?

I've been hemming and hawing on my next BC purchases.  I have always stuck with Daiwa and Shimano but I've been considering the new Revo's.  It might be a good idea if somebody here talked me out of that.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

You aren't gonna find too much Browning Love here. Most around here will tell you Shimano and or Dawia. For most they are speaking from experience for many it is a status kind of thing. I have never owned or used a Browning Reel , so I have no experience so I can't give you an opinion. I use BPS and Pflueger reels

What I can tell you is that BPS will service your reel promptly and correctly/ \

Every reel I ever bought lists service centers you have to mail the reels to. I do not understand why people always bring up " Only BPS Services them" Well they do service them, thats the point of having a service center, and they do good work and stand by their branded reels and any reel they sell. What's the difference if you have to send a reel to Fla.,TX, Kansas, Missori or Cali to get em service YOu still gotta send em somewhere?

[Micro]

I have never owned or used a Browning Reel , so I have no experience so I can't give you an opinion. I use BPS and Pflueger reels

What I can tell you is that BPS will service your reel promptly and correctly/ \

I understand that Pinnacle makes BPS and Browning reels.   Silstar makes some low-end stuff (many makers, including Shimano, does too).  But Pinnacle also makes some very highly regarded reels.  Many BPS branded reels are extremely well regarded.  I don't see that one can critisize Browning without also critisizing Pinnacle and BPS.  

I own two Browning spinning reels (and rods) and like them very much.  I've had both for several years and they are my most used spinning outfits.  I have a Browning Medallion and a Browning Citori spinning reels and they give up nothing to Shimanos in the same price range.   In fact, they are smoother than some of my Shimanos that cost more.   And they get used - hard - without problems.  

I agree - Shimano seems to have a cult following.  But my experience is that I've found reels as good for less $, and better for the same $ in a couple of cases.