Cheap reel?

[Jigger1]

So I'm looking into getting a decent real and was wondering whats probably the best reel I could get for under $50. I want an overall good reel one that can fish a jig, spinner, etc. Also what pound test do you use most?

[bowtech_182]

spinning or baitcasting?

[coolhandlala]

If you want a baitcaster, go with the ol' stand by, the Abu garcia ambassadeur. It is not low profile but they are bullet proof and you can find them for $40-$140 depending on the model.

[FishTank]

For around $50.........

Spinning: Shimano Sahara or Pflueger President

Baitcasting:  Haven't found one yet that I would recommend

[roadwarrior]

Spinning reels are a much better option in this price range.

8-)

[Daiwa]

For around $50.........

Spinning: Shimano Sahara or Pflueger President

Baitcasting: Haven't found one yet that I would recommend

Fish Eagle Tournament II

[Jigger1]

Ya I'm actually looking for a baitcaster lol sorry to leave that out but ya I know I get a good one you need a bit more but gotta work with what you got

[Jigger1]

Oh and did I mention I'm left handed :0

[pk]

I wouldn't buy any 50 dollar reel especially if it was a baitcaster.  The best way to make that 50 bucks stretch is to hit Ebay.  I picked up a brand new Revo S for 69 bucks last week on there and if that's possible I'm sure you could find a used one for 50ish.  

[burleytog]

The question to ask yourself is, do I want to spend $50 now, then $100 later or do I just want to spend $100 now and be done with it?

[Dan:]

The question to ask yourself is, do I want to spend $50 now, then $100 later or do I just want to spend $100 now and be done with it?

That's the conclusion I came to. I was gonna get a $50 baitcaster for my first one, but after reading about the cheaper baitcast reels, I decided to wait and get a Shimano Citica (still fairly cheap but also a nice reel) so that I could have something that worked the way I want it to, last a while, and keep me from wanting bigger and better for a while.

[Jigger1]

Ya I'm going to hit up ebay I think. Any brands or models stick out to anyone?

[Mike-in-WV]

First off I agree with the Max series suggestion. I bought the Silver Max a while back and have beat the hell out of it , dropped it several times and caught some real nice Bass with it and it still runs as smooth as silk. You can find them on Ebay as suggested also.

One of if not the best, reel I have ever owned is the Abu Garcia Revo "S" and you can find them on Ebay as well. Mike

[wickyman]

If no one else has already suggested it, (sorry guys feeling too lazy to read!) how about you head on over to bass pro shops, and check out their selection?  they have a nice bait caster for 39.99, 10 bearings, and full outside adjustment of the bearings.  With shipping and all, it's in the 47 dollar range!  Just under 50, and it seems to have great reviews!  I am going to be getting 2 in the next couple weeks!  

[jhoffman]

I like my Daiwa Capricorn, it comes in a lefty. I picked it up for I think $70.

Oh, the baitcaster, they also make a spinning reel with the same name.

[21farms]

actually, if you're a lefty, it's not a bad idea to get a right-handed reel so you don't have to switch hands after casting. just something to think about. a lot of old timers can't because we learned the old way but it seems the newer generation of baitcasters prefer not switching hands, just like you would with spinning gear.

for an inexpensive reel, i recommend the garcia black max...i have one i picked up for my kid to use but i've used it myself and am pleasantly surprised by it...it casts better than my revo S.

[Chad.]

Jesus Christ just spend 50 dollars more and save yourself the hassle and the embarrassment of the I told you so  after :

[bassripper2000]

You know what's a good sucky reel... Shimano Callisto...

I have fished that thing like crazy when I first learned to bait cast.  I fished it in the salt and dunked it once.  This was before I knew I had to rinse the salt out with fresh water.  

Just continued to use it and it held up fine for a year.  Then I bought good stuff, now I don't like to fish it but it still works fine.  Good learner reel but it's not something you'll grow into.

[fishing man]

for bait casters go with a shimano callisto, excellent reel for its price will last you a while and it is real good to learn from. or go with a shakespear sigma, this is also and excellent reel for a low price.

[fish-fighting-illini]

You might take a look at this thread going on right now. The reel they are talking about is on sale and I think about in yout price range

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1211309343/all

RW had posted that it was on sale as of the 20th but it doesn't appear to be now? Here's the link to the reel

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90338_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

[flechero]

It's a few dollars more than your budget but worth considering...  I copied it from this thread.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1202925290/6#6

For what it's worth, I bought a Daiwa Exceler for a friend that I introduced to baitcasting and it casts really well.  I was pleasantly surprised by the performance.  I had no trouble adjusting it for him to start "thumbless" at first and then each day backing it off a little.  He's now casting it like a pro and loves this reel.    Seems to have a decent drag as well.

I have no idea what the lifespan will be but for $60 it's a keeper so far.  I can't give you an objective comparison to other reels in this price range because I have nothing to compare it to...  but it has a lot of features typically found in more $$ reels.  I'm not usually a Diawa guy but if mine is "typical" for the Excelers, this is an easy reel to recommend to people looking in this price range.

It also comes in LH.

[Masshole Mike]

take a look at a pinnacle platinum LP100 or solene. i believe both are under or around $50 and available at almost any walmart.

keep in mind that i did own a LP100 and did not like anything about it, the brakes, the drag, the handle, nothing seemed to work properly on it. i ended up giving it away and getting a BPS rick clunn lefty instead, and now all i've got are a revo s and a revo sx. i'd say save a little more money and just get a revo s. i'm sure you can find one cheap on ebay, and you'll save yourself time and money in the long run. they are super easy to learn on and very user-friendly.