Best Bait Caster Reel Quantum or Shimano under $250.00

[tennwalkinghorse]

I am looking for honest opinions between this two products. Please give Model number of reel. Thanks

[flechero]

Not sure about the poll, but IMO the best all around, sub $250 BC reel is the Shimano 50MG.  No question in my mind.

Try a search for "50MG" and you'll get hundreds of good opinions and probably not any bad ones.  It's one of the few reels I have ever seen where almost no one has had any negative feedback.  (and if you look real hard, you can get them for $200-$210 delivered)

[roadwarrior]

Not sure about the poll, but IMO the best all around, sub $250 BC reel is the Shimano 50MG. No question in my mind.

Try a search for "50MG" and you'll get hundreds of good opinions and probably not any bad ones. It's one of the few reels I have ever seen where almost no one has had any negative feedback. (and if you look real hard, you can get them for $200-$210 delivered)

I have never seen a bad review even among guys who generally prefer a brand other than Shimano. Some of the Shimano Posse may have some of the other high-end models (Calais, Core, CTE, etc.), but they still hold the 50MG up as the standard of excellence. If you prefer a full-sized reel, the Chronarch B or Metanium are other options that match the 50MG in terms of customer satisfaction.

8-)

[djmax22]

Count me in for the Shimano MG. I was so impressed after buying one this spring that I bought a second one. I can guarantee you will be blown away by the performance of this little reel.

[tennwalkinghorse]

Sorry about the Poll thing did not work out like I planed it to.

[bass wrangler569]

I have a Quantum Tour Edition PT and I love it. Everyone does seem to love their shimanos though...

[FishTank]

I had a Quantum Energy Pt Tournament, had a few issues with it and ended up returning it.  I have not fished the MG enough to give a solid opinion but with short time I did fish one, I can say it is a fine reel.

Another recommendation would be a Daiwa Zillion.  Solid reel for the money.

[bassripper2000]

In regards to your question, if you were to spend 250.00, spend it on a Shimano not a Quantum.

Superior customer service and warranty.  Products are quality.

Chronarch (Any Model, MG50 best for light stuff and freshwater)  Don't have one, but fished one and feels really nice.

Curado's 100D or DSV (I like them alot, solid reel)

THen I would take a look at Daiwa's

THe Zillion awesome reels for heavier applications.  For the money though, the Daiwa Advantage HSTA Supertuned is awesome.  They can be found for 120.00 online and have high bearing counts, even bearings in the handle, 7 disc drag, etc.  Take a look at those.

Good luck with your decision.

[South FLA]

I had a Quantum Energy Pt Tournament, had a few issues with it and ended up returning it.

Ditto for me!

Stick to the Shimano Line, you'll be more than happy, at around $250 you can't go wrong with Curados, Chronarchs, or Metaniums.  By the way don't count out Daiwa and do count out Abu Revo Premier.

[Basshole18]

Shimano Curado 100D or Shimano MG50 definately amazing reels that are super user-friendly and super sturdy and super light!!!

[tennwalkinghorse]

Thanks everyone for your input think I'm going to go for the Mg51.

Walking Horse and the Bait Monkey thanks you.

PS: My wife is starting to dislike the bait monkey big time. :)

[CPT Scrap]

i own numerous quantum reels, from the lower TG400cx's (now labeled "pulse") all the way up to the tour edition 1170.  my energy (E770PT) reel is the best i've ever owned, no problems whatsoever.  Extremely smooth, with superior casting distance.  I personally believe that my quantums could out perform any other reels in their range.  

I've never had a problem with customer service either, just call them up, explain what happened, then ship it back and they'll send a new one.

I've owned daiwas and a shimano, but i much prefer my quantums.  But to each his own, in my opinion, dont shut the door on quantum til you've tried them.

[muskyxl]

The majority of my reels (both BC and spinning) are shimano and I love em.

I do however have the Quantum Burner TE1170PT and absolutely love it. It is very smooth, easy to cast and this one is the 7.0:1 (so fast as well).

The benefit of the Quantum over the Shimano that I have found is that you can find these cheaper than the Shimano's. I think I paid $130 brand new on Ebay.

[Catt]

Low profile

Shimano Chronarch CH50MG

Shimano Chronarch CH100B

Shimano Curado CU100D

Shimano Citica CI100DSV

Round

Shimano Calcutta CTE50GT

Shimano Calcutta CTE100GT

Shimano Calcutta CT100B

[Dawson]

lt. Scrap, I am going to echo what you just said, because I agree 100%. I have owned many (possibly hundreds) of different baitcasters. Each reel has it's own personality. But I can say one thing for ALL of the Quantums that I have owned, they are reliable, smooth, and have a great feel. I have yet to break one. For what you pay for them, I think they outperform most reels if you are going dollar for dollar. For 70 bucks you are going to be hard pressed to find a better baitcaster than the AC500CX.

[Ballpark Frank]

As I am a Quantum fan that is being won over by the Shimano crew, it is hard for me to make a recommendation, but here goes. My experience with Shimano is limited to the Citica, which are great. The highest end reels in my arsenal are Quantum Energy PT's. I think the Energy PT is one of the best reels out there for the money and features. Lately when out in the boat, I usually have an equal representation from Quantum, Shimano, and Abu(usually 2 each). I think you should try to get your hands around both(or more), and decide for yourself which you prefer. If $250 is your cap, you should be able to get a great reel regardless of brand. And as mentioned above, don't rule out Daiwa or Abu Garcia.