BPS Extreme as first baitcast reel?

[fivesixone]

I've never owned a baitcaster before, though I kind of know how to use one. I've used friends setups before with a little success but I've never wanted to buy one yet. I'm a spinning gear kinda guy.

I saw on another post this BPS Extreme on sale for $40. I think I want a left handed reel since I grew up on spinning gear, so I was wondering if this would be a good place to start?

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90338____SearchResults?ordProd=Y&CMID=BOTTOM_selectitems#itemDetail

Which model would you recommend to a guy sort of new to baitcasting?

[Dan:]

Buy a Citica 201E. You won't regret it. It is a very forgiving reel to learn with.

[Sfritr]

The extreme is a solid reel for the price.  I own two and have had no issues.  It definately isn't the best of the line but it gets the job done.  I am right handed and also like the lefty rig on a baitcaster, but only if I am pitchin and flippin.  i gotta admit it feels a bit weird reeling the lefty baitcaster but I have better feel holding the rod in my right hand.  With spinnerbaits and cranks I prefer the right handed crank..  

[Micro]

That is the last model Extreme and the $39 is a clearance price.  It's been replaced by a more updated model.  Nevertheless, the older one you are looking at is a highly regarded reel and for $39, I don't think it can be beat.  

If this were my first (ergo only) baitcaster, I'd go with the EXT10HD in 6.4:1 speed.  6.4:1 is a good all-around speed.  Not too fast for crankbaits, just right for lipless crankbaits, and just fine for everything else.  

[bass wrangler569]

That is the last model Extreme and the $39 is a clearance price. It's been replaced by a more updated model. Nevertheless, the older one you are looking at is a highly regarded reel and for $39, I don't think it can be beat.

If this were my first (ergo only) baitcaster, I'd go with the EXT10HD in 6.4:1 speed. 6.4:1 is a good all-around speed. Not too fast for crankbaits, just right for lipless crankbaits, and just fine for everything else.

X2

Couldn't have said it better!

[Muddy]

It is a wonderful reel to learn on and I did, and still have it. Forget the Shimano hype, thats what it is hype

[Big Mike in Fl]

I've gotta speak against them. I got two, after numerous positive reviews on here, both of them I will be returning as soon as I can make it back to BPS. one has a horrible vibration and sorta clicking grinding sound which I'm fairly sure is the bearings, the other has a problem with the levelwind and worm gear. two new out of the box reels and within a month both went bad, that is not good. I will be replacing mine with revo S reels, I have one of those and love it. that is soemthing to consider, tho much higher than $40, IMHO its worth it.

[Hammer 4]

I guess for the $$$ they'r o.k...however my extrem needs constant adjustment on the spool brake, could need serviceing.

I've had really good luck with Shimano for the last 30 yrs. their customer service has been great (ordered parts) I've owned both spinning, and baitcasters. Whether the shimano brand is hype or not it's a solid reel imho. having said that, I spend the xtra $$$ and get the citica.

[Muddy]

Try cleaning it, I had that problem 3rd year, had it cleaned, it did not need any parts ,works like new

By hype, I am not talking about Shemano as a product, as I do not use them so I can't have a valid viewpoint

By hype I am talking the umpteen time a guy looking for buying a reel , in a much lower price range ( some of us have to buy this way) only to have a dozen guys hype a Shimano, for a lot more dollars'

You are speaking from experience.. many just jump on the Shemano wagon, without having tried the reel in question

[Hammer 4]

Muddy, I did take to reputble reel mech, and had it cleaned. I keep my reels clean and lubed. O.K., I see what your sayin re: the hype.

just to be fair, there's other good reels out there to, but I haven't used those, so hence I didn't comment on them..

[Long Mike]

I agree with Muddy.  I have two BPS Extremes that I still use.  They are a great reel for the money, even if not bought on sale.  The ability to adjust the break externally is a great plus for a Novice.  I don't hesitate to recommend it.

[fivesixone]

Thanks a lot guys! I think I may just order one....

[Dan:]

It is a wonderful reel to learn on and I did, and still have it. Forget the Shimano hype, thats what it is hype

Hype that is backed by a smooth, solid, and quality reel that will last a long time. ;D

[Muddy]

So do a lot of other brand, that do not cost as much I know I use one of those brands and many do also. The question was about a BPS Extreme, to learn on for 40 bucks and the answer is a profund YES

[Sam]

Go for it!

Be sure to notice its specifications on line weight and match it up with a rod with the same parameters.

Then, send me a personal message and I will help you "balance"  your bait, reel and rod so help minimize backlashes.  

[MA1232]

I got the ETX10HFA reel along with their TYS66MT rod about two years ago and they are still working just fine.   I find this combo is great for a heavier lure.  If I would just using a worm I would have to set the brake to 9.  oh, this is on a 15lb line.  I only can cast about 50' at this setting.  With a heavier lure, I can set the brake back to a 5 or 6 and the cast go 150' or more.

I think you would be happy with the reel just match with right rod for what you want it to do.  Following the setting instruction on this forum and practice!!!  

I'm still learning!  This work great ...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDI5kwR5zjc

tight line!

[Dan:]

So do a lot of other brand, that do not cost as much I know I use one of those brands and many do also. The question was about a BPS Extreme, to learn on for 40 bucks and the answer is a profund YES

No other brands offer a reel as good as the Citica in that price range.

I recommended another easy learning reel that will last longer and is smoother. Do what you want but don't be surprised when you want to upgrade later.

And don't think that my "shimano bias" is any stronger than any of you guys' anti-Shimano bias.

[Muddy]

Did you ever use a BPS Extreme? That is all I would like to know, because I do not use Shimano, I use Pflueger and learned on Extremes I can and do talk from experience, the issue is do you use the products you are comparing and hyping?

as far as: QUOTE>>No other brands offer a reel as good as the Citica in that price range.

Total BS>> Daiwa and Pflueger do, and I can tell you one of my Trions is 9 years old the others all around 5 years old, I bought them all here used, and the most that the older on needed was a drag washer replaced. 99 bucks, 20 cheaper than a Citica and i would bet just as good. SHE MAN O HYPE!!!!!!!!!!

[Dan:]

Did you ever use a BPS Extreme? That is all I would like to know, because I do not use Shimano, I use Pflueger and learned on Extremes I can and do talk from experience, the issue is do you use the products you are comparing and hyping?

I am not hyping anything, I am recommending a quality reel. I haven't fished an Extreme because I handled it and a Citica in-store and felt the overall difference in build quality, smoothness of retrieve, and weight. Have you used a Citica E? If you don't use Shimano, how can you talk from experience on this issue?

as far as: QUOTE>>No other brands offer a reel as good as the Citica in that price range.

Total BS>> Daiwa and Pflueger do, and I can tell you one of my Trions is 9 years old the others all around 5 years old, I bought them all here used, and the most that the older on needed was a drag washer replaced. 99 bucks, 20 cheaper than a Citica and i would bet just as good. SHE MAN O HYPE!!!!!!!!!!

What Daiwa in that price range competes with a Citica?maybe the Tierra but I think the new Citica beats the Tierra.

As for the Trions, they aren't as light, palmable, or IMO as solidly built or smooth as the Citica E...not to mention they have been discontinued as far as I know so I don't count them as being in the same price range.

You can call me biased but the truth is I own Shimanos and Daiwas. You are just as biased AGAINST Shimanos as any of us Shimano owners are biased FOR them.

[Muddy]

I have no opinion or over any reviews of Shimanos, never used them so how could I. This gentleman asked about an EXTREME, which I have used, and you sir have only an opinion.

I use Trions, which have not been discontinued, a few retailers have tried to push the Asaro, and it does not seem to be working Here are some links to where you can find them at 99bucks as always

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jsp?id=0011735116476a&navCount=2&podId=0011735&parentId=cat20331&masterpathid=&navAction=jump&cmCat=MainCatcat20166-cat20331&catalogCode=IK&rid=&parentType=index&indexId=cat20331&hasJS=true

http://www.johnnyspond.com/plueger-trion-low-profile-baitcast-reel.html

and right from PFLUEGER:

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=4

That being said I did not try to run him off the Extreme in favor of a Shimano, which happens way too much around here.

[rubba bubba]

I have to back Muddy wholeheartedly.  First, dollar for dollar, nothing is going to beat the Extreme at $39.  Yes, the Citica is better, but it's not 3x better.  I learned on an Extreme and still use it to this day.

Second, I'll put the Revo S against the Citica any day - slightly less $$ and as good or better.

The Shimano is a great reel, but it's not the absolute bargain the $39 Extreme is.  For anyone on a budget, this is THE ideal starter baitcaster.  IMO.

[Dan:]

Just giving my .02 on a really nice starter reel.

[rubba bubba]

The Citica will be a superb starter reel; and even for experts it is an outstanding reel.