Inexpensive baitcasters

[Fishwhittler]

Does anyone use any of these reels?

Abu Garcia Black Max

Bass Pro Shops Tourney Special

Cabelas Fish Eagle Tournament II

Cabelas Tournament ZX FS

Daiwa Strikeforce

Shimano Callisto

Are any of these any good, or should I wait until I can buy a more expensive reel? This will be my first baitcaster, so I'm looking for a reel that isn't too difficult to use.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I have a Black Max and for the $ it is awesome! It casts a mile, is smooth and strong! Very good reel, especially when you can have it on line for around $40!

[Poolie727]

I have no experience with any of the reels mentioned, but will tell you that in general, you get what you pay for when it comes to reels. If this will be your first baitcaster save up and buy something in the $75 to $100 range and you'll have no regrets. The cheaper ones tend to be more difficult to use (not all but most) and you can easily get frustrated and give up. With something like a Shimano Citica 200E you'll be happy with it and it will be with you for years to come.

Just me 2 cents.

[skunked_again]

id look for round abu reels on ebay.

for $45-$50 you should be able to find a very solid reel.

[Jake.]

You want a baitcaster that is very user friendly as your first one. I would save up for a Citica E. You can get them for around $90 new on eBay.

[Koop]

Bass Pro Shops Tourney Special

You can usually find these used or even new around $50.

For $50 this reel can not be beat. I have 2 of them, they are great reels.

[Bryce Hagar]

I asked the exact same question merely days ago and what I ended up purchasing was the Cabelas Prodigy reel. It ended up being 70 shipped because of 10.94 shipping!  :'(

[Bigbub]

I have 2 of the Black Maxes and I have not had any problems at all. Very smooth reel and casts like a dream. Good reel for the $$$.

[The Rooster]

How quick do you need it??  Lots of times in the fall Bass Pro Shops puts their Extreme on sale for $60 - $65 and it's a SOLID reel (I know I own 5 of them anyway).  Casts very smoothly, and long distances, slick feeling on the retrieve, very comfortable to palm in the hand and it's loaded with features that are right up their with higher dollar reels such as an aluminum frame and japanese stainless steel ball bearings.  Their stout little reels too, no give in these babies.

[Jeff H]

I asked the exact same question merely days ago and what I ended up purchasing was the Cabelas Prodigy reel. It ended up being 70 shipped because of 10.94 shipping! :'(

d**n!  Are these on sale???  I gotta go look ASAP.  If you got that for $70, thats a very good deal on a great reel!  Mine have been working great for the last 2 years and I do like how they fit my hand.  It performs very close to my Revo SX, not quite as good at throwing lighter stuff but it's pretty close and it's doing better than my TD-A HST153 which I paid a lot more for.

[BigJohnny]

I use an Abu Garcia Silver Max which is pretty close to the Black Max and I love it. It was my first b/c and it didn't take me much time to learn with.

[moby bass]

I asked the exact same question merely days ago and what I ended up purchasing was the Cabelas Prodigy reel. It ended up being 70 shipped because of 10.94 shipping! :'(

I have a Prodigy from Cabelas.  I think it is an excellent reel.  I believe it is made by Daiwa.  Check out your locals Dick's Sporting Goods. I just recently purchased 2 Quantum reels, both at 1/2 their retail plus $10.00 off coupons. $100 reels for $40.

[21farms]

I asked the exact same question merely days ago and what I ended up purchasing was the Cabelas Prodigy reel. It ended up being 70 shipped because of 10.94 shipping! :'(

d**n! Are these on sale??? I gotta go look ASAP. If you got that for $70, thats a very good deal on a great reel! Mine have been working great for the last 2 years and I do like how they fit my hand. It performs very close to my Revo SX, not quite as good at throwing lighter stuff but it's pretty close and it's doing better than my TD-A HST153 which I paid a lot more for.

yes, they're on sale for $60. also, if you can make your order total over $150, you can get $20 off. excellent reels.

for the OP, i bought a a black max and a pro max for my son and daughter to use on our little lake. surprisingly, they both cast better than the revos i had...i kid you not. they cast farther and their maxtrax magnetic brakes are far less fussier. their downsides are that they're flexy and make a lot of squeaks and squawks after awhile of fishing. ours get very light usage so i'm not sure how they'll hold up over time.

[roadwarrior]

Be patient and keep an eye on our Flea Market.

You should be able to pick up a slightly used or

maybe even new Shimano Citica in your price range.

This is a great real and a great value.

8-)

[bigtimfish]

If you can come up with a little more change (not much) a great reel at a good price is a Abu Garcia C3 and C4 4600. Not a lot of knobs and fancy things, built like a tank,simple to use and they will last forever.

[Fishwhittler]

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll watch in the flea market for a reel that fits my price range.

[michael Lynn]

I actually have an extra citica 200d from last year. I replaced mine with a curado

I would sell it for $55 shipped

i can be emailed directly at michaellynnjr@gmail.com