New Browning Midas Reel (BPS)

[LAO162]

I hope not to rehash all of the BPS/Revo/Patriarch (& Shimano) discussions.

But, is anyone familiar enough with the new Midas to confirm that it is similar in function & quality to the Pro Qualified & JM Signature reels? About the biggest difference I can see is the addition of "radial" brakes to the DBS system.

I'm tempted to use my BPS Gift Cards to try a DBS reel since my budget doesn't allow for a Chronarch... Although there is no longer a real connection to the Browning of the 70's & 80's, I still have a soft spot for the Buckmark. At the age of 14 I spent all of my savings to purchase a (Belgian) Browning Side-By-Side 12 Gauge. Hard to imagine a group of 15 year olds walking in the woods with loaded shotguns now-a-days...

[MarauderYak]

Those Browning reels are not made at the same factory as the PQ, JM, or Revo reels.  Browning baitcast reels have been made at the same factory for quite some time, but the new reels have brand new tooling.  I haven't fished any of the new models, but I did cast a new Midas & thought it was quite nice.  Watch for a deal when they have the fishing classic in a few weeks.

[LAO162]

Thanks MY, I thought you might be familiar with the Midas.  With last year's model, the biggest complaint I saw in reviews was a "protrusion" on the right side.  I'm assuming that was remedied with the new profile.

For Presidents Day, the Midas is $89.  From the specs, the Midas looks as though it would be a compromise between the PQ and JM Signature (assuming spool, bearings, etc. are of the same caliber).  I'm not one for bling, but the Midas does look pretty nice.

I'd actually like to try a Patriarch, but so far it is not available at BPS in LH.

Cheers!

[Goose52]

Looks like a good deal at $89. 17lb drag system too...

[MarauderYak]

The new Midas palms much more nicely IMO.  The hump on the cast control side has been dramatically reduced, and the reel is lower in profile.  I found it very comfortable, and smooth.  Visually I think it looks much better, but I don't like the knobs that were used.  They are comfortable, but for me, a little bigger than they need to be.

[LAO162]

MY, one last question (hopefully)

If YOU were going fishing and you could choose only one reel for the day, which would it be: Midas, PQ or JM Sig.  (my personal priority is casting performance)

Thanks!

[MarauderYak]

MY, one last question (hopefully)

If YOU were going fishing and you could choose only one reel for the day, which would it be: Midas, PQ or JM Sig. (my personal priority is casting performance)

Thanks!

Well, the only one I have quite a bit of experience with is the JM Signature.  I own 2 and have fished them quite a bit.  From my limited use of the new Midas, it seemed to cast just as well, but the JM seems to just a little tighter/smoother on the retrieve (not much though).  I do like a small reel though, and both the Midas & PQ feel a little better in my hand than the JM.  Tough call.

I might know more later this Spring.  I now own a couple of the prototype CarbonLite rods & one of them is going to get a PQ.

[LAO162]

Great info!  Thanks.  Considering that I think my Revo balances well on both my lighter & heavier rods, I guess the smaller size will get the nod over a smoother retrieve.  With extra bearings over the PQ, I'm assuming the Midas is at least as smooth as the PQ.

Cheers!

[Goose52]

Great info! Thanks. Considering that I think my Revo balances well on both my lighter & heavier rods, I guess the smaller size will get the nod over a smoother retrieve. With extra bearings over the PQ, I'm assuming the Midas is at least as smooth as the PQ.

Cheers!

I would think so. Of course, the 2 extra bearings may be in the handle (2 per knob) so other than the knobs feeling more solid, the reel itself may not be any "smoother." I think the primary selling point of the Midas over the PQ is the drag system. And, since the Midas is selling for under the PQ right now, it's a good deal. While many of us are hoping that the PQ will go down to $80 during the Spring Classic - there's no guarantee that will happen. Even if it does go to $80 - that's still only a $20 reduction. The Midas is now $40 off ....hmmmmmmmm

[xyzman]

I hope the reel is on sale till the end of the week please!