Browning?

[Jake P]

Hello to all!! I have not been on the forums in about a year due to my new hectic life.Between getting married my wife, her being pregnant, getting laid off and finding a new home for my now 2 month old son I have had no time to fish. Im sad to say i sold all 4 combos I had due to rough times. ANYWAYS, I am ready to wet a line again and i am not able to afford my Shimano equipment so my question was to anyone who has used browning equipment. It is affordable and I know browning has a good name so whats the word? Im talking spinning and baitcasting reels and rods. Likes, dislikes, problems or compliments is what im looking for!!!

[swilly78]

I have a browning Midas "black bass" casting reel that I think is great.  Its on a 6'6" med rod that came with the combo.  Im not crazy about the rod, Ill be replacing it with something a little longer and in the med-heavy range.  However, it was 99 bucks and I feel its a great rig.  No complaints at all.

[LAO162]

I'm a long-time fan of the Browning Buckmark.  However, Browning's fishing products are licensed products.  Essentially, they are only as good as the firm that purchased the right to use the Browning name.  Browning's website directs fishing customers customers to Outdoor World (BassPro).

I've had a Browning Midas rod (discontinued) for a couple years.  I like it.  It's light and sensitive.  For some situations I will reach for it before my similarly rated Shimano Crucial or Fenwick HMG.  It has some great features such as Fuji Concept SIC guides.  On the other hand, the warranty is better for Shimano & Crucial.  That said, with someone else's money I might recommend the Crucial or HMG because they have a longer track record of great, reliable performance and a larger sample of users...  They also have better resale value.  I would not have paid full price for the Browning rod, but heavily discounted it was reasonable.  At full price there are better options and now there are many new alternatives in the <$100 range.  I think the Browning Midas was well built, but I've heard of others who've had problems with the line.  My verdict...  As I eliminate some redundant rods, due to my needs and potential resale value, the Crucial & HMG are on the flea market, and the Browning still has a use for me (it is worth more to me than its lower resale value).

I took a gamble (because I'm a sucker for the Browning name) and purchased the new Midas baitcasting reel.  Obviously it has many similar features with the BPS Johnny Morris and Pro Qualifier, Pflueger, Revo products...  From my research I believe that the Midas is made at a different factory than the BPS products.  I have not fished it yet and have only taken it appart to check out the spool.  It appears to have the same level of finish & "feel" as my older Revo S.  My Chronarch and Tour Edition are smoother, but sold for twice as much.  Besides looking great, Midas has some nice features such as the recurve handle, clicking drag & spool tension and (per specs) a pretty beefy drag.  I would not have given the Midas a chance if it was not discounted when I bought it.

[Grey Wolf]

What makes you think Browning is any more affordable than the others ?

[LAO162]

What makes you think Browning is any more affordable than the others ?

Closeouts & BPS special pricing .  Full price, there are a lot of proven alternatives to Browning   i.e.  Why spend $169 for the Browning Midas, when an Avid is about the same price.  At $89 with Fuji SIC guides, the Midas was more competitive with a Compre.  I assume the Browning reels are on par with other BPS offerings (many threads on those valuations )

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Maybe check the Pinnacle forum here.

[J Francho]

You don't see too many Browning rods and reels out there. I serviced a pile of round reels, very similar to Abu in construction, and well made. Pinnacle seems poised to offer decent gear, at good prices, and from personal experience, GREAT SUPPORT.  If you're looking to get back into Shimano, I see GREAT deals in the used dept. Grab a used reel, have it serviced by a pro, and you'll have a "like new" reel for a fraction of new. As far as rods go, many makers are coming out with great rods in the sub $100 range. While the economy may be in the toilet, its a good time to buy gear right now.

[cwb60]

I have a browning midas 6 that I bought off ebay for $45.  Seller said in like new condition and he described it correctly.  I have been well pleased with it.

I lost a brake shoe and never found it.  Outdoor World didn't have it, but refered me to

www.tackleservice.com.  Tackle service didn't show the Browning on their site, but when I serched the part # Outdoor World gave me it returned it and they had it in stock.

They also had Cajun 100% Fluorocarbon line.   I didn't know Cajun made a Fluorocarbon line.  I bought a 200 yd spool of it and if it is good will post the results here.

cwb60

[BucketBuster]

I have the Browning Midas baitcast reel and like others have said it is a good reel. I haven't had any problems with it and I use it for T-Rigs, C-rigs, and the occasional spinnerbait. I got mine in '08 as a birthday gift and the only problem I have with it, is its size and weight. I think the newer models may be different in terms of of that though. I'm not sure. Other than that it has been a solid reel and overall I'm happy with it.

[wisconsin heat]

i have a browning medallion gt and i have had no problems with it, it cast light lures just as well as heavy ones, great for the price, might pick up a couple more.

[LAO162]

the only problem I have with it, is its size and weight. I think the newer models may be different in terms of of that though. I'm not sure.

The 2010 Browning feels just like a Revo S (in my hands). Maybe 0.1 or 0.2 oz heavier (per specs)

[LAO162]

I took out the 2010 Browning Midas today.  I was very pleased with its casting performance.  Its dual brake system was very forgiving and my distance was consistent (3/8 casting plug) with what I would have expected from my Chronarch 51Mg or Tour Edition 1171.  I cannot comment on the drag or duragbility yet, but it is plenty smooth.  The external radial brake was pretty cool too.  It feels like my Revo S, but performed much better for me.  Subject to change over the summer