New Browning Midas Reels (first uses)

[LAO162]

Disclosure: I've been a Browning fan since I bought my first shotgun (Browning 12 gauge Side-by-Side) at the age of 15. Back in the day, Brown fishing gear also had a great reputation in my area.  Thus, this purchasing decision was made against my better judgement

I ordered two Browning Midas reels while they were on sale. The Revo size, Dual Brakes that are fully adjustable externally, and a "supposedly" strong drag were features that appealed to me.

The 7.1 ratio reel worked fine. However, I had problems with the spool engaging on the 6.4 reel. BPS's outstanding customer service turned it around quickly and even included a check to cover my shipping costs.

Like most other reviewers of other Dual Brake systems, I am very impressed with DBS. I also like that both the magnetic and centrifugal brakes of the Midas are adjusted externally. I've have far fewer backlashes, and the few that I had were less severe. At my skill level with baitcasting, this feature is truly a confidence builder. While the spool tension on the Midas does click, it does not seem to make much of a difference and often cannot be felt. It's a non-factor for me. Although drag quality is seldom a consideration for my "dink" style of fishing, I could tell from snags that the Midas reels have stronger drags than my 51MG and Quantum TE (blue). Plenty strong and smooth for my purposes.

I did some experimenting with light crankbaits and even a weightless Zoom lizard. I'm pretty sure that I got more distance out of my Chronarch 51MG, but the backlashing was more severe With Senkos there wasn't much of an advantage for the 51MG and for Fat Ikas there was no advantage to the 51MG. Given its flexibility for setting the brakes, I have more confidence throwing Senkos into the wind with the Midas. I also confirmed that I have no business throwing a weightless lizard on casting gear

Probably the biggest advantage to the MG51 is that it weighs 3 oz less than the Midas. However, the Midas feels virtually the same as my Revo S, which is quite comfortable. After this limited use, the Midas reels have earned a place on my 2 favorite casting rods.

While I'm obviously not in a position to comment on durability or quality yet (see above), the Midas may warrant consideration for anglers investigating "house" brand and DBS reels. Sorry for wasting your time if you would only recommend a Citica or Curado

Ending disclosure: it will probably take me all season to get 40 of 50 hours of use with these reels. Also, it is very possible my opinion will change with experience.

Leon

[The Rooster]

Been wondering about these reel.  Good info.  My question is, how long are the paddles on the crank??  The pictures make them look overly long compared to other reels.

[Goose52]

Good report. I hope that the reel keeps on ticking and that your initial impression holds true for the long term.

I'm a big fan of dual braking and have 8 BPS bc reels with that feature. One thing I wish the BPS reels had that you have is the click adjustment for the spool tension.

[NEPAfishfinder]

I've always been a Browning fan too. I believe they make a great product for the price. Great review on the reel.

[ghost]

I got one of the 7.1:1 left hand Midas b/c reel.  I have not had a chance to fish with it but I have been able to use a 1/2 oz practice plug and I am very impressed with braking system.  I like the stealth flat black look of the reel and it looks great on any rod I put it on.  I also don't mind the weight that is almost 9 oz cuz it does balance out on alot of my b/c rods nicely.

I don't like the hard reel handles that I put on black Reel Grips that has improved the grip and looks much better.

I have 40/10 PP spooled and it just seems like a great fit.

I can't wait to give this reel a run I think it's a great one, right there with any Curado or Citica or Revo S, SX, STX

[LAO162]

In terms of appearance, it is perfect for my Kistler LTX He2MH69C.  I'm not really a "bling" guy, but the combo looks really nice. 

I'm assuming that the performance of the Midas is similar to the Pro Qualifer.  But, for another $30 the centrifugal brake is externally adjustable and the drag is upgraded.  And of course, it has the Buckmark.  I know that these reels are produced in Asia and the name is only licensed, but so far it appears to be a reasonable value.

Ghost, have you been hangin' out over at the "K" forum  

Leon O

[Grey Wolf]

Browning ???????????? Great guns.

[skunked_again]

i was told by a friend at BPS that Browning reels are Pflueger frames with different insides.

for whatever thats worth....

[kikstand454]

also for what its worth.

good call on the drag estimate.

according to the catolog, the midas has roughly the same drag strength as the quantum te, and way more (6.6 lbs!!) than the core.

[LAO162]

I like my Brownings, but in all honesty I would trade them both for one Core 51   I think of them as alternatives to a Pro Qualifier or the new Revo & Patriarch.  They are not for everyone, but (so far) work for me.  It's still a gamble to see how well they last.