Best Baitcaster For Under $200

[iceintheveins]

I just bought a pro qualifier and haven't used it yet because it's my designated heavy duty reel (frog and heavy weed presentations). I also plan to get a Curado. What is the best all around reel for under $200 in your opinion? In terms of braking system, smoothness, casting distance, and pretty much everything an all around type reel should do.

[BassThumb]

Curado or Revo STX.

[spore]

Curado or Revo STX.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10202301_100001001_100000000_100001000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_HOMEPAGE

This bad boy just went on sale.

[joshuaryan]

Curado 200E series.  Best reel for the money!

[Stasher1]

I have a Curado 200e7 and a Pflueger Patriarch and I'd pick the Patriarch over the Curado any day.

[Beastie Bass]

REVO STX

[flippin and pitchin]

There is no BEST reel.  If there was it's the only reel that would sell.  There are several quality reels with a miriad of features.  You might narrow your choice down to 4 and then find the one that suits you.  Three great options have already been mentioned.  I would be happy with them all but the Revo suits me, the lures and presentations I fish.

[ChazfromVA]

STX for sure

[smallwatermayhem]

Shimano Curado 200e7. Why? It has the versatility to cast 1/4oz poppers but has no problem with fishing the mats and thick grass. The reel is super smooth and has 11lb's of drag pressure, plenty enough for most bass fishing.

The only reason I'd pick ANY of the Revo "S" series reels over a Curado is if you were doing some extra heavy jig fishing or frog fishing and needed that extra drag pressure.

[dude loves to fish]

Can't go wrong with the REVO.

[bwell]

I love my STX, and will probably get another one soon.

[tennwalkinghorse]

Curado 200E series. Best reel for the money!

2X

[J Francho]

Just about any of the reels available at that range are very nice.  My preference is for Daiwa.

[dmac14]

STX all the way, the swedes make some good fishing stuff.

[Stasher1]

STX all the way, the swedes make some good fishing stuff.

Are there a lot of Swedes in Korea?  ;D

[Chris at Tech]

STX

[ChiCityBasser]

I'm a Quantum guy so I would suggest the New Energy PT but I also like the Diawa Aggrest

[skunked_again]

a second hand Zillion, or a Sol if a slow retrieve is wanted, Fuego wouldnt be the worst idea either.

[Bass Bum]

I own several curados of various ages and wear.  I also have several revos.  Both are fine reels, but if i could only choose one, it would be the curado- hands down.  Smoothest most durable reel i have owned.  My two cents.

[Vinny Chase]

Curado. I have tested the Revo i just like how smooth the curado is!

Like everyone else said you can't go wrong with either

[new2BC4bass]

As you can see, everybody has their own favorite. Mine is a FuegoSTXAlphas. ;D

That is because I haven't owned any of them long enough to develop a favorite. I've used the Fuego the most (the STX is spooled, but not been cast yet). I really like the Fuego. But then I am expecting to really like the others once I can spend some time with them. I've been reading a couple threads on the new Premier. Sounds like a terrific reel to me, but higher than your $200 budget, and higher than my $250 budget although I've been told I can get one on ebay at that price.

Let us know what you finally decide on. I for one would be interested in knowing. Especially if you have the chance to handle each reel before buying. I'd like to know your thoughts about the ones you were able to handle. I do realize that a lot of it is subjective. What feels right to you may not feel right to me. However, the reviews of others is how I decided to buy the reels I did.

[dolomieu]

Don't overlook the Daiwa Advantage HSTA. 

[new2BC4bass]

Don't overlook the Daiwa Advantage HSTA.

Yeah.  Here is a review. 

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaadvantage153hsta.html

Sounds like an excellent reel.

[TBendBassin]

curado all the way! some other reels might seem as smooth as the curado in that price range but none will last as long as the curado.. thats what sets shimano apart from the rest

[ToledoEF]

My patriarch is really smooth!