Pro Qualifier, Eagle Claw Endure Reel, or C3?

[Fishwhittler]

Anybody ever tried this?

Eagle Claw Endure baitcasting reel

I'm thinking I'll either get this reel, the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier, or the Ambassadeur C3.   The Endure appears to be pretty similar to the Abu Garcia Ambassabeur C3: both of them have are constructed mainly of metal, both have the same gearing, line capacity looks to be about equal, both have brass gears, and they both weigh roughly the same. 

Which of these would you recommend?  The Endure is a bit cheaper the the others, but it doesn't have any reviews.  I know the C3 and the Pro Qualifier are good reels, whereas the Endure is new and untested.  Price is less of a consideration for me than quality, and I don't want to get a reel that will go kaput in a year or two.  So if I have to spend a little more, I'll do it if it means I'll get a good reel.  The max I'm willing to spend on a baitcasting reel is $100, and both the C3 and the Pro Qualifier are available for less than that.  I might even be able to find a slightly cheaper reel on ebay or in the flea market on this site.

I've looked at a bunch of lower priced reels, and practically always a good portion of the reviews are from customers that say the reel is junk.  The C3 and Pro Qualifier both have a very small proportion of low ratings (4.8 stars in 245 reviews for the Pro Qualifier, and the C3 gets 4.9 stars in 113 reviews).  The Endure doesn't have any reviews at all, which is why I might be willing to chance it (no negative ratings!).

I've also looked at getting a more expensive reel such as the Shimano Citica, but I just don't think they offer anything that I really need over the reels mentioned above.  I don't see any reason to spend the extra $20 at this point.

I won't be making a purchase for a month or possibly two, but I hope to be able to get a reel by January.

So, which of these would you suggest?  Pro Qualifier, C3, or Endure?

Thanks!

Ben

[Captain Obvious]

PQ's are on sale right now for $69.99.

They are hard to beat, I vote PQ can't go wrong

[BASSclary]

PQ all day.

[GTrombly]

love my PQ. plan on buying more.

[NorcalBassin]

Just picked up a PQ and took it out for the first time yesterday. Very pleased with its initial performance. The other 2 BC's I use regularly are a Citica and Curado, and the PQ hung in there with casting distance and landing 1-2 pounders (not saying a PQ is as good as a Curado but it is a solid choice, especially for $69).

[RussBert]

I have a C3. My grandchildren will fish with it someday (God willing) It is a durable and proven platform. Very upgradeable if you choose that path.

The PQ is also highly regarded. I have never used one.

Eagle Claw? I'd pass   

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I have a C3. My grandchildren will fish with it someday (God willing) It is a durable and proven platform. Very upgradeable if you choose that path.

The PQ is also highly regarded. I have never used one.

Eagle Claw? I'd pass

x2.

[Grey Wolf]

I have a C3. My grandchildren will fish with it someday (God willing) It is a durable and proven platform. Very upgradeable if you choose that path.

The PQ is also highly regarded. I have never used one.

Eagle Claw? I'd pass

x2.

X3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SoFlaBassAddict]

PQ, never used the C3.  I use mine on a regular basis and have never had a complaint.  They aren't the lightest reels on the market, but they certainly aren't the heaviest.  Just a little regular maintenance here and there and no issues.

If Eagle Claw makes a reel as bad as their hooks are, I'd spend my money elsewhere.

[Fishwhittler]

Thanks everyone for the responses!

I like the idea of being able to upgrade the reel if I want to. For that reason alone, it might be a good idea to get a C3.

At this point, I'm leaning toward getting the C3. If the Pro Qualifier is still on sale when I'm ready to make a purchase, I may go with it, but if not I'll probably get the C3. The PQ may very well be out of stock at Bass Pro Shops by the time I'm ready to order, but you never know. I'll see how it works out.

Thanks again!

Ben

[0119]

Eagle Claw doesnt make their own reels. Surely a contract factory from China like Omoto since they look so similar to the Abu C3. The PQ might be a great reel, its of the Revo family that i have enjoyed using. Sadly if you research it you find out there are alot of shortcomings with some internal parts being made out of pot metal. Check out Alan Tani's reel site before you make a decision. The C3 is tough forever, will never let you down unless you have girlie wrists.

[crw]

As I got older, I migrated from 5500 C3's to 4600 C3's because of weight difference, plus 4600's have a thumb bar (1 hand instead of 2 hands for 5500's).  I use Revo SX's and 4600's interchangeably.  My oldest son has and still uses a 5000D that I bought in 1973 or 74.