Johnny Morris Gold?

[northern basser]

I have not had a chance to use any of the BPS reels and would like some opinions and possible comparisons.  I've read a lot of good feedback about the pro qualifier.  The JM Gold is marked down to $129.99 and the carbonlite seems interesting.

Reels that I have used include Shimano citica 200e,  cur. 200e7,  chr. 50mg,  core 50mg7,  Abu revo sx,  pflueger patriarch xt.  Any sort of comparison between these and the BPS reels would be appreciated.

Obviously I'm most interested in the JMG.

[BASSclary]

I can say I love my Carbonlite and will be buying more.

Its basically a Pro Qualifier, but lighter, better gear material(I think) , and foam grips.

Carbonlite ForTheWin.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The BPS reels compare best to the Revo and Partiarch since they're all Pure Fishing products. They are good values especially at sale prices.

[flipin4bass]

I've been a diehard Shimano user for quite awhile, but 3 years ago I was looking for a new frog outfit. I purchased the Nitro combo when it became available late in 2008 and have used it for 2 1/2 seasons now. It's a tough, smooth reel and still feels like the day I first cast it. If all the upper-end BP reels, including the Johnny Morris Gold, are built like the Nitro I wouldn't be afraid to buy it.

[FishinTN]

I have a few of the pro-Q's. I don't know if their is much difference in the pro-q and JMgold. I have said this a few times now. I am extremely happy with the pro-q's and would buy them and save the difference. If your going to spend more, get a revo or curado. My .02

[fenderville]

I hate for my first post to be a negative one... but....

I have owned about 5 or so BPS reels ranging from the Bionic to the Johnny Morris Series..

I have had nothing but trouble across the line mostly with the thumb spool release button.

Had one disintegrate on the bionic reel in less than a year and had the button disintegrate on the Jonny Morris in less than two..

I notice a big difference between the design of the Shimano Citicas and Curados that I now own..

They have a one piece thumb bar connection to the release mechanism inside the reel.

The BPS reels are two piece and very unstable.

I really hate to bad mouth BPS products but as far as reels go it has been a nightmare

[Bassohol]

I've got an older model Rick Clunn reel that I use every time I fish. I've never had a bit of trouble from it. It is still as smooth as the day I bought it. I don't have a lot of experience with the Shimanos or Garcias you mentioned, so I can't really compare. I've mainly fished Quantum and Daiwa, and the BPS is as reliable a reel as I've used.

[northern basser]

Thanks for all the replies so far.  I hope there is more to come.  I've been doing some more research today and what I am reading suggests that the JM reels don't have much if anything to offer over a PQ or CL.  I wish I had a BPS close to me.  Closest one is in southern Iowa about 4-5 hours from me.

I have cabelas inventory memorized since it is a 5 minute drive from my front door.  Their "in house" reels are nothing special in my opinion.

[FishinTN]

If your going to stay in that 100.00-120.00 price range, go ahead and order the Pro-Q. It's out of state so you won't pay tax. Wait around a little and ya my find BPS running a sale on it. About a month ago it was on sale for $70.00. It is a fine reel, plenty of guys on here will work on them IF ya did have some trouble with it(of course thats after the BPS warranty expires which I think is a year). Very good reel for the money.

[jeb2]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I hope there is more to come. I've been doing some more research today and what I am reading suggests that the JM reels don't have much if anything to offer over a PQ or CL. I wish I had a BPS close to me. Closest one is in southern Iowa about 4-5 hours from me.

I have cabelas inventory memorized since it is a 5 minute drive from my front door. Their "in house" reels are nothing special in my opinion.

I lived over in Rochester for 30 years, so I knew that Cabela's store inventory really well, too! I was more into ring neck hunting when I lived up there than fishing, but it was still a store I spent a LOT of time in. If I lived in Owatonna like you do, I'd have had to get a job there just for the employee discount!  ;D

Anyway, the BPS store in Iowa is not THAT far from Owatonna. It's on the very north side of the Des Moines area. Should be under a 3 hour drive. It's a nice store. Even has a bowling alley, IIRC.

I have one of the JM Gold's, but it's the only JM reel I have. It's a nice reel for the current price, IMO. The DBS system works very well on it and it seems very versatile. I've had it on a bunch of different rods, loaded with mono and FC. Seems to like mono better, but I think most reels do. No issues with it at all. I also own a Core 50, Calais DC, Curado 200E7 and several '10 Revo Premiers. The JM doesn't give up much to most of my other reels, but it is heavier, more like my DC that way. Not a great light bait throwing reel.

[Goose52]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I hope there is more to come. I've been doing some more research today and what I am reading suggests that the JM reels don't have much if anything to offer over a PQ or CL. ........

I have 6 PQs - great reel, great value, a whopping 8 versions (RH & LH in 4 gear ratios). I have a Carbonlite - great reel, very light, but only one gear ratio - 6.4. If CLs go on sale again, I might buy 2 more and phase out my 6.4 ratio PQs. I do not have a JM series reel.

Compared to the PQ and CL, the JM Gold only has two ratios, is about the same weight as the PQ, has more (and probably better) bearings that the PQ, has aluminum sideplates instead of graphite. The JMG also comes with two sets of knobs and a reel case. Perhaps the JMG would give a bit more casting distance than a PQ (if there really are better spool bearings) but I don't think the difference would be a lot. Also, there is a wide-spool version of the JMG if line capacity is important. So, there are a few differences. At present prices, there is a $40 difference between the PQ sale price and the JMG regular price and that price delta is what you have to look at to determine if you think you're getting $40 more value with the JMG than the PQ.

Another thing about the JMG - in 2009 it was being sold for $269, then the price was lowered to $169 in the 2010 catalog, and now it's at $129 ! So at some point in the past, people were price comparing, and buying, the JMG at a high-end price point...

[mctech]

i have used jm reels for years and have a couple of the golds on the way at 130 dollars you cant go wrong i would say theres not a better reel at that price then again jmo. i have also used just about every type of reel bass pro sells and have only had one problem in over 40 plus reels and it was a part left out in production just like anything take care of them they take care of you