Compare the BPS Carbonlite reel

[Blue Streak]

I am not looking to buy a new reel, was just wondering what the guys that have these or the guys who repair reels think about them. Do you think they are worth the price? Would you buy another? How do they compare with other reels at the same price? For instance the Revo S or the Shimano Citica. I don't own any BPS reels at all and I only have 3 of their older graphite rods. Just a topic for conversation

[BASSclary]

They are very nice reels, I got one. They can hang right up there with the Citica's and Revo S's in my opinion, although I dont have excessive use with the other two reels mentioned.

And externally(looks)  and weight-wise, it hangs with the Premier

[SoFlaBassAddict]

The Citicas definitely cast better. I'm not sure about the Revo. They're good reels. For the money spent, the Citica is the better reel. The Pro Qualifer from BPS is a great reel, especially when you can get them on sale.  The DBS braking on the Bass Pro reels is very handy though.  Especially if you're new to casting reels, or if you're fishing in heavy wind.

[breezy]

I recently picked one up and so far it's been great. I actually ended up taking a 200e7 back and picking up the CL + extra tackle, I just could not get over how "cheap" the e series felt. They are quality reels and cast great but it just didn't feel "right" to me. Even though the CL has two graphite side plates it feels much more solid. Again this is all my personal opinion, not based on any scientific facts; the curado may have outlasted the CL by 20yrs for all I know.

Since I can't comment on durability, for performance I have been very impressed. Compared to my 09 Revo S, the CL is equal if not better for anything 3/8oz+. Below 3/8oz it is no comparison, the CL blows the Revo away. It's a struggle to cast a 1/4oz hair jig on the revo while the CL handles it easily. The 200e7 seemed to cast a little better (especially <3/8oz) but it is not a HUGE difference.

Unfortunately I can't comment on the drag as I've yet to catch anything that put it to the test. My main complaint would be the thumbbar feels a little 'clunky' (may just be mine). Overall though I'm very pleased, the reel has a LOT of features for such a low price point.

[skunked_again]

I recently picked one up and so far it's been great. I actually ended up taking a 200e7 back and picking up the CL + extra tackle, I just could not get over how "cheap" the e series felt. They are quality reels and cast great but it just didn't feel "right" to me. Even though the CL has two graphite side plates it feels much more solid. Again this is all my personal opinion, not based on any scientific facts; the curado may have outlasted the CL by 20yrs for all I know.

Since I can't comment on durability, for performance I have been very impressed. Compared to my 09 Revo S, the CL is equal if not better for anything 3/8oz+. Below 3/8oz it is no comparison, the CL blows the Revo away. It's a struggle to cast a 1/4oz hair jig on the revo while the CL handles it easily. The 200e7 seemed to cast a little better (especially <3/8oz) but it is not a HUGE difference.

Unfortunately I can't comment on the drag as I've yet to catch anything that put it to the test. My main complaint would be the thumbbar feels a little 'clunky' (may just be mine). Overall though I'm very pleased, the reel has a LOT of features for such a low price point.

thats impressive that the reel out casts the Revo S. ive never fished with a Carbonlite but thought they felt like they should cast. my Revo S is mounted on a Shimano Compre Crankbait rod and will cast a 1/4 oz Bandit crank into next year.

[ToledoEF]

I have had all kinda of reels, Revos s and sx, curado e, patriarch( which ill be selling soon), and quantum energy and pt tour, I have sold them all and have nothing but CL and Pq Bps reels. For the $$$ you cant beat them and I feel as long as you take care of your stuff it will last. I have had the PQs for 3 or 4 seasons now I forget and have not had one problem. I have had a couple CLs since they came out with no problem. I just wish they would offer more gears in the CL.

[Blue Streak]

I have also heard some very good things about the Pro Qulifier. Does anyone know who makes the BPS reels?

[Goose52]

I have also heard some very good things about the Pro Qulifier. Does anyone know who makes the BPS reels?

I have a CL and it's my favorite BC reel. 6.7oz, DBS, aluminum frame, 7 bearings, has been on sale before for $100, smooth, casts far, what's not to like. I would have more CLs if I didn't already have 6 PQs.

As to who makes BPS reels - a frequent question - with many wrong answers probably. ALSO, the answer would be different depending on the particular reel model. The most informed opinions that I have read were in the below thread. Pay close attention to posts # 14 and 17 from informed board members who work and live in Korea...

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1288744378/0

[SeanW]

Pure Fishing. At least the PQ and the Carbonlites are. I've got no clue about the rest of their line.

    Looking at he Carbonlite its pretty easy to tell who makes it. It looks much like the Revo. One problem I see is only 8lb of drag, that would not survive with me. One reason I dumped Curado's was the drag, and its stronger then that. Having 8+ lb fish rip drag on a Curado that is locked down is bad news. If your gonna use if for more of a finesse reel it would be fine. Bearing quality is not gonna be the same either, but you can upgrade them.

    As far as castability, being better then a Curado or Revo, I dont buy it. If all 3 reels a clean and properly lubed, and adjusted. All three reels will be relatively close, give or take a few yards. I was almost spooling my STX yesterday with a crank bait(15lb fluoro). I can also do the same with my jig rod, same line. The point is, if your stuff is well taken care of it will perform better.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Man, don't you hate it when you accidentally delete a post instead of modify it....

And I agree with you, they're probably not the same quality.

[Blue Streak]

Well it sounds like BPS has put out some good reels. Maybe better that Cabela's, seems like they get a lot of returns on their rods and reels.

[Jason Penn]

I have 1 CL and 2 of the Pro Qualifier Tournament reels and have been very impressed with them.  I do wish BPS would've followed up this year with a 7:1 ratio in the CL or similar light weight reel.

The CL can be dropped down to a 5:1 but not raised to a 7:1 according to BPS rod & reel repair.  The 7:1 gears uses (IIRC) 3 drag washers behing the gears and the CL only has 2. 

[BASSclary]

I have 1 CL and 2 of the Pro Qualifier Tournament reels and have been very impressed with them. I do wish BPS would've followed up this year with a 7:1 ratio in the CL or similar light weight reel.

The CL can be dropped down to a 5:1 but not raised to a 7:1 according to BPS rod & reel repair. The 7:1 gears uses (IIRC) 3 drag washers behing the gears and the CL only has 2.

Drag can be upgraded though, can't it?

[Simp]

I throw Curado 200e's, Citica200e's, and the CBL's. I use the CBL's on my smaller set ups like my 6'6 m crankbait rod. I prefer to use it with lines that are 10lb and under throwing light baits. The second external brake is useful for those conditions and windy applications. It's also smother then the citica but it's harder to click over but I usually don't notice that. Personally I'd decide by what your applications going to be. I wouldn't use it with braid for a frog and it wouldn't be my first choice for other larger bait applications. It's mainstay in my arsenal is for medium-small crank biats, and topwaters like popers ect.. 

[Jason Penn]

Drag can be upgraded though, can't it?

I'm pretty sure some folks have already done some drag upgrades to the CL. 

I don't know a lot about working on reels, I've only done minor things like changing out gears and handles.  I don't know if you would need to change out the shaft in order to add an extra metal washer behind the gear set. 

I wish I knew if it wou work.  I really have had good luck with these BPS reels.  The are smooth, comfortable, and light weight.  Another thing I like about them is there's no play in the handle when engaging the reel like there is with my Fuegos. I would love to have a couple in a 7:1 ratio.

[breezy]

Pure Fishing. At least the PQ and the Carbonlites are. I've got no clue about the rest of their line.

As far as castability, being better then a Curado or Revo, I dont buy it. If all 3 reels a clean and properly lubed, and adjusted. All three reels will be relatively close, give or take a few yards. I was almost spooling my STX yesterday with a crank bait(15lb fluoro). I can also do the same with my jig rod, same line. The point is, if your stuff is well taken care of it will perform better.

By no means was I trying to imply the CL was far and above a Revo, Curado, etc. I can tell a noticeable difference when casting lighter weights compared to my Revo S but for general usage they are all pretty similar. Then again a poster above said they had no problems casting 1/4oz with their Revo S, so maybe mine could use a thorough cleaning or relubing.

Overall I would say it is very comparable to most other reels in the $200 or less category. It was an easy choice for me: compared to the 200e I saved $60 and got a (slightly) lighter reel with more features. I can't argue about the durability and drag, but for the fishing I do I don't need the excessive 20+lbs. I hope it's durable (other BPS reels seem to hold up well) but only time will tell.