Yer Favorite Baitcasting reel for under $150.00?

[Bass_Akwards]

Sup everyone?  I'm gunna FINALLY get a new baitcasting reel and I'm a little intimidated.  I've been told to get something with a great break system so I don't get backlash so easily.  I'll practice hard with no matter what reel I get but something awesome and smooth that is as close to backlash free when set properly would be awesome!

Any thoughts or suggestions?  Be specific as to why you like the reel you suggest so much please.

Thanks! 

[OHIO]

Pro Qualifier.

-Durable

-Inexpensive

-Light (for me anyways)

-Casts well

I haven't tried many baitcasters except for Quantums and BPS reels, but this has to be my favorite for the price.

You should also take a look at the Carbonlite. Pretty similar to the PQ, but it's uglier.  ;D

[webertime]

Curado 200/201.  Keep an eye pealed they can be had for ~$150.   Stone simple to set up and about as bomber as a B-52.

[Slipknot6]

I hate to be that guy, but i'd save up another 30 and get a daiwa aggrest. This real is very smooth, will last you many many years, and when you get it set up will cast like a dream.  I after 12 years i've finally rid myself if all my shimanos and quantums and now have only daiwas and i couldn't be happier!!

[Aluma-Bass]

citica ,revo , or one of the BPS brand reels would be good option....

[Texasfishingtips]

Citica- 120

Caenan- 90

Clancy W

[BASSclary]

I'd say save up a few more dollars for a Curado 8-)

But if your dead set on under 150, look at the Revo S, Shimano Citica, BPS Pro Qualifier and Carbonlite.

Also check out the Daiwa Advantage HSTA, its a VERY nice reel for about 150  8-)

[Jaheff]

Also check out the Daiwa Advantage HSTA, its a VERY nice reel for about 150   8-)

X-2

[Vinny Chase]

I'd say save up a few more dollars for a Curado 8-)

You can find the Curado for $150 on ebay

-One of the smoothest reels you can buy

-Pretty good standard drag system

-Variable Brake System is great!

-Low profile....fits like a glove in my hand

[FD.]

Revo sx-hs  $132 on Ebay.  My buddy has Curado's which are nice but I like the Revo better.

[trevor]

Ardent XS1000 on eBay. Very light (lighter than advertised), very smooth, casts AWESOME. Near zero backlashes. For me, it is insanely comfortable to palm. 100% USA made. Right down to the bolts and packaging. Even the lubricants! I have stripped it down and it is solid. Two complaints are the drag is not the smoothest out of the box. I don't honestly think it will lose any fish though. It is made of a material much like Quantum Ceramic drags. I just cleaned it real good, hit it with some silicone spray (not sure how to lube a ceramic drag), and its much smoother now. And the other complaint as others have said is the palming side plate has a very, very small gap in between it and the frame. Hasn't given me any performance problems yet.

[skunked_again]

I'd say save up a few more dollars for a Curado 8-)

You can find the Curado for $150 on ebay

-One of the smoothest reels you can buy

-Pretty good standard drag system

-Variable Brake System is great!

-Low profile....fits like a glove in my hand

this^

and if not this a Daiwa Fuego off Ebay.

[bryand82487]

I don't think you can beat the Curado's for the money.  I bought one and wasn't expecting to much out of it compared to my 200 dollar range daiwas and I was definitely wrong.  In your price range I think it's the best reel for the money.

[Senkoman12]

though its discontinued the rick clunn signature series reel, not the purple one, the old blue one, i love that reel its so smooth. im gonna buy a PQ this spring and people say its awesome. i cant wait tp get it

[roadwarrior]

I'd say save up a few more dollars for a Curado 8-)

You can find the Curado for $150 on ebay

-One of the smoothest reels you can buy

-Pretty good standard drag system

-Variable Brake System is great!

-Low profile....fits like a glove in my hand

"Best Value" at the pricing point and easily found

at $150 or less.

8-)

[breezy]

Lots of options in that price range. Some of the most popular:

Revo S - $130

Citica E - $120

BPS Carbonlite/Pro Qualifier - $120/$100

As others have mentioned you could also find a Curado on a popular auction site new in box for $150, along with a Revo SX for about $140.

Go to a store and handle all of the above reels or any others you're interested in. The biggest factor is going to be what you are comfortable with--performance wise they are all going to be very similar. For example the Citica/Curado is very light compared to a Revo, but I personally prefer the way a Revo palms and think it feels much more solid. You'll be able to get a good reel that will last you years for <$150 and I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of the options in this thread.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I got my curado 200es and 50e for $150 shipped.  They are the ones I'd be looking at.

[Nibbles]

You can get a Daiwa Fuego for around 120-130 if you look around. Very impressive reel and very light as well with its magnesium body frame.

[MNGeorge]

REVO STX...I've got 7 of them and the most I paid for any of them is $125.

[ChiCityBasser]

Daiwa Exceler for around $80 and possibly cheaper on ebay. It casts well down to 1/4 oz at least from my experience with crankbaits. It was a top pick in a article in bassmaster mag a while back as well. The spinning reel was also a top pick for reels less than $100 I believe.

Another choice would be the Cabelas Prodigy made by Daiwa on sale now for $60 I believe.

Of the 2 I would go with the Exceler.

[Bass_Akwards]

Thanks guys. As usual, BR comes through again! Great info!  I just bought a Curado for $143.00.  Now I have to learn how to fish it.

[Revo_Carrot Stix]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Revos(6-7 oz, 20# drag). I have bought new SX, STX, and Premiers for at or under $150. If you have some time, you can find them for a good price - especially in the Flea Market or on eBay.

[rubba bubba]

REVO STX...I've got 7 of them and the most I paid for any of them is $125.

I'm assuming all of these are 2009?  Did you get an 2010 models for $125 or less?  If so can you point us to where....

[MNGeorge]

Correct about no 2010 models...all mine are 2008 or 2009.  I converted all my STX's over to a REVO Inshore handle which is a bit longer than the stock REVO handle...works better for me, not saying it's necessary.  The 2010 STX has that swept back handle...I wasn't sure I could convert it so I haven't looked for a 2010.

[Stasher1]

Ardent XS1000 on eBay. Very light (lighter than advertised), very smooth, casts AWESOME. Near zero backlashes. For me, it is insanely comfortable to palm. 100% USA made. Right down to the bolts and packaging. Even the lubricants! I have stripped it down and it is solid. Two complaints are the drag is not the smoothest out of the box. I don't honestly think it will lose any fish though. It is made of a material much like Quantum Ceramic drags. I just cleaned it real good, hit it with some silicone spray (not sure how to lube a ceramic drag), and its much smoother now. And the other complaint as others have said is the palming side plate has a very, very small gap in between it and the frame. Hasn't given me any performance problems yet.

Personally, I'd pass on the Ardents. The ones on display at my local BPS (the C400, XS600, XS1000, and F-500) all feel like they're going to fall apart in your hands. Of all of the baitcast reels on display in that location, these four have shown the worst durability.