Flippin & Pitchin Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 Anyone have anything negative or positive to say about the Daiwa Exceler baitcasters. I found one for $64 (usually $80), and I was thinking about picking up the 4.9:1 model for a deep cranking reel. Quote
WanderLust Posted February 10, 2011 Posted February 10, 2011 Anyone have anything negative or positive to say about the Daiwa Exceler baitcasters.I found one for $64 (usually $80), and I was thinking about picking up the 4.9:1 model for a deep cranking reel. Its a good 1st baitcaster... Not sure how it would perform as a deep cranker. Its not a very smooth reel but it will do the job. Drag is a bit weak as well. My buddy has (2) of them and likes them. Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 11, 2011 Posted February 11, 2011 I have the 6.3 model and it sat around for a month or so before I decided to put it on a reel and give it a try. I purchased it after reading a article in BassMasters and both the spinning and casting models were picked as better buys under $100. I was surprised and impressed with the ease of use. It casts well down to 1/4 oz cranks and has been very smooth. True at 8.8 lbs the drag is considered to be weak compared to some other reels but I haven't had a problem feeling like the reel was overpowered. Check some back issues of BassMasters to find the article. I was impressed enough to be considering the 7.1:1 model as well and found it for less than $70 also. Quote
Super User grimlin Posted February 11, 2011 Super User Posted February 11, 2011 It's one of the few reels under $100 that I have and like. Quote
SharkHat Posted February 11, 2011 Posted February 11, 2011 I got one as a gift, 6.3:1 ratio, paired with a 2 piece 5'6" Exceler rod. I've thought about pairing it with a different rod, but so far I haven't decided yet what I want to do with it. I've had it out a couple times, and it seems like a decent reel, but it's definitely not my "I gotta get another one of these" combo. I've tried it with both spinners and a Texas rig. Casting is pretty decent at around 1/2 oz, but the retrieves felt a little strained with big bladed spinners. All in all, I think the combo is destined to live in my car. It'll probably work well if I just want to get an hour in after work or as a loaner for a friend. I don't think I would buy another one for myself though. Quote
pitchin fool Posted February 11, 2011 Posted February 11, 2011 My first baitcaster was an exceler. It served it's purpose and is still on one of my set-ups for lake fishing. Not the smoothest or most powering, but it works. When cleaning it, you will realize why...lots of plastic in place of metal. overall a 6/10 Quote
Super User ww2farmer Posted February 11, 2011 Super User Posted February 11, 2011 I don't know about the casting reels, I don't have one, but the spinning reels are fantastic if you ever need one. Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 14, 2011 Posted February 14, 2011 I ordered the Exceler 7.1:1 reel after the success with the 6.3 version. I haven't had any problems with it and again it casts well down to 1/4 oz. Quote
ILfisherman Posted February 14, 2011 Posted February 14, 2011 It's a decent reel. Not the smoothest, nor the most well made. If you have $100 or less to spend, go to BPS and pick up the Pro Qualifier instead and thank me later. I bought my exceler (7.1:1) last year, took it apart for some cleaning today and GOOD GOD did they pack that thing full of grease. I felt like I changed the oil out of my truck when I got done. Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 14, 2011 Posted February 14, 2011 It's a decent reel. Not the smoothest, nor the most well made. If you have $100 or less to spend, go to BPS and pick up the Pro Qualifier instead and thank me later. I bought my exceler (7.1:1) last year, took it apart for some cleaning today and GOOD GOD did they pack that thing full of grease. I felt like I changed the oil out of my truck when I got done. I'll have it cleaned before I hit the water with it and thanks for the heads up. Quote
catchnm Posted February 14, 2011 Posted February 14, 2011 I had one of the 6.3:1 models a couple of years ago. Great for a few months but then it got pretty noisy. I'm not real fond of mag brakes so I just sold it. I feel like it could have been cleaned and lubed and would have been a decent reel again. It did cast well with light stuff and I had very few backlashes without using a lot of thumb pressure. I was pretty impressed with it considering I got it for about $70. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted February 16, 2011 Super User Posted February 16, 2011 Can't comment on the Exceler, but you might want to consider Cabela's Prodigy the next time it goes on sale for $60. It's a $100 reel. Sent a new one to an Internet friend to clean and upgrade. He put in ABEC5 bearings, Carbontex drag, and did some polishing. Said it responded extremely well. Free spool time is really LONG now. It is now wicked smooth and precise. Reel engages and disengages better than the Advantage 153 HSTA (read TT review of the 153 HSTA). Feels much like a Zillion. These are his words. Reel hasn't arrived yet, but he would know much better than I as he has been fishing with baitcasters for a long time. Also uses reels costing much more than the Zillions so you know he has a good understanding of what smooth and precise mean when talking about reels. He tells me the stock reels don't like less than 3/8 oz., and peak with 5/8-3/4 oz. lures. Just something to be aware of. Not sure how mine will handle the lighter lures now. Have to assume a lot better than a stock reel, but only time and practice will determine that. Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 16, 2011 Posted February 16, 2011 Can't comment on the Exceler, but you might want to consider Cabela's Prodigy the next time it goes on sale for $60. It's a $100 reel. Sent a new one to an Internet friend to clean and upgrade. He put in ABEC5 bearings, Carbontex drag, and did some polishing. Said it responded extremely well. Free spool time is really LONG now. It is now wicked smooth and precise. Reel engages and disengages better than the Advantage 153 HSTA (read TT review of the 153 HSTA). Feels much like a Zillion.These are his words. Reel hasn't arrived yet, but he would know much better than I as he has been fishing with baitcasters for a long time. Also uses reels costing much more than the Zillions so you know he has a good understanding of what smooth and precise mean when talking about reels. He tells me the stock reels don't like less than 3/8 oz., and peak with 5/8-3/4 oz. lures. Just something to be aware of. Not sure how mine will handle the lighter lures now. Have to assume a lot better than a stock reel, but only time and practice will determine that. Are you referring to the grey prodigy reel from the last couple of years or the new this year model? I have one that is a couple years old and would love to have it upgraded. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted February 17, 2011 Super User Posted February 17, 2011 Are you referring to the grey prodigy reel from the last couple of years or the new this year model? I have one that is a couple years old and would love to have it upgraded. Mine is gray. Purchased this year. Didn't know they had a new model out. My friend already has a few on guest rods, plus he gave one to his father. None had anything done other than cleaning and relubing. He is very impressed with the way my reel responded to the mods. Enough so that he plans on ordering a few extra spools to try modifying to see how light he can go with a lure. Plus he is going to pick up a couple for use on the salt flats as they hold sufficient line for 30-50 fish and cost little enough not to worry about ruining one. EDIT: My friend says it feels like a reel in the $150-$200 range. No way are you going to make it feel like a Steez, Core, etc. Quote
Super User Jeff H Posted February 17, 2011 Super User Posted February 17, 2011 Didn't know they had a new model out. They do, and it's a gem!!. It is no longer built on the TD-A frame, it's based on the Aggrest frame now and it's black. Has HSTA bearing package (10+1), different spool, different gears (6.3:1 where Aggrest is 7.3:1) weighs a little more than the Aggrest but a hair lighter than previous Prodigy models. It is on their website, check them out. Quote
Super User new2BC4bass Posted February 17, 2011 Super User Posted February 17, 2011 Thanks, Jeff. I looked it up. It is a better looking reel than the older model. Now I need to wait for one of their sales! Quote
ChiCityBasser Posted February 19, 2011 Posted February 19, 2011 I got the 7.1:1 Exceler a couple days ago and it feels pretty good but won't be able to really put it to the test for at least a month. I'll have it spooled up with line at the Bps classic when it starts here next weekend. It'll either be Power Pro or the new Suffix 832 line. Quote
Super User Jeff H Posted February 19, 2011 Super User Posted February 19, 2011 Thanks, Jeff. I looked it up. It is a better looking reel than the older model. Now I need to wait for one of their sales! I suspect it won't be long, I'm waiting for the same thing. Probably won't be as cheap as post season sales but I'll take whatever they offer in the next couple months. Quote
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