Academy H2O Mettle?

[northern basser]

We don't have any Academy stores up north and I've heard decent things about these reels. I have some rods that need reels and I don't want to break the bank. I've put some decent reels on my go to rods and can't afford to put $150-$200 reels on every rod.

I know they go for $49.99, but I don't want a POS. Could anyone compare them to lets say a citica e. I like the citica e and was just trying to find a popular reel to relate with. Also, would it be better to get a new PQ for $79.99? I've never seen or used one of these either(except in pictures of course).

Any input would be appreciated.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

I like the PQ I fish it a ton. Its a good reel for the 80 bucks. I've played around with the H20 reels a good bit in the stores. They seem like pretty decent reels. I just haven't gotten around to getting one yet though. I think either one of them would be worth the money. Between the two though I would go with the PQ.

[sharrison]

I have a few each of the PQ and the Mettle reels. The Mettle is a very good reel for the money, But with that said I like the PQ better.

If Academy put the Mettle back on sale for $25 bucks like i've read they have done in the past i'll pick up a few more just to have. But until then I'll pay the extra money and get the PQ. The added magnetic brake and cast smoothness is worth it to me and they come in different ratios where the Mettle only comes in 6.3-1.