Bass_Fanatic Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 Then look no more. Academy Sports has an Academy brand reel called a H2O Mettle. It is smooth, cast a country mile, and holds up over time. They are listed for $49.99, but they go on sale for $25. Use one, I think you will be suprised! Quote
brophog Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 The reel has come up quite a few times on this board, and the owners seem to really enjoy them. Quote
BobP Posted April 20, 2011 Posted April 20, 2011 I haven't used an Academy reel so can't comment. But in the general scheme of things, there really is no free lunch in reels. What you pay is almost always reflected in the quality of the reel. And if you luck out with a low cost special, you may find your luck ends if/when the reel needs parts or service. Over time, what has worked best for me is to buy at least a mid-range reel from a major company (I personally like Shimano). They tend to last for years without problems and there are lots of places to get service if you need it. Lastly, if it does break 5 yrs from now, you can bet Shimano will still be selling parts for it, unlike many 'house reels'. I service my own stuff and keep reels 8-10 yrs or longer, and buying known good quality has worked out well in terms of both enjoyment and cost. I can see the attraction of cheap - no harm, no foul - but I'm not into "use it until it breaks and throw it away". Quote
Super User Shane J Posted April 20, 2011 Super User Posted April 20, 2011 I'm with BobP. Quality and cheap do not go in the same sentence. Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted April 21, 2011 Author Posted April 21, 2011 Yall have definatly never fished with a Mettle. I own Pflueger Presients, Shimano Curados, a Shimano Chronarch and Calais, a Pflueger Summit, and a Shimano Calcutta (I like Pflueger and Shimano), but I can honestly say that the Mettle will outcast every one of my other reels. It is smooth casting and has a smooth drag and for $25...your the ones missing out! I can buy 8 Mettle for every 1 Curado. If a Mettle last only 2 years, thats 16 years! I dont use cheap stuff often. My rods are Powells. My line is Seagar. But when I find a deal, I thought I would share. Plus, we always have someone asking "What is a good, cheap reel?" Well, I just answered that. Quote
Super User Goose52 Posted April 21, 2011 Super User Posted April 21, 2011 One thing that doesn't get mentioned too often in these type of conversations is how OFTEN does one fish. For instance, I fish every day that the water is soft. I miss a day here and there due to other commitments but last year I probably fished around 275-300 days. I might wear out some of the lower priced gear in only one season and thus wouldn't consider this type of equipment as my primary gear. However, other folks might only be able to fish once or twice a month. For them, some of the lower priced gear might last many years and end up being an excellent value. Another scenario is those who already have some higher quality gear, but are looking to put together a "niche" combo - something that won't get used often. Or, perhaps one wants to have a "guest rig" on-hand. More examples of where perhaps the lower-price gear might have a place. As long as the equipment in question works well enough to not limit fishing success, and the quality/durability of the gear meets the users intended use level - then there's nothing wrong with getting the lower priced gear. 1 Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted April 21, 2011 Author Posted April 21, 2011 Are they on sale right now? No, but they should be for Memorial Day. Even at $50 they are a steal, but if you can wait till Memorial Day, you cant beat $25! Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted April 21, 2011 Author Posted April 21, 2011 One thing that doesn't get mentioned too often in these type of conversations is how OFTEN does one fish. For instance, I fish every day that the water is soft. I miss a day here and there due to other commitments but last year I probably fished around 275-300 days. I might wear out some of the lower priced gear in only one season and thus wouldn't consider this type of equipment as my primary gear. However, other folks might only be able to fish once or twice a month. For them, some of the lower priced gear might last many years and end up being an excellent value. Another scenario is those who already have some higher quality gear, but are looking to put together a "niche" combo - something that won't get used often. Or, perhaps one wants to have a "guest rig" on-hand. More examples of where perhaps the lower-price gear might have a place. As long as the equipment in question works well enough to not limit fishing success, and the quality/durability of the gear meets the users intended use level - then there's nothing wrong with getting the lower priced gear. Very true...I have a job, so I dont get to fish as much as I would like (which would be everyday), but I do get at least 2 days a week in if not 3. I probably fish 120 days a year, but my Mettle held up all of last year and still running smoothly this year. Buy a box of poptarts this week and eat them for breakfast everyday instead of stopping by McDonalds and you will save enough money to buy a Mettle when they go on sale. (that was not direted at you Goose lol) Quote
Super User Raul Posted April 21, 2011 Super User Posted April 21, 2011 Yall have definatly never fished with a Mettle. I own Pflueger Presients, Shimano Curados, a Shimano Chronarch and Calais, a Pflueger Summit, and a Shimano Calcutta (I like Pflueger and Shimano), but I can honestly say that the Mettle will outcast every one of my other reels. It is smooth casting and has a smooth drag and for $25...your the ones missing out! I can buy 8 Mettle for every 1 Curado. If a Mettle last only 2 years, thats 16 years! I dont use cheap stuff often. My rods are Powells. My line is Seagar. But when I find a deal, I thought I would share. Plus, we always have someone asking "What is a good, cheap reel?" Well, I just answered that. Shimano Curado 200B, purchased in 1994, cost:$120 dollars, $120/ 17 years = $7 dollars per year, 100% sure I can squeeze another 10 years out of that reel. Why would I spend $12.50 a year if I only spend $7 so far ? 1 Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted April 21, 2011 Author Posted April 21, 2011 Shimano Curado 200B, purchased in 1994, cost:$120 dollars, $120/ 17 years = $7 dollars per year, 100% sure I can squeeze another 10 years out of that reel. Why would I spend $12.50 a year if I only spend $7 so far ? Sounds like youve gotten some good use outta that ol' reel. But, who knows, the Mettle may last 10 years...mine is still like new and it is on its second season. My point is that some people are going to be looking for a quality baitcasting setup and only have $100 to spend or something. I am simply infering that the Mettle is a quality reel for $50 and only $25 when on sale. Not saying go out and sell your Revos and Curados to buy Mettles lol. Just letting people know that there are quality reels for cheaper prices. Not everyone can spend $120-$200 on a reel today. I have been fortunate enough to spend my fair share of money of rods and reels, but the Mettle is a good, cheap alternative. 1 Quote
BuckyKat Posted April 22, 2011 Posted April 22, 2011 Bass_ F, Thanks for the heads up. I'm thinking that for $25.00 it's worth a try no matter how it works out (1,2,or 10 yrs.), I'll be one of the 1st in line when/if they go on sale again. Quote
okiefisher8 Posted April 22, 2011 Posted April 22, 2011 I don't think you'll be disappointed in the Mettle, especially at $25. I picked one up on sale and I haven't had any problems with it. Just get there early, they go fast! Quote
Super User Raul Posted April 22, 2011 Super User Posted April 22, 2011 Just letting people know that there are quality reels for cheaper prices. Not everyone can spend $120-$200 on a reel today. I understand what you mean but I don´t share that point of view, I prefer to spend once even though I have to save by the pennies for months than spend frequently. Not always I had the money to spend in X or Y, specially when I was a student, my first good reel was an AbuGarcia Ambassadeur XLT Plus, back then ( 1986 ) 90 dollars were big bucks, I saved for almost a year before I could get it. I still have that reel and if you think I´ve gotten some good use out of the Curado, well, then you should see what I´ve squeezed out of that reel, it´s still in use ( not as much as it used to ). Different point of views, people reading this thread can choose which way they want to go. I´ve always been skeptical about too good to be true deals. Quote
Sloan Posted April 22, 2011 Posted April 22, 2011 I bought an H20 reel and had problems with the drag. Caught a 2-3lb bass and it pulled drag no matter how hard I tightened it down. When I went back to return it I talked to another guy returning one with the same problem. I'm not saying they are bad reels. I may have just had a lemon. I just decided not to take the chance. I will say that is cast very smooth. Better that my revo s. Now that I think about it, may need to give it another chance Quote
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