First Baitcasting Reel

[Dylanl]

I'm new to the forum and am looking for a little advice on my first baitcasting reel. I've wanted to try one now for a few years and finally decided to get one this summer. The two I'm really looking at are the BPS Pro Qualifier and Abu Garcia Revo SX. They're in different price ranges but that's part of my question. Would the Revo be something that would be easier to learn on or harder? If it would make learning easier I wouldn't mind spending the extra money but only if it will really help. I was also thinking I'd get either one in the 6.4:1 because I was told it would be the better all around ratio. Just trying to make sure that's true rather than going with the speed of the 7.1:1 ratio. Thanks in advance for the help.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Ive never tried the revo. I own a pro qualifier and it is a great reel. Its easy to cast and I think it would be a wonderful reel to learn on.

[throwback]

Ive never tried the revo. I own a pro qualifier and it is a great reel. Its easy to cast and I think it would be a wonderful reel to learn on.

I agree. Just got a pro qualifier.

[deep]

Agree with what the other guys said. If you want to spend around a hundred dollars, get yourself a Shimano Citica E. You won't regret it.

Both the PQ and the Citica are really easy reels to learn on. These were the first two baitcasters I owned. I love the Citica more than the PQ, but you have a winner either way.

Some folks really like dual-braking (the PQ or 2010 revos) over just centrifugal brakes (like Shimano reels). Personally, I didn't care for the mag braking on the PQ, and set it to zero, with one or two centri brakes on. I never had any problems fishing the Citica, or my Curado (same braking system), even in heavy wind. I just use three brakes, instead of one or two, under "less than ideal" conditions.

I did buy a Revo, an STX, once; I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. I guess it was user-error though, rather than the reel. But I'm never purchasing another Revo with mag brakes again, ever.

As for the gear ratio, I don't think it's a big deal. 6.x:1 reels are thought to be better all-around though.

Good luck.

[Bluebasser86]

The PQ is a good reel and they have it on sale fairly often throughout the year if you keep your eyes open. I agree with deep that I'd rather have a reel with centrifugal brakes than mag breaks, just seems to a lot easier to set and avoid backlashes for me. I had a Revo SX and it seemed really difficult to get set right for some reason. One cast it would work great, next cast I'd get overrun for no apparent reason. For the price range you're looking at, I'd get a Shimano Caenan or Citica, I don't think you'd be disappointed.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There are a lot of fine choices for a baitcast reel in the $100 price range. It's almost hard to go wrong. If I were to buy a store brand reel the BPS PQ is a safe choice. I prefer either dual breaking or centrifugal only. Whatever brand you settle on, setup is critical. There are tons of posts and articles on the site to walk you through the process.

[northern basser]

IMO shimano's centrifugal braking system seems to be more forgiving than some other brands. Especially if you use 3 or 4 brakes to start out with. Once you get use to it, 2 brakes is usually enough.

[bassin is addicting]

if its any help...

i asked about the same question... which BC to get for my first one... and was pointed toward the Citica... after research i took the advice from here...

i just bought a new one on EBay last night for $90.

i can't wait for it to get here and start....learning....

good luck...

[guitarkid]

I would get the Pro Qualifier, If you are going from all spinning reels, I would suggest getting a left handed model.

-gk

[murphy_31047]

I switched from spinning and got a pro qualifier left hand retrieve, it was very easy to learn on, though I highly recommend using braid. If you have a few extra bucks get the bps carbon lite, I hear that it is even better than some very high dollar reels.