New Casting Reel

[smallmouthjoe]

I'm in the market for a new casting reel and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. Ive always used the abu- garica ambassador series and never had any problems with them, but I'm looking to expand my horizons a bit. I'm looking to spend between 100 to 150$ and all i need is something that is durable and fast. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

[DoctaJ]

well, BPS last day for the reel trade in was today. That would have been your best price. There are many choices for that dollar amount. You say fast so I assume a 7:1? Pflueger sumit (it's being discontinued) is around 150 and it's a 7:1. There is also the centina which is a 7:1 for around 89. The only beef I have with Plueger is that taking the side plate off with the handle, you have to turn the handle backwards to get it off (feels like your breaking the reel).

The Revo by Abu Garcia would be a good choice. The SX (black model) was Bass Masters best buy for the money reel. It will run you around 160.00. It comes in a 6 and 7 gear ratio. The revo's are known for their drag (25lbs). Most people don't know this but BPS helped Gracia design the reel, and the drag that is in the Revo is the same in the Johnny Morris reels. There is a 20 dollar rebate with the revos right now too if you buy one that is 109 and up.

Diawa has some good selections too. The TD Pro (which is exclusively made for BPS) is a nice reel, I believe it has 8 bb. All other diawas are high dollar, above 200.

I'm not a big fan of quantum, but they have the KVD reel for 109.99. It comes in a 5,6, and 7 speed with left or right hand retrieve. Was a bad reel when it came out last spring, but since they have worked out the kinks of it. The design looks cool too.

Last but not least, my favorite, the new shimano curado. The curado comes in a 5 or 7 speed. It has centrificals breaks, no magnets. Very low profile and light in the hands. I don't like shimano the company b/c they are arrogant, but they make some good stuff.

Hope this helps, if you have any specific questions pm me and I'll try to help you out.

[Dutch]

In that price range you can't go wrong with a Shimano Citica. Used hard and properly maintained it will probably last 30-40 years. If you bump up the range then the Curado will fit and is a great reel. I don't own any other brands so I can't speak to them but the returned reels at the BPS outlet should give a clue as to what not to buy.

[Flippin]

For the money I think the Shimano Citica is a good reel. I have 2 of them and they work great. They redesigned it a little this year. I have not used the new design but I would assume it is still a good reel.

[smallmouthjoe]

Thanks for the suggestions. I've never used a shimano before but I always hear good things.

[ohmz138]

I personally think that for an all around reel with lots of sizes and models to choose from, the Bass Pro Shops Extreme reel (or reel and rod combo) is your best bet. Plus any size seel and rod combination, even at regular price, is under $150, during their spring classic sale every year you can pick up that combo for 100 bucks. Thats my two bits.

[BigD1030]

I agree with everyone Shimano makes a great reel. I own some curado's and they are smooth and the 7:1 ratio is awsome for finesse fishing it is a pleasure to use. I also use some Shimano Calcutta's which are my personal favorite they fish like a dream, but they cost a little more than a citica or curado. I think you can pick one up at BPS for around $180.oo. you might want to check them out. This year I went to Lake Baccarac in Mexico and took out the Calcutta out for the first time and was very pleased.

[hoglaw]

I'm one of the unfortunate ones that got a "Shibindo" Citica. From what I've read, the tolerances are all so tight on machining that a certain number of these reels have serious binding problems. Mine is one of them. Apparently there are a couple of fixes. Though Shimano denies any of their reels have a binding problem, they'll do a kit install on these for free I think. I chose option B, which is basically to power through the binding until you essentially grind a higher tolerance into the reel. Now it seems to be working much better.