Baitcaster

[stlfisher]

The Shimano Citica is easily the best bang for your buck. I love mine and I have heard very few complaints regarding anything Shimano.

[gotmuddy]

The problem with bearings ar two fold, one you never know what quality you're getting in cheaper reels. I can almost guarantee that a reel with a lot of bearings and and a low cost is not going to be filled with quality bearings. The other is that a lot of bearings create more of an illusion than fact. There are only a few that really matter. The spool bearings can promote better casting, and bearings on both ends of the level wind shaft can also help. The anti reverse avoids the take up of slack in a mechanical anti reverse, which also requires more parts and makes the roller bearing cheaper. The rest of the bearings are more show then practical, they can make the reel a little smoother, but they also provide more opportunity for foreign matter to enter and more surface area to be effected. Good design, close machine work and quality bushings will trump a bunch of cheap bearings any day.

I agree to an extent. I have no idea where BPS hid 3 or 4 of the bearings in the reel but it feels like two are in the handles. They turn incredibly smooth and little things like that really help keep fatigue down on a long day. The smoother the reel the less fatigue on your hands and arms I think.

[Eagle Rock]

Cabela's has a great sale on Quantum PT Catalyst reels. These reels retail for $149.99 and they have a model close out sale going on and the reels are $89.99.

I have several Quantum PT reels and love them. They are fairly easy to use, dependable and high performance.

Here is the link: http://www.cabelas.com

You won't be sorry

[Trevor K]

Cabela's has a great sale on Quantum PT Catalyst reels. These reels retail for $149.99 and they have a model close out sale going on and the reels are $89.99.

I have several Quantum PT reels and love them. They are fairly easy to use, dependable and high performance.

Here is the link: http://www.cabelas.com

You won't be sorry

That is the one I ended up getting. I figured with it being on sale it would be worth a try. We'll see if it works out.

[et84]

IMO, go with a Citica. It's my only baitcaster- great all purpose reel. I've had no trouble with it whatsoever, and have used it for 2 years.

[David Unnerstall]

River Hills Traveler had an article in February on Ardent Reels made here in Missouri. Does anyone have any experience with them?