New Baitcaster

[Trevor K]

Hey guys,

I'm not exactly sure where to post this, but was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for a new baitcaster. I'd like to keep it under $200. Thanks!

[LittleRedFisherman]

I haven't compared a bunch a different reels, but when I decided to to the baitcaster route, many sang the praises shimano. I now have 2 Curado's, and one Citica and absolutely love them. I got mine on Ebay and ran a little cheaper than they do at the stores. There I could get the Curado's for around 130, and the Citica's around 100$. They cast great, and I can even cast pretty light stuff with them, of course I also paired them with some pretty good rods which helps.

[Al Agnew]

I agree...can't go wrong with the Curados or Citicas...and you have your choice of retrieve speed.

[riverrat]

I bought a Lew's Tournament Speed Spool a couple months ago from Tackle Warehouse. I think I paid around $110 with a 15% discount and free shipping. I like it well enough that it's replaced my Curado as my buzzbait reel. Haven't used it enough to comment on durability.

[Mitch f]

Since I've lost my good curados in a canoe spill last year, I looked into replacing them with new curados, I just couldn't see the same quality/value ratio. Like Riverrat, I bought the Lew's and am very satisfied. Mine was the lower end Sh1Sh model with the 7:1 ratio. Was only $75 (I think) brand new from eBay. The drag and braking system are the best

[Quillback]

Just for the record, last year Shimano changed their product line names. The old Curado is now called the Chronarch. Old Citica is now the new Curado. Paint is different but other than that, the same reels just rebranded. So, you may want to look at a Shimano Chronarch, which is the same as the old green Curado. It's less than $200 so it's in your price range.

Lots of good reviews on the Lews. The Gen 3 Abu Garcia Revo STX's are another great reel, some folks don't like the large gear box on the STX so check that out if you consider one. You can pick them up, NIB on Ebay for around $160.00.

[Trevor K]

Thanks for the suggestions. Feel free to keep them coming. Also, is eBay my best bet at finding a good price? I see one posted mentioned tackle warehouse. Any other places that you guys would recommend?

[Quillback]

Ebay is a good place to check, but make sure you buy from a reputable seller (check feedback). Basstackledepot.com currently has a %30 discount sale, I'd take a look there. Tacklecenter.com has a %40 sale going on some items, their reel inventory is slim, but I believe they carry Lews. Tacklewarehouse is a great online store, but I don't know that they have a sale going right now.

[UnCivE]

Man, I can't see how you could pass up a Citica or Curado at that price. My max for reels is about 150 bucks, and I've got a fleet of Abu Garcia Premiers and Stx's right now that I love, but Curado's have ALWAYS been rock solid and would be my first recommendation.

[moguy1973]

Can't really go wrong with the BPS Pro Qualifier.