new fishing reel

[Bitethis]

So i recently purchased a Shimano Curado i after much research, consideration, and input from the forums. $180...first reel I have purchased over $99. I Have a Shimano Caena, and I like it well enough, so I had very high expectations for the Curado. After 3 fishing trips and countless casts, I just wasn't as impressed as I expected to be for $180. I was actually a little disappointed. It sounded like a motorcycle reving its engine when I cast, which was the most annoying part. It felt well-built, it reeled pretty smooth, and the drag was very nice. However, I felt like my BPS PQ was just as good of a reel (and that isn't a knock on the PQ, I have 4 of them and like them) I guess I felt like all the hype was from brand loyal fellas, which I can understand.

I returned it to Basspro to exchange for something in the same price point because, dang it, I will be satisfied with spending $180 on a fishing reel, as everyone tells me I will be able to tell the difference! I did a little more research, asked a couple different guys behind the reel counter - which I will no longer be doing. 1 guy said get the revo SX, its amazing. The next guy said the Revo S and SX are junk, nothing near as good as gen2. I asked them about the Quantum Smoke ($179) - "oh yeah, great reel, never gets returned, guys love it." I asked about the Daiwa Tatula($149), to which both gentlemen said several employees have them and love them, cast a mile, twing is legit, etc. However, both guys also directed me to the Johnny Morris Signature Series ($159), saying it is a bit heavier (8oz) but that it is a tank, will last forever, and casts very well! My goal was to get a solid reel, well built and long lasting, casts well, and minimize backlash potential with the elite breaking system provided by the $180 price tag more so than my uneducated thumb.

At the end of the day I went with the Tatula, based on everything I read and nothing the guys behind the counter told me. I read their Magforce breaking system is legit, casts a country mile, and will stand up to the test of time. After a few practice casts in my yard, it does cast a mile. Got away from me pretty quick actually, was a little surprised. Not sold on the breaking system yet, as nothing will compare to live fishing scene versus your backyard. I initially went with curado because of centrifugal breaking, as most my backlashes are up front. The Tatula seemed to require a little more expertise, which may stretch me and cause me to earn that.

This was more of a rant than anything else. If I am not happy with the Tatula, I am not sure I will be sold on spending more than $100 on a reel ever again, as my PQ's have served me VERY well (and their redesign and deployment is on the horizon).

[dblades]

A good cleaning and re-lube would have probably cleaned up the whining. Shimano is notorious for greasing bearings on new reels that really just need good oil..

[moguy1973]

Look at the Lew's reels. I have the entry level Speed Spool and it's my favorite reel and casts a mile compared to my other reels. The Tournament Pro Speed Spools are about the price you paid for that Curado and I've heard they are spectacular reels.

[dtrs5kprs]

Look at the Lew's reels. I have the entry level Speed Spool and it's my favorite reel and casts a mile compared to my other reels. The Tournament Pro Speed Spools are about the price you paid for that Curado and I've heard they are spectacular reels.

Yep. There are several Lew's reels that will outperform a curado or revo, and leave you with money for line and baits.

[GNSfishing]

I'll have to say that after 65 years of fishing and I have tried and used several brands and styles of reels. The Lew's reels now days are the best reels for the buck. I use the Lew's Tournament Pro TS1SH and TP1SH there not much difference between those 2 reels both are excellent. Of course they make other reels above and below those 2 models but I've found that those 2 do all I need in a reel. I also use the Lew's TS200H & TS300H in their spinning reels and have found the same results with those also.

[WeekendWarrior]

I would look for used old curado 100b, 200b, chronarch 100mg, 50mg, 100sf for $50 to $150. These reels are beast and one of the best reels ever made for the money. Started working on own reels and some buddies updating with carbontex drap washers, have done about 20 to 30 reels and not a whole lot to them. Have some curados from 1980s and still going strong.

[abkeenan]

Not sure why anyone buys reels at BPS when you can find them online for MUCH MUCH less. You can get a Tatula for 99.99 shipped to your door off Ebay brand new in the box. I just had one delivered yesterday actually. It's for my brother but I've handled them before and they remind me a lot of my Curado E's. Solidly built reels but will slap it on a rod and see how it performs in 2 weeks. Have heard nothing but good things about the Tatula so I'm sure it will be a winner but like others have said can't go wrong with Lew's and again look online and you can get them for 75% or less at what you see in stores.

[J-Doc]

I have 3 or 4 BPS Extreme reels, 2 BPS Prolites (discontinued), a Shimano reel I won from Jimmy Houston (literally), and I have several Academy H20 Mettle reels. The BPS reels I've had since 2004-2005. Never had them serviced by a reel mechanic. I just clean them and re-lube them once a year. The Prolites I've had for almost as long. The H20 reels I've had for about 2-3yes now and they will OUTCAST everything I have. I use one for A-rigs.

I've only paid over $100 for a baitcaster once. I returned it. I just don't think they are worth over $100 and most of mine, I've paid $50-60. Oh. I do have a BPS Pro Qualifier. It's super smooth and casts crankbaits awesomely. I really like it and it's a $100 reel.

I've not bought into the hype of Lews and Shimano. I am happier with lesser expensive equipment in general. Rods included. I have 3 St Croix Avid rods and a St Croix Mojo bass. Awesome rods. I also have some H20 rods and they are super light and great. I've broke a few, Academy just keeps exchanging them for me.

I dont buy into all they hype. I shop for what I like and what has good reviews. Then I check it out for myself.

That's just me.

[rogerdodger]

Lew's Tourney pro's all the way for baitcasters and Pflueger Mg. Supreme for spinning. Best bang for the buck, big discounts everyday on ebay. There was a time when every reel I owned was a Shimano but they just don't stack up in the "bang for the buck" category anymore.....

[Jim Elam]

Look at the Lew's reels. I have the entry level Speed Spool and it's my favorite reel and casts a mile compared to my other reels. The Tournament Pro Speed Spools are about the price you paid for that Curado and I've heard they are spectacular reels.

What he said...

My Revo SX is and underachiever. It is temperamental with wind and lure weight, and you have to fiddle with it to dial it in when you change baits or wind conditions. I honestly like my PQ's better (a lot better). I'm an old Ambassaduer fan, but the Revo is inferior to the PQs and the Lew's IMO. Honestly like my old 4600 CBs from 1983 better.

None come close to my Lew's. They are simply the best reels I have ever cast. That said, I don't own a Curado or Tatula. I can't imagine a nicer reel than a Tournament MG or Tournament Pro though.

That said, I sure hope you like that Tatula.