New baitcasting reel

[frenchbritt]

Looking to gift myself a new baitcasting reel for Christmas. I am looking at Lews brand and my budget is $200. Looking for suggestions. Thanks and Merry Christmas everyone.

[Al Agnew]

I've been finding it difficult to choose baitcasting reels.  Basically, anything in the Lews line that is between $100 and $200 is good, but which one is best?  I've gone mostly by weight.  The way I like to fish, an ounce or so in weight can make a difference in a long day of fishing.  As for which ones cast best, handle light lures best, are most durable, etc., I just can't tell you.  The ones I own are good, but are they the best?  I'll be interested in hearing what others say.  

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

Daiwa Tatula all the way

[Mitch f]

Man, I’ve gone almost full circle on these...I started out with a Daiwa Millionaire then went to Abu Garcia, then was Shimano for a long time, when they kind of got rid of the Curado I liked, I switched to Lew’s for a few years. Now I’m back to Daiwa and probably not going back. 
My advice: if you can go slightly more than $200 I would go with the cheapest model Daiwa that you can buy an SV spool with. I believe it’s the Tatula.

[Mitch f]

[snagged in outlet 3]

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Tatula_CT_Casting_Reel/descpage-T1.html

$89 

[Bushbeater]

I'd go with the Tatula CT Snagged linked to. A good price for a nice reel. I've used one for a couple years and it's my favorite rig. The SV is supposed to be better for control and light lures but the regular CT works fine for me.

[Mitch f]

There is a lot to be said for getting used to a reel. Once you get them dialed in it’s sometimes difficult to quickly change to a completely different reel during the day. It’s best to keep the variables constant. But I’m as guilty as the next guy for not doing that.

[Al Agnew]

I'm not quite as sold on the Daiwa Tatula SV as others are.  I've given mine a good workout, and it's been good but no better than several other reels I use.   Part of the problem seems to be that it needs a lot more regular maintenance than I usually give my reels.  I gotta say that, of all the reels I currently use, including several Lews, Garcia, and Shimanos as well as both the Tatula SV and the cheaper Tatula, my Shimano Citica from several years back may be my favorite, and the cheaper Lews Mach 1 is about as good as the more expensive Lews I own.

[rps]

For many years I was a devoted Shimano fan. Then, after the Curado D, the quality dropped to cheap plastic, unless you bought the JDM versions. The top end Abu Garcias, the top end Lews, and the top end Diawas are all excellent. My rod box has the Lews and the Abu Garcias. Sadly, the $200 level marks the price point difference between good and excellent. At $199, I suggest the Lews BB1 Pro Speed Spool or the Abu Garcia STX Low Profile reel. But I also urge you to take the next step up. A Revo Premiere ($255) or a Lew's Custom Lite SLP Speed Spool ($279) are markedly better, IMO. I hope you find what you wish to spend and what you like.