Baitcaster opinions

woobam said:

Well my chronarch had went into the shop a couple weeks ago and they said they couldn't fix it so I'm in the market for a new bait casting reel. Don't want to spend a whole lot of money but I want the best reel for my buck. What do you all use? Got any recommendations for me a new reel? Thanks in advance

Click to expand...

I've heard good things about the lews inshore baitcaster. I have the 3000 inshore spinning reel and I love it. The baitcaster will probably be my next reel.

A lot of people love the new curado and I hear a lot about revos. I have the chronarch ci4+ and love it, along with my older Calcuttas

I was die hard revo sx for a long time and its a great reel but i dont think i have picked it up since i got the new curado. Cant go wrong with either.

I just bought another Lews tournament pro. Awesome reel. $150 on ebay

I had the chronarch ci4+, brought it to sports cause it was less than a month or two old and was completely corroded even though it was washed after each use. He called his shimano rep and they actually pulled all the ones he had out of his shop until they figured out what was up with it. I have a friend with the old curado haven't heard much about how the new ones are. I have a calcutta 200 but it seems like i can get out further with a snoopy rod than that thing, just not a fan of it I guess or mine needs cleaning maybe? Lol

That's strange about your ci4. I usually rinse mine and oil it after every trip as the little yellow instruction sheet in the box recommended. Have you adjusted your brakes on the Calcutta? I find the older ones to work better than the more recent ones. For what it's worth, I've never heard a complaint about a Lews

I got a revo mgxtreme on a bucoo micro and 30lb braid. Weighs 8.2 oz. and I love it. My lews speed spool is on a castaway skeleton with 12 lb seagar and it casts like a dream. Funny thing is that my favorite all around go to rod is my Falcon coastal popper with the Penn pursuit PUR64LP low profile baitcaster with 12lb seagar. I bought reel on sale for $50 at Acadamy and the rod was $70. If you don't want to spend alot of dough I recommend it. Id put it against my other reels any time.

I'm a Curado guy. But my bud just picked up a Revo STX...smoooooth!

I with Kyle, especially when you mention bang for buck, the Lews Tournament Pro is hard to beat.

I'll have to check out the lews, are they all rated for saltwater use? I really don't need to spend over $100.

I don't fish saltwater but here is another vote for LEW'S. I bought 2 speed spools last year and they are great.

I too have a Lews Spped Spool and it is a great reel. However, you might want to look at the H2o Mettle reel at Academy. It's a very nice reel and casts a mile. I have one on a Speedeaux rod and it is my go to combo for Spec fishing. The H2o has the same features of the more expensive reels such as a removable side cover and adjustable brakes. I've caught some good sized Reds and never had a problem. Check em out..

I'm a Revo fan myself. Had one issue with mine that is about three years old. Easy to get the part and easy to fix. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the ones suggested though. Just gotta go hold them and see what feels good to you.

The new curado is a great reel for the money, but my favorites are the chronarch ci4 and the revo premier.

woobam said:

Well my chronarch had went into the shop a couple weeks ago and they said they couldn't fix it so I'm in the market for a new bait casting reel. Don't want to spend a whole lot of money but I want the best reel for my buck. What do you all use? Got any recommendations for me a new reel? Thanks in advance

Click to expand...

price range you wanting to spend? You will get a lot of great ideas but many might not fit the price range you are looking at.

nevermind... I just saw your other post!

wild bill said:

you might want to look at the H2o Mettle reel at Academy. It's a very nice reel and casts a mile. I have one on a Speedeaux rod and it is my go to combo for Spec fishing. The H2o has the same features of the more expensive reels such as a removable side cover and adjustable brakes. I've caught some good sized Reds and never had a problem. Check em out..

Click to expand...

With 10 ball bearings for the $ you may want to check out the H2O Mettle MT2. I have heard over and over they are a lot more reel than their price would lead to believe. Remember more money doesn't always mean better.

Troutman said:

I agree with SJ and Wild Bill. I've heard great things about this reel. If I had $100 to spend on reels, I would buy two of these (couple times per year this reel goes on sale for about $50 or less)

Click to expand...

May have to watch these for a sale. I have finally gotten to three Revos. One for top, one to jig and one for suspend. That way I can try different stuff quick but there is always that chance of the day ending backlash on one. Having a spare of some quality without dropping a ton would be nice for that situation or when ones in the shop.

hoyt said:

May have to watch these for a sale. I have finally gotten to three Revos. One for top, one to jig and one for suspend. That way I can try different stuff quick but there is always that chance of the day ending backlash on one. Having a spare of some quality without dropping a ton would be nice for that situation or when ones in the shop.

Click to expand...

I picked up 2 of these last thanksgiving for $29.00 a piece at Academy, and they are very good reels. The only thing is when you buy it, you have to oil it up out of the box. Side plate bearing, worm gear and spool tension bearing all need oil. Once you do that it works like a champ...I've waded with them here in TX and they work great!