Baitcast Reel
What is the best baitcast reel for 200$ or less?
If you aren’t the tuning type (adding high performance bearings and polishing the gears and meshing parts) then here are the three best batcasters for under 200.
If you’re throwing light baits, and lighter presentations, then you should be looking at a Daiwa Sol. It comes with a V-Mag brake (as opposed to Z-Mag), allowing for less interference of the magnetic control, and therefore there is less tension placed on the spool during startup and at the max spool speed. This reel will outcast anything in it’s class if you know how to manage cast control. Other Daiwa offerings in that price range use Z-Mag. It’s designed with heavier lures/baits in mind.
For the guy who isn’t a specialist, and just wants a good all around reel – there are two that you should be looking at. One is the Curado E and the other is the Abu Revo STX. Here’s the biggest difference to note right off the bat – the Revo is a 6.4:1 reel. The new Curado comes as either 7.0:1 (the E7) or 5.0:1 (the E5). So, before going out and making up your mind, know what you’re about to look at.
The STX and the Curado have been compared all over, and there is no conclusive “winner” in that battle. Out of the box, the Revo will cast a little better than the Shimano. The Shimano uses cetrifugal braking while the STX uses magnetic. The drags both reels are great. And as a side note, although the claim on the STX is that it generates 24lbs of drag, I’ve not been able to get it past 18lbs. That’s still enough drag to slow almost anything. Considering I am able to whoop 40+lb king salmon using reels that only generate 5lbs of drag pressure, anything over 10lbs is just a bonus. The STX has a tendency to get what some call noisy. Basically, the bearings begin to make a whrrring noise. What most don’t understand though, is that the STX can come DRY, unlubed bearings. The HPR bearings in the STX are high quality, and can be run dry, no problem. However, if the reel makes a little noise and that annoys you too much, just lube it with thin viscosity oil, and that’s it – no more noise.
Aside from the Curado, there is the Citica. The only differences between the two reels is the extra bearing on the left side and the spool. The spool of the Citica is heavier, and therefore takes more energy to get going. It’s not going to cast nearly as well as the Curado. The Citica is, however, a 6:1 reel – filling the gap created by the Curado. You can always add the bearing yourself and change the spool to the Curado – You’d be spending just a LITTLE less than if you had bought the Curado instead.
There aren’t any Daiwa baitcasters in the 200 range that I’d consider given the performance and abilities of the Curado and the STX.
I own both reels, and a whole lot more than those. Speaking from experience and actual knowledge – I’ve used everything from the high end Pfluegers to the high end Daiwas to Shimano to both PT Quantums and a whole slough of reels in between.
Been there – done that…..
Fishing – Casting a Bait Casting Reel
|
|
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Record Baitcast Round Reel (4 Ball-Bearin The super smooth Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Classic Round Baitcast Reels are perfect when your fishing requires a quick retrieve. The Ambassadeur C4’s four stainless steel bearings with Instant Anti-ReverseTM and its non-slip spool combine to deliver tremendous hook setting power. The Ambassadeur C4 is complete with a six pin centrifugal brake, Carbon Matrix DragTM system and chemical coated levelw… |
|
|
Curado 201E7 Baitcasting Low Profile Reel $161.96 Curado 201E7 Baitcasting Low Profile Reel… |
|
|
Shakespeare Barbie Backpack Kit Combo $14.97 Shakespeare Barbie Backpack Combo Fishing Kit. A fun, affordable way to foster a love of fishing! Fun Barbie-styled fishing gear in a see-through backpack! It’s all you’ll need to get started… the telescoping rod and reel come pre-spooled to get you started right away. You also get a tackle box, practice casting plug, even a pair of sunglasses! It’s a boatload of fun for your little one, the rig… |
|
|
SHIMANO TEKOTA TEK300 BAITCAST REEL. $155.00 SHIMANO TEKOTA TEK300 BAITCAST REEL Features Diecast Aluminum Frame Stamped Aluminum Right Sideplate Aluminum Braced Graphite Non-Handle Sideplate Aluminum Spool Rod Clamp Manual Clutch (excluding 300 LC 500LC & 600LC which are Auto-Return) A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) Super Stopper Assist Stopper Dartainium Drag Oversized Cast Control Knob Clicker Septon Handle Grips Over… |
|
|
Shakespeare Medium Action Travel Mate Telescopic Kit Combo (6-Feet 6-Inch) $26.68 Shakespeare Travel Mate Pack Rod Kit packs small and carries easy. Rod collapses down to just 15″. Great for hiking, backpacking and more. A buddy of mine keeps one in his big rig! More: 7-Pc., 6′6″ medium action collapsing rod; Graphite 35 size spinning reel with ball bearing drive and line; Hard-sided case with snap-lock lid and carry handle and built in storage compartments. Perfect for fishing… |
|
|
Shakespeare® Telescoping Spinning Rod $17.99 Shakespeare Telescoping Pack Rods… super portable, your choice of length and style! From the Shakespeare Travel Mate series, Telescoping Pack Rods that are loaded with value and quality. Easy to bring anywhere… backpacking, camping, hiking. Or just keep one in the car for those chance encounters with a gorgeous stream. There are two Spinning and one Casting models here. All feature lightweight… |
|
|
Shakespeare Two-Piece Medium Action Spectrum Spincast Combo (5-Feet 6-Inch, Colors May Vary) $12.48 Shakespeare Spectrum 5′6″ Spincast Combo offers a beginner set-up at a DOUBLE-TAKE PRICE! A great way to introduce your little fishing buddy to all the joys of your favorite pastime! 5′6″ 2-Pc. tubular fiberglass rod for easy portability; EVA foam grips for comfy handling; E-Z Cast 8 spincasting reel with 8-lb. line. and smooth adjustable drag; Medium action; Comes in red or blue (sorry, no choice… |
|
|
Okuma Induron 250LX Baitcast Reel $78.99 The Induron series of classic round baitcasting reels uses precision engineering. This fishing reel features the same technology of tournament-grade offshore reels. |
|
|
Okuma Induron 150A Baitcast Fishing Reel $78.99 The Induron series of classic round baitcasting reels uses precision engineering. This fishing reel features the same technology of tournament-grade offshore reels. |
|
|
Okuma V100 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel $86.99 This Vsystem fishing reel from Okuma contains nine (9) high-performance stainless steel ball bearings. The reel features a one-piece aluminum frame, brass-cut gears and a smooth multi-drag system. |
|
|
Okuma San Juan 150 Casting Reel $51.99 Catch more fish with a classic round baitcasting reel from Okuma San Juan seriesFishing reel features innovative technology and Fishing reel is smooth, strong and accurate, making it the ultimate round baitcasting reel |