Baitcaster Brand

[Masterbasser45]

I am in the market for two new casting reels. I want one for crank baits and the other in a 7 gear ratio for multi purposes. I'm requesting feedback as I want something that is durable and will last me with proper maintenance. I have a line up Shimano Curado K's, Curado MGL'S, Chronarch MGL, and SLX series. I have lews as well (tournament pro lfs, Reg LFS, and a tourney XP exclusive to Cabella's. My price range is 100 to 225. I'm looking at two lew's in the new custom SLP and the new BB1 Pro.

I also want to add any suggestions for two good spinning reels. I run Dobyn and Ark rods.

[Princeton_Man]

I'm about 60/40 Diawa and Lew's. It's been 20 years or more since I used any Shimano reels. Most of my Lew's are Tournament Speed Spools that I think were all in the $179-$199 price range and they've held up spectacularly. I've swapped out a few bearings for some ceramics but none have ever needed any repairs.


I like the new Custom SLP  and the BB1 Pro would make a great cranking reel. That new 20lb drag is nice.

[Masterbasser45]

I'm about 60/40 Diawa and Lew's. It's been 20 years or more since I used any Shimano reels. Most of my Lew's are Tournament Speed Spools that I think were all in the $179-$199 price range and they've held up spectacularly. I've swapped out a few bearings for some ceramics but none have ever needed any repairs.


I like the new Custom SLP  and the BB1 Pro would make a great cranking reel. That new 20lb drag is nice.

Thanks for your feedback. Ive not put a lot of time on my Lews and I was curious about their durability. What Daiwa reels do you use?

[Princeton_Man]

I'm about 60/40 Diawa and Lew's. It's been 20 years or more since I used any Shimano reels. Most of my Lew's are Tournament Speed Spools that I think were all in the $179-$199 price range and they've held up spectacularly. I've swapped out a few bearings for some ceramics but none have ever needed any repairs.


I like the new Custom SLP  and the BB1 Pro would make a great cranking reel. That new 20lb drag is nice.

Thanks for your feedback. Ive not put a lot of time on my Lews and I was curious about their durability. What Daiwa reels do you use?

Mostly CT100 Type R and SVTW 103 and they've held up equally well. I'm kind of torn between the two. One thing I like about the Tatula is being able to pop the spool release back up with my thumb rather than having two turn the crank. I'm one of those guys who casts right and cranks right, so that's a nifty feature for pitching and flipping. I've upgraded bearings in several of my Lews as well as some of my standard Tatulas and I believe they cast equally as well as the Type Rs.

[Hobious]

i love my Shimano MGL 150.  i fish from awkward positions and some of my casts are dubious at best.  like a backhand roll casts.  its crazy how often i need to backhand cast off a kayak.  i just seem to fish things counterclockwise i suppose.

i have one spooled with 12lb flouro as my multi-tasker and it is just so accurate.  i can bomb them, roll cast them, etc.  right now, i have a tiny worm weight with a 5" senko crushing the bass about 3" from tules in deeper waters.  they only bite if i ride the edge of the plantlife.  that rod/reel (733 Dobyns Fury) really works.

[1ReelFanatik]

I'm partial to my Daiwa BG even though they run a bit heavier than many.  But I was told after taking a test at the end of 4 weeks of physical therapy, that I have above average strength for my age (73 at the time and wasn't up to 100% yet).  Lot of people much younger than I am look for the lightest possible options.

I hear Shimano makes decent spinning reels.  Both companies offer several models for less than $100.

I have a Bantam MGL, 19 Scorpion MGL, SLX 71 MGL and a 16 Scorpion 71HG.  The HG has been out twice.  Others are still in the box.  I found Shimano's new braking system to be more finicky (for me) to dial in than their older reels.