Who makes the best Reels?

[Sniper82]

Going with a low end baitcaster. Both are $40-$50 range. Would you go with Shimano or Pinnacle? Or maybe Abu Garcia Ambassadeur?

 

[KLin]

Shimano, Fenwick, etc. etc. etc.

 

[arcenite]

ReelC00l

 

[eakers]

i grew up with shimanos. don't fish much anymore though 🙁

 

[Aquaman]

I used to use a lot of Daiwa.......... but I have not been fishing for years.......... I don't know what's popular now.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[Doodoo]

I like daiwas and shimanos.

 

[PlasticJesus]

In the 40 to 50 dollar range it doesn't matter.

When you get up into the 300 to 400 dollar range, I like the Shimano with it's system of adjustable internal weights.

I hope you've used a baitcaster before. If not, it can sure be frustrating. Certainly if you get one of those barrel-shaped Ambassadeurs like they sell at Wal-Mart.

 

[DaveSimmons]

The Scots.

 

[shilala]

I like Shimano, but that's just because they're the only outfit that made nice, smooth reels in the day. I wouldn't have a clue who makes a decent baitcaster nowadays. I always used a spinning reel with limp trilene for flipping. Baitcasters gave me heartburn.

 

[Tylanner]

Shakespeare

 

[BrokenVisage]

Penn Reels are the way to go, great craftsmanship.

 

[shilala]

Originally posted by: BrokenVisage
Penn Reels are the way to go, great craftsmanship.

Penn just makes saltwater spinning/surfcasting stuff, don't they?

 

[sharkeeper]

Penn is da bomb.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Originally posted by: shilala

Originally posted by: BrokenVisage
Penn Reels are the way to go, great craftsmanship.

Penn just makes saltwater spinning/surfcasting stuff, don't they?

They probably make some freshwater reels, but you may be right. However I do only fish off the Atlantic and Penn has been the most resistant to the salt, seaweed, and misfires on casts.

 

[Ophir]

Low priced baitcaster? What are you using it for? What size line? Low profile or round? Can you go up in price to ~$70?

For heavier line (12-17lb) I'd go with the Abu 6500C3 (and it can be modded for cheap). Lighter line (< 12lb) I'd go with Shimano Calyx 100A.

Never heard of pinnacle. Some people also swear by the Bass Pro Shops reels. I can't really comment since I've never seen one in person. Build quality means alot in reels.

 

[Tea Bag]

Originally posted by: ^Sniper^
Going with a low end baitcaster. Both are $40-$50 range. Would you go with Shimano or Pinnacle? Or maybe Abu Garcia Ambassadeur?

I would go with the Abu Garcia. I would also take a look at okuma's products if you can find one locally for cheaper. They may be a little bit out of your price range above though.

 

[James3shin]

Penn is primarily for the salts and surfs....and I LOVE them, brought up with them and can't get enough of them. I used Shimano's when I was younger for salt/surf as well, and must say that they were SMOOOTH, but I've had a few go bad on me. I hear Shimano is pretty good about replacing reels that go bad now...But to get back on topic, I must say for freshwater, Shimano does make some nice stuff as does A. Garcia.

 

[PlasticJesus]

Originally posted by: sharkeeper
Penn is da bomb.

As concerns spinning reels, I would agree 100%. I absolutely love the positive feel of the Slammer series.

 

[shilala]

I don't want to pick nits, but the OP wants a low end baitcaster, not a high end spinning reel.
You might as well tell him to gather up a Kitchenaid mixer as talk Penns. 😉

 

[AbAbber2k]

Hah, you can tell I don't fish much... first thing I thought of was... "wtf... movie reels?"

 

[Sniper82]

Yeah I am just fishing for Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass. I prefer 12-14lb. I don't fish enough to justify giving more than $50 for a reel. I already have a rod.

(Similar to this)
http://www.abugarcia.com/products/PreDe...ssCategoryStructureId=1333&PassLevel=2

(Shimano)
http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content.../reels/reels_low_profile/Callisto.html

(Pinn cheaper buying local)
http://www.silstar.com/guide/breels_extant.html