ChiCityBasser

My first B/C was a Cabelas Prodigy for $79.99 and it is a pretty good reel to learn to use and like someone said spend the time practicing cause that will take alot of the frustration of learning out of the equation. I think BPS and Cabelas might still have the Quantum Accurist PT on sale for around $50-60 and its a pretty good reel. You can also fine the Quantum Accurist 2 on ebay as low as $45 and check the reviews on the Accurist 2 on http://tackletour.com Good Luck

Had one of MY Cabelas XML rods retipped and not really much of a difference but do make sure u get a quality tip or have it done by a shop or person that really knows what they are doing. The guy that retipped my rod had never really done it before so the tip wasn't as tight as it should have been and move around.

Made my trip to the BPS Classic over the weekend My purchases 1 KVD Quantum Spinning reel 20A 2 KVD Heavy Cover Swimming Jigs 2 Norman Crankbaits 2 Lure Wraps 1 Pack of Tube rattles 1 Garlic Scent Dip it Some 4/0 & 5/0 hooks I think I'm done til I start losing things

All of my rods have been bargains from both ebay and mainly Cabelas. I have a couple of the Fish Eagle II rounds, a Mag Touch, 3 XML's and 1 XMLTi of which I haven't paid full price for any. I catch the bargain cave and in store clearances. The last deal I got was on the purchase of a Shimano Sahara at full price $79 and get an XML at half price which is normally $139. The rod I picked was a 6'6" already reduced to $100 and with the sale it was $50. I also got my XMLTi which is normally $180 for $80 on clearance. These are my top of the line set-ups and I know there are more expensive or better rods out but these get the job done for me so I'm pretty much sticking with the Cabelas lineup.

I used it last year on my Quantum Catalyst spinning setup with no ploblems at all. I have the 8# test and use it primarily for cranking with pretty good results.

Yeah fishing is cheaper than that drag racing hobby I had

My upgrade in equipment is based on deals and me getting the best of what I might want or need after doing my research on a particular item. I've gotten deals on what I consider to be better equipment from ebay and catching deals at both Cabelas and BPS. I didn't start out with XML's but I now have 3 and a XMLTi which are Cabelas top of the line. I have used Cabelas layaway plan and caught deals on rods and reels both on ebay and thru there bargain cave or closeout deals.

I fish with one particular brand of rods also which is Cabelas but kinda by accident in not really knowing alot when I started purchasing rods. After my first Fish Eagle II and then a XML I have only stuck with their brand of rods. I know what I'm getting and have several XML's in different lengths and power ratings. I also have there lower rod offerings as well and no need to warm up to a feel or action when I reach for another rig. Far as feel vs looks I wouldn't by a rod that doesn't feel good but looks good. It would be a waste of money because it wouldn't get much use cause I did like the way the combination felt.

Don't know about them going out of business but Cabelas does have it listed on their site

Thanks RW and after reading the reviews on the site as well and things here I'm gonna give the 8# clear original a try with the KVD lure conditioner. Cabelas is normally where I would pick it up but going to the BPS spring classic this saturday

Ok just checked the yo-zuri site and I see they recommend the "Ultra Soft" for spinning reels but i don't see it on the BPS site. Hoping it might be in the store but if not I'm thinking of trying the regular in 10# for the Quantum Catalyst PTI-B I will be picking up over the weekend. This sound like a good choice for a spinning reel? Sorry to throw my question in on someone elses thread

Great info Roadwarrior and gonna have to spool up with some of the Yo-zuri over the weekend at BPS

I voted for Daiwa since all my B/C til this year were Daiwa with the addition of Quantum this year. I have both Daiwa Regal Xia and a Shimano Sahara I just added this year. Right now I have to give the nod to Daiwa til I get the Shimano on the water and see how well it performs.

The XMLti and Accurist felt really good together and can't wait to try it out and there part of the chicago river system not too far from my job that's not frozen and might have to try it out with a jig or even a lipless. I picked up a Shimano Sahara and one of my XML rods on one of the Cabelas in store combo sales myself. Let me know what u think of the Prodigy and might have to get one myself this weekend

I use P-Line CXX Xtra Strong 8lb and P-Line Floroclear 8lb also

I was told about the $80 Prodigy deal at the Cabelas in Portage by one of the the associates. I have 3 XML's, 1 XMLTi and a Magtouch and I'm really thinking bout picking up a Prodigy. Now I'm going to have to decide between a B/C or spinning rod. I like the XML's after having them out on the water last year along with the MagTouch and really like the feel of the Prodigy. It's still frozen water time here so haven't gotten the XMLTi out on the water and its paired with a Quantum Accurist PT and did some back yard practicing and it felt pretty good. Guess I will have to get a Prodigy and maybe match it with my Prodigy B/C and do a comparison as well

I think the Sahara is a pretty good reel and have one myself I just purchased thru a in store deal at cabelas. I also have the Daiwa Regal as well and its served me well thru the last year. CHeck out the clearance on last years Quantum models the Catalyst and Energy. The new Supreme XT is really really nice as well and got a chance to play with it at BPS.

I've used mine to catch a couple of nice 3lb LM but it is a gimmick and you can impart action with the rod tip. I paid $50 for mine so at $30 its a steal and does cast quite well.

I've been a Quantum reel person since I got my Quantum Catalyst PTI-A a little over a year ago. I've read the complaints on them being a bit on the heavy side but didn't have a problem fishing with them 3-4days out the week and longer hours over the weekend. I actually got the reel used at a discount cause the handle was bent. I ordered a new handle from Quantum and haven't looked back. Now I will be getting the new Quantum Catalyst PTI-B from BPS next weekend. I had a chance to play with it and the other newer models in the store along side my older Catalyst. The difference is like night and day as far as how smooth the new reel is compared the the A model. I also got the Quantum Accurist PT off ebay and haven't had a chance to get it out but read the reviews on TackleTour for the Accurist and if it performs as well as they say then I will be very happy with it. I also have an older Quantum Incyte that I haven't had any problems with as well. I do own other reels including a Shimano Sahara I just purchased this yesr but for me I'm sticking with whats not broken and works and its Quantum.

Gonna be at the BPS in Portage myself next weekend to take advantage of the reel trade in and pick myself up a new Quantum Catalyst PTI-B

I have a Cabelas Prodigy that I picked up on clearance last year and seems to hold up pretty well but I haven't put mine thru any really tough paces. Got it to learn with a better quality baitcaster and its been fine when I have taken it out and specs are pretty close to that of the Daiwa Tierra.

I'm pretty new as far as fishing goes and only been doing it a 2-3yrs and started off fishing cheaper rods and reels purchased off ebay. I didn't know much about reel size or fiberglass vs graphite rods or anything. I started fishing with my brothers in our 3 man yearly tournament and the first year I caught a total of 10 fish for a season. After reading and learning more about the sport I stepped upto a Cabelas Fish Eagle II rod on sale and really noticed a difference in feel and sensitivity over what I was fishing with as far as rods. Last season that total was up to 56 fish for the season. From there I purchased a Cabelas XML again on sale and really liked the feel of the rod. I experimented with Daiwa, Okuma, Quantum, Mitchell and a off brand spinning reel called a Rainbow. Of all the reels I have pretty much stuck with Quantum for spinning and for baitcasting it was Daiwa til the recent purchase of a Quantum Accurist PT. For me I like the feel of the Cabelas rods and they are pretty much what I have from the Tourney Trail thru the XMLti for both spinning and baitcast setups. I like the feel and sensitivity, the price and warranty with me catching them all on sale. I could purchase others but sticking with what I know or like and whats been working for me so far.

I have both reels and I've put the Quantum PTI 20 thru a good season last year with no problems at all. I have the reel spooled with P-Line CXX copolymer and no problems at all. It is a little heavier than the Shimano I'm sure but a very solid reel. I have mine paired witha a Cabelas Mag Touch 6'6" M rod also. I just purchased the Shimano Sahara 1000FD and haven't had a chance to use it yet here in Chicago. The reel is very smooth but no extra spool and it is graphite as opposed to aluminum like the Quantum. The bigger models are aluminum and still lighter than the Quantum. I have the reel paired with a Cabelas XML 7' ML rod. Like someone suggested you can probably get the Quantum cheaper off ebay. Not sure on the Shimano and I don't think you can go wrong with either. Hummmm n watching a Catalyst now on ebay for $30 Good luck with your choice

Congrats and that is one sweet looking reel

Just looked at the 6'6" ML at a fishing show over the weekend and seems to be a pretty good rod. I'll be getting the rod to match with a BPS Viper reel that has Berkley Fireline Crystal Braid.