I stripped the gears on one of my baitcaster yesterday on a 3lber, and it is not worth fixing. I am looking to upgrade to a nicer baitcaster in the $100-150 range. It will be used for soft and hard jerkbaits 90% of the time the other 10% is jigs, shakey heads, and topwaters. So which baitcaster is your favorite for these applications? What gear ratio should a be looking at?

Out of the ones you listed I have only tried the Lew's and love it. My father in law just picked up two of the Citicas and he really likes them.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices.

I have found reels with a 28 IPT pick-up seem to be optimal for jerkbaits.

Most reels in that price range are pretty good from all the companies so the brand choice is up to you. For hard and soft jerkbaits look for a 6.2:1 or somewhere in that range and don't overlook the 7.1:1, When it is cold and you have to let a hard plastic jerkbait sit motionless on slack line to get a bite, that is when you really appreciate the fast reel. In the warmer months when the fish usually hit and run with the bait you can get by with slower but I wouldn't go under the 6.2:1.

Try to find a calcutta on ebay. 150 or 200 model.

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

x2 or Lew's.

I'm an abu guy and since tackle warehouse has dropped their prices I say revo sx for 129. they also have the revo s for 99! I have no experience with the others mentioned so I can't comment. Good luck with your purchase I'm sure you will be happy with any of the one's you have mentioned!

Shame the shimano $30 rebate program ended the 22nd

I would look online to find a Curado 200E7.

Find a curado 50e. That is what you want, and will love

Tackle Warehouse had the old 50 E on sale for $158, other sponsors mnay have them as well. Great reel!!

Pick up one of the Revo STX's on sale at Tackle Warehouse right now. You will never look back.

Since the question is best for the price, I voted other. For $80 the BPS Pro Qualifier is my choice. I just added one for throwing cranks, and it does everything I need it to do. I prefer the 6.4:1 for most applications, including jerk baits. Since most of the work is done with the rod for JBs, the 7.0:1 would also be a good choice.

I use a Curado 50E on a 6'6" M/F Avid for jerkbaits and I feel that combo is pretty close to perfect for this fishing. That little 50E can sling a 78mm pointer a mile.

I just love the setup and its a lot of fun to fish.

I used a couple reels for this recently to see what I REALLY prefer. I have a zillion 7.1:1, A Chronarch 200e7, and a purple Aphas. By far, my favorite is the little Alphas. I keep going back to it. It's small size and slower ratio works well with jerkbaits. You can find similar Sols in your price range.