Guys, I am totally new to the whole bass fishing. I want to invest in 2 good reels. From my experience in carp angling we only used Shimano reels but there are some reels in bass fishing that I am totally new to.

The reels I am looking at are the following but I am not sure if I should stick to Shimano.

Quantum EXO

Quantum smoke

Quantum KVD Tour

Shimano core

Shimano chronarchy

I want the EXO but local guys seem to all stick to Shimano. Is the Quantum reels any good or should I stick to Shimano.

Yeah I love shimano the core 50s are awesome reels but really ANY of there reels are good, if you get a curado go with the e series or older the g series arn't as good as the older models same goes for the citica. But really any shimanos worth buying

yes,stick to Shimano. They make great Bass fishing gear as well.A lot of Shimano fans around this place and for a good reason. Shimano makes good gear. While Quantum gets bad rep from people around here I haven't had a bad experience with them.

Personally I'd go for the Shimano Core. Why don't you just get one Shimano and one Quantum? Since you are looking for two reels.

I'm not really brand loyal to be honest. I like Daiwa reels the most to be honest.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. My first thought would also be to stick with Shimano, seems like the Core is also the reel that most guys in South Africa prefer.

I think I will stick with Shimano.

The Core is a sweet reel but approaching the "enthusiast" price level. IMO it is the biggest bang for the buck at that level. There are so many good reels in the $125> range you'd almost have to try to go wrong. The ABU Garcia Revos on clearance are a great deal right now.

You really need to find a retailer to handle the reels. I have both the Core 50MG7 and 100MG, but much prefer the 50.

Roadwarior, what is the main diff between the 50 and 100?

Definately stick with shimano

Roadwarior, what is the main diff between the 50 and 100?

Main difference is size. But also spool size(line capacity) as well as a couple other small differences such as one less bearing for the reel handle. I also have the 50 and it is all you need for bass fishing.....Great reel

Jeff

I agree if you are going to make an educated decision, you need to handle them all, but you can't buy a bad Shimano, unless you buy one of the new curados. I would compare them all but you might not want to check out the Lew's line especially the Tournament or Tournament Pro, you may have trouble buying the Shimano if you do!

Shimano E series, cant go wrong with any of them.

Don't rule out the Revo Premier, great reel for the money and the Core is a great choice.

My 2 favorite reels by far are the Core50 and Lew's TP

If you want to throw something lite go with a 50 for $300

For everything else go with the Lew's TP for $150

BTW a Curado 50e is also a great reel for just over $100 used

There was a guy here who did a whole spreadsheet on reels, more information than a tween's facebook page, and if you play it backwards you can almost hear Robert Plant singing "Shimano is the Dark Lord..."

Shimano Core 50 you wont look back super light and fits your hand like a reel should. Pair it with a lightweight rod and its pure bliss. I bought one and fished with it for about 7 hrs went home and bought 3 more that all I want to use now.

All of the reels you have listed are good so it comes down to performance vs. cost and getting the best bang for your buck. The Core is a great reel but it comes at a steep price, the Chronarch is last years Curado so if you find a Curado E for sale new somewhere grab that. The Quantum Smoke I believe is the best reel Quantum has ever made, I have a 100 and a 150 and the performance to price is awesome. Another route you can go is the the ABU Revo series, you can get a Revo Prmier for 200 and that is another reel you shoulf consider over the Chronarch. I know the Shimano guys are getting mad but Shimano is taking advantge of their customer base, the took a solid Curado E and gave it a new paint job and an extra bearing and called it a Chronarch an made it more expensive or you can look at it as they made the original Chronarch cheap, either way it is still is an over priced Curado.

All of the reels you have listed are good so it comes down to performance vs. cost and getting the best bang for your buck. The Core is a great reel but it comes at a steep price, the Chronarch is last years Curado so if you find a Curado E for sale new somewhere grab that. The Quantum Smoke I believe is the best reel Quantum has ever made, I have a 100 and a 150 and the performance to price is awesome. Another route you can go is the the ABU Revo series, you can get a Revo Prmier for 200 and that is another reel you shoulf consider over the Chronarch. I know the Shimano guys are getting mad but Shimano is taking advantge of their customer base, the took a solid Curado E and gave it a new paint job and an extra bearing and called it a Chronarch an made it more expensive or you can look at it as they made the original Chronarch cheap, either way it is still is an over priced Curado.

Great post, very professional!

The Curado E series are readily available around $110 and you may find one even cheaper!

Great reels, especially at this pricing point.

Check ebay for this stuff. Do not go spending hundreds on 'things' only to realize you would rather be watching golf on TV

There was a guy here who did a whole spreadsheet on reels, more information than a tween's facebook page, and if you play it backwards you can almost hear Robert Plant singing "Shimano is the Dark Lord..."

Ive always considered myself as a Sith.