The best (and only) baitcaster i have used is the Abu Silver max. Love it.

 

Don't know anything about the Silver Max, but I did pick up a Black Max combo recently at DSG, and gave the spool a spin.  I was surprised at the length of the free spool time.  It is also a good looking reel.  These Max reels may not have the build quality or longevity of a more expensive reel (and they shouldn't), but are no doubt a good value for your dollar from all I have been able to gather Online.  I am glad that the Silver Max has brought another fisherman into the baitcasting side of fishing.  They add a lot of extra enjoyment for me to fishing.  I need that extra enjoyment since fishing sucks so bad in my area.  I would have given up fishing................again....................if I had stayed with only using my old spinning gear.

I am fairly new to baitcasters. I have a revo s and sx, bpq, a daiwa strikeforce and a not used yet shimano curado 300ej. I really like them all but probably prefer the sx the most. But the daiwa strikeforce does a really good job for the money I paid for it.

I love all the different reels. I kind of figured Shimano would dominate, but its cool to see the different brands and models. I was shocked at how many SXs I saw, good reel. Even saw a Pro-Lite finesse, which is one of the most underrated reel IMO.A lot of Cores an Chronarchs. Its reel porn lol

I'm really liking my Quantum Energy PT's, to early to say best yet. My Curado E was one sweet reel, though.

Round reel easy Abu Garcia EXT Pro 5600

ABU Abbassadeur Record 50. 

 

Tom

Lew's Tournament Pro

Abu Garcia Revo Inshore baitcaster.  The best all purpose reel made hands down.   It doubles as my heavy cover bass reel and my saltwater reel for chasing reds, stripers, sheepsheads and spadefish.

I have a bunch of reels I like. I find certain ones better for specific uses. But they could be used for a variety of situations although I've fine tuned my preferences. Best I've used? In order of my preference.

Lew's Team Lew's (now Lew's Gold)

Lew's tournament pro

Revo 3 STX

pflueger patriarch

And, for the money, Academy Sports house brand Mettle. Reg price is $50, but watch for sales at 25-30 each, with lifetime warranty.

Best I own is a lews tp, best I've ever used is a lews tp and daiwa steez

The ones I like using day in and day out are all my Shimano BC reels - Curado B/E/G (50E, 200s), Chronarch 50E and Citicas Gs.  I have set these on my everyday rods. 

So far my STX is the champ. 

Daiwa Alphas 105H Finesse Custom or Steez 100HA, can't decide.

I guess my best would be the Lew's Tournament Speed Spool, although I do have a weird attachment to my Quantum Catalyst PT, which cost about half of any of my other casting reels.

My best would be the Curado E7 for its casting ability and ultra low profile. But my most fun to use would be my BPS Extremes. Handle bearings are NOT overrated. I know the OP said just post models without reasons why, but that ain't in me.

I've gotta go with CH51MG, it is just such a special little reel.

Second and third tie would be JDM Calcutta D and a Megabass Zonda68.

Lew's Laser Speed Spool first and last baitcaster(Maybe) I now own two of it.

Lews tourney pro by far and away

Curado E series.....own three of them now.  Two E7's and one 50E.  Awesome reels and smooth as silk.

Revo STX.

lew's tournament mg

For the past few years I'd have to say my 2nd gen Revo SX but iv picked up a Revo 3 STX and absolutly love it iv been having a hard time puttin it down lately.

I have curado 200E and just got a chronarch, I love my chronarch! Easy to throw and casts a country mile it's just a great reel, very impressed.

Ive only used 2 different baitcasters 1 being the Abu silvermax which i had back in highschool and served its purpose.

 

The other being the BPS Bionic (last years model?) which i love, i can cast it a mile, never have problems with it. Ill get a fancy reel one day

 

Tied for first:

 

Daiwa Alpha 103 Ito Ai

 

Daiwa Steez 103HA

 

Close third:   Daiwa TDZ 103

 

Didn't realize how many Daiwas I have. 

JDM Daiwa Zillion