I've been looking around trying to find a good baitcaster for around $100-160. I have found a couple but aren't too convinced on them. What is a good, reliable reel for a reasonable price range?

Buy a Curado  200E7 or 50E on our Flea Market or on the internet for $125- $150. 

bass pro, pro qualifier about 100$ sometimes on sale for 80.

 

Mitch

New...Daiwa Lexa, Lews Tournament Pro (on fleabay), Okuma Helios or Komod (fleabay again), Pflueger Patriarch (fleabay) or President, Shimano Citica, Curado and possibly Chronarch with some searching, Bass Pro PQ to name a few.

 

Used is often a great way to go.  For less than your $160 limit, I got a Patriarch XT (love that reel), Chronarch 101A and 100B, Curado 51E (great little reel and mine was new), Lews TP, Abu STX-L and Premier, Daiwa Sol, Daiwa Fuego. TD-S 103ML and TD-X 100HSDF.  Look for Scorpion 1000, Curado 200E, Chronarch D series to name a couple more fine reels.

 

EDIT:  If you plan on using the reel a lot, then make sure it has an aluminum frame.  I can't speak from experience because I don't believe I have used a reel that didn't have an aluminum frame, but I have read that the ones with carbon side plates can cause problems under a heavy load.

Lews BB-1, Revo S or SX. Biggest thing find a store if possible and try has many as you can. Pick the one like.

Buy a Curado 200E7 or 50E on our Flea Market or on the internet for $125- $150.

+ 1

Buy a Curado  200E7 or 50E on our Flea Market or on the internet for $125- $150.

Great advice!! Or the Curado 200E5 or Pflueger President.

100 - BPS Pro Qualifier

120-130 - Abu Garcia Revo S, Shimano Citica

150 - Lews Tournament SS

 

Any of the above mentioned reels (Tournament Pro, Curado, etc.) that can be found in your price range would also be a great buy and probably where I would put my money if I could find them cheap.

Lew's Tournament Pro (about $160 TYD on ebay)...and you get it new, not used.  Hands down the best reel for that kinda money IMO.

Lews tournament pro

For $129 you CANNOT beat the new Revo S. Awesome reel and it casts a mile. Can't say enough about it. Most bang for the buck out there, I don't care what anyone says.

For $129 you CANNOT beat the new Revo S. Awesome reel and it casts a mile. Can't say enough about it. Most bang for the buck out there, I don't care what anyone says.

 

I hear nothing but good about the Revo S model.  Guess I will have to break down and buy one.  I keep forgetting to mention it when I suggest reels that I have heard are good (but have no experience with).

All of the above suggestions are good, but more importantly go to a tackle shop and get them in your hand. Some may be more comfortable than others, and pair it with the rod you plan on using it with to see how it balances in your hand.

I have a Johnny Morris signature series, its a great reel, runs 160 new.. also willing to sell mine.

I have a Johnny Morris signature series, its a great reel, runs 160 new.. also willing to sell mine.

 

I love when I see this, reminds me of like a boat ad. "This boat is the best bass boat on the lake! Reason for selling, upgrading!"

Shimano, Lews, Abu Garcia etc... all make great reels in this price range and you can also go the route of used in the flea market and eBay.

 

Also you really can not forget the BPS Pro Qualifier.

I love when I see this, reminds me of like a boat ad. "This boat is the best bass boat on the lake! Reason for selling, upgrading!"

Haha its not that. Its on a bps nitro that's a one piece, and for me its difficult to haul a 7ft rod. Iv used it some and its really nice, I just don't get enough use out of it. I'm partial to spinning gear anyways.