As some of you may know, I'm working on creating a couple of punch/flipping set ups for my father and I this christmas.  Was at cabelas last night and checked out these reels (and some rods).

 

I've been turning into a Daiwa fan recently and I like the style and ergonomics of the Lexa.  However the accurist has the flipping switch and is a bit cheaper. 

 

Looking at tackle tour, the lexa100 appears to have the stronger drag system (TT's accurist review dates back to '05 I believe) and this still appears to be the case.

 

The flipping switch may be easier for my dad to use, but when pulling bass out of watershield I'd rather not have the drag slip.  We don't have the thick gardens of Florida or Cali delta, but watershield can tangle up easier than lily pads.

 

What are ya'lls thoughts?  How much of an advantage is it to match rod and reel combos?  I was previously interested in the Lexa rod for punching, and now after seeing the reel, I wonder how good the combo could be rather than mix and matching. 

I have a Daiwa aird and hate the location of the brake dial. Every few casts I change the settings unknowingly because I palm the reel. I'm pretty sure the Lexa has it in the same place. I have the accurist pt and the flipping switch isn't really a standout feature. The reel is decent for the money, I have mine on my frog rod which I barely use. I'd say in that price range go with a citica or Curado. A Lot of guys on here live the Abus in that price range too. See what they have to say. I have no experience with them... good luck

Never used an Accurist or a Lexa, but am definitely a fan of Daiwa.  I don't care all that much for the flipping switch on some of their reels.  Maybe I just need to use them more.  I prefer the thumb bar.  I have never moved the magnetic setting on any of my Daiwas without deliberately trying to make an adjustment.  I am not dis-believing the previous poster, but I find all of my magnetic reels (have others besides Daiwa) require firm pressure to move.

 

I would say go with the Daiwa for no other reason than if you decide you don't like the reel, you can resell without losing much money.  Acurrist reels aren't all that popular as far as I can see.  However, I will be the first to admit that I often take the road less traveled....in some things.  Not with fishing gear, tho.

I own two of them, they are solid reels.  They are my first Daiwa I purchased and the only ones in my arsenal.  I use one setup almost daily, it has great synergy with my St. Croix Avid 6'6" M/F.  I use it mostly as my hard jerkbait, swim jig and use it for other bladed bait techniques.  I have pitched with it using my swim jig and it was pretty easy to pitch.  The only knock I have on the reel is that it has a wider foot, which causes some issues with rods.  Specifically I have had an issue with Shimanos and Fenwick's.  So I would test the reel on the rod you are purchasing before you buy.

What is your issue with the Shimano and Fenwick?  I tried a Chronarch 101A on one of my Smallmouth rods.  Couldn't tighten it down enough to keep the reel from moving, so I had to put a different reel on it.  Currently has a Zillion on it as it was one of the reels I picked up last winter.  However, I think my Curado 51E will be going back on it for next year.  No problem with that Shimano not fitting snugly in the seat.

I've got two older Accurists, circa 2009 or 10, I believe, and a Lexa 100.

 

Not even a close debate -- in my opinion. Lexa hands down and then some. Vastly superior in just about every way.