Through the years fishing and upgrading my baitcasters. One thing ive noticed is, in the sub 180 dollar msrp (not actually what you pay) 

there seems to always be something you have to compromise as a feature in the reel. Gear ratio,frame materials,weight,brake system,drag, handle, etc...

 

If you could make one change to one of your baitcasters (you've actually owned and fished) within the sub 180 dollar range, to make that reel what you wanted...

What baitcaster and what one change would you make?

 

Mine would be the TD Advantage in a smaller frame.

Curado 50E. 

 

I wanted 4 ball bearings in the handle so I took out the 2 plastic bushings in the knobs and I added 2 bearings.

Curado 50E. 

 

I wanted 4 ball bearings in the handle so I took out the 2 plastic bushings in the knobs and I added 2 bearings.

 

I almost didn't buy the 50e cause of IPT. Now changed it to 7.0:1 from the Core.

• spool bearings on any reel I've owned in that range

Hmm, give me a Shimano 50 size frame, stock 4 bearing 90 mm handle, Daiwas 3d braking system, all aluminum built like a tank (ala. Advantage HSTA), capable of handling anything between 3/16 and 1 ounce, two bearings on the levelwind, and a spare shallow lighweight spool. Oh and keep it under 250 please. Wait, can't forget the Shimano style stay attached non handle side sideplate. Did I forget anything? Is anyone listening??

How about a Self-Cleaning Reel . . . . .

 

Or an Auto-Line Changing Feature . . . . .

 

 

A-Jay

Oh yeah, auto change line! Just give me an aluminum version of the T3 without the pop up hood. I hope its coming Daiwa

Id like to have my 50E a 2speed geared reel. 1st gear 6.0 2nd gear 8.0.  There are saltwater reels that have selectable gearing maybe that feature could be downsized to lowprofile reels.

Thinking use the handle as the device to make change. Pull handle out to move main gear to low position and push in handle to lock high gear in use.

_{Shimano Curado E with a longer carbon fiber handle, either comes with level wind bearings or the ability to add them, and a dual braking system.}

_{Shimano Curado E with a longer carbon fiber handle, either comes with level wind bearings or the ability to add them, and a dual braking system.}

Yes to all but a bid NO to dual braking system. less plastic on the 50.