BPS has a Nitro Tournament Z baitcast reel that is priced at $60 and has a list of specs that seem to compete with at least the Pro Qualifier that's priced at $100. All except the dual brakes. Is this a poorly manufactured reel, or is it worth the $60? Anybody know, or have you messed with it much in the store? Maybe Hootiebenji might know about it since he works there. I have a heavy powered rod I don't use much but would like to set it up as a frog rod. This might be a cheap way to put it in rotation.

Here's the link....

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-Baitcast-Reel/product/1303270646333/

Id just wait for the PQ to go on sale for 79

Rooster it may be a good buy, but I know the PQ is a good buy at the $80 price you will be able to buy it for this spring. For $20 more, knowing your dislike for any imperfections in a reel, I would advise going with the proven PQ. My advice is worth about what you pay for it though.

I have a BPS Tourney Special (go for $50) that I started with. That reel is almost as smooth as my Lews reels and even smoother than my Abu Garcias. It was used for flipping. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another!

I have the older version of the Nitro Tournament Z and it has developed some terrible flex in the frame. As for the newer version, who knows? It could be a decent reel.

FYI, the PQ will be <$70 with a trade in. I wouldn't be surprised if the aluminum frame is cast as opposed to machined or forged. Likely other differences in materials . The PQ is such a value I have a hard time seeing the need to try their lesser offerings.

No doubt the PQ is solid. I like BPS reels in general so this was just one more that made me curious.

I bought 2 tourney specials a couple years ago and I couldn't get either to cast much further than maybe 20-30 feet and this was with 0 braking engaged. I suppose maybe a bearing cleaning/upgrade may have worked. I was impressed with how smooth they retrieved and they look pretty spiffy. I ended up taking both of them back though.

I've noticed the tourney Zs and have considered them as I have a couple reelless rods laying around that I wouldn't mind using.