I want to thank the forum for all the tips for using a baitcaster for the first time --- you guys taught an old dog a much-appreciated new trick. My 'new' first reel is a Daiwa Exceler (<$100) which I believe is working quite well, matched with an ***. Primarily used this spring with C-rigged senkos. I am down to the #2 setting on the brakes without a birdsnest or the fear of one (banging on wood right now!). Now for the next step. My question is...what is the benefit of a more expensive reel - what will I find to be different? Thanks, as always, folks. Best forum in the business!

You will get a huge variety of answers, from everything to nothing but here is my 2 cents.

 

Better build quality, better components are two general ones. As you move up the price range, lower weight, ability to throw lower weight baits come into play.

Smoother retrieve, more refined build, and some have more dynamic features. Depending on what you're looking at it could be better braking systems, lighter spool, lighter overall, better bearings, or a whole slew of other things. If you had a particular model in mind, it'd be easier to make comparisons and show differences.

In a lot of cases casting distance.

Casting distance, ease of cast, smoother retrieve and drag.

It's also nice to try different types of brakes and see if there is a type that 'clicks' with you better. I am mostly indifferent to brake types, but for pitching I prefer centri brakes, hands down.

Don't focus on price too much,and try to look for reels that are perfect for you. Tatula and Curado I are two reels that come to mind that perform better than other more expensive reels IMO.