As the title states:

What's the best proven Baitcasting reel with 7:0:1 or higher gear ratio in the $200-$300 range?

Check out the new zillion!

If I had the money I would get a Chronarch CI4

The 8:1 tatula type R is a pretty decent reel, more expensive options are the SS SV in the high speed version, the upcoming Morethan Branzino SV in 8:1 should be good as will the new Zillions. You can pick up a previous model Zillion type R at the moment at better prices, and that's a great reel too. The Shimano Aldebaran BFS is a nice little 8:1 reel if you want something compact. Depends what you want the reel for, if you have a preference for braking styles etc, but for that budget there aren't many bad choices if you stick to Daiwa and Shimano.

Check out the new zillion!

Yeah go check out a reel that isn't even available yet....

 

As per the question, most, if not all of the reels in that price range have some sort of following in one way or another. There isn't a "best" in that price range. It's essentially personal preference and nit picking in the $200+ range. They will all perform well. Get the one that palms the best. Nothing worse than using a reel that you want to like but just can't get used to it's frame.

Core 50mg7...This might be the deal of the year!

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142907-shimano-core-50mg7-abu-mgx/

Yeah go check out a reel that isn't even available yet....

 

As per the question, most, if not all of the reels in that price range have some sort of following in one way or another. There isn't a "best" in that price range. It's essentially personal preference and nit picking in the $200+ range. They will all perform well. Get the one that palms the best. Nothing worse than using a reel that you want to like but just can't get used to it's frame.

X2  Get a clue....

 

To me, the easy answer to this question is the "old" zillion in 7.1 gearing, end of story.

Proven to do what, with what, on what?

Once you hit the $200 threshold, they're all pretty good.

Proven to do what, with what, on what?

 

 

 

To be reliable and perform the best.

50th Anniversary Zillion would be cool, but the standard Zillion HSLA would be a good option in your price range.

Daiwa zillion.

I really like my chronarch ci4 but that is the only reel I own that is considered 'high end'.

Once you hit the $200 threshold, they're all pretty good.

. Yeah I agree, the Diawa tatula is my favorite reel at the moment and it's 150$ normal but you can find deals everywhere (Ron at valley sports)

go to tackle wharehouse and the on sale zillion and use the rest to get a ton of frogs lol

Find a deal on a Zillion Type R.

To be reliable and perform the best? Anything over $200 will work. Pick whatever brand you like. I like Daiwa, Shimano, and Pinnacle. I've got an Okuma Helios that I'm really warming up to. Been tossing 1-2 oz. swimbait a with it just fine. I'm hard pressed to find a dud at that price. Get specific with your application and weight preferences, and I can get specific, but the criteria as it stands, leaves your choices to a seemingly endless list of reels that for every five guys say is great, another will tank. Good luck with your choice. The reels in my arsenal that fit your criteria are Calcutta B, Zillion, Chronarch/Curado E, D, TD-X, Luna, Optimus, Primis, Helios.

Revo stx

The Zillion has been around for almost a decade, and if think about it, it's the venerable TDZ but in aluminum, so that adds maybe 5 years more. Hard to beat 15 years of bulletproof design.

1st Choice, Exsence DC

2nd Choice, Chronarch CI4

Shimano Chronarch 200E7. Best reel for $200 IMO

Zillion

Yes, with a $200> budget you really can't go wrong with any of the big brands. When you start getting into the "High end" reels the Core is the best bang for the buck imo.

Revo stx

The two gen 3 STXs that i had to return in less than a month say otherwise

Now my gen2 STX is a workhorse and then some. My only complaint though is it needs cleaned and lubed more often than my shimanos and lews

My vote goes to the chronarch Ci4 or the Team Lews Pro

Chronarch E / CI4