I've used dozens of high quality reels over the years. Great ones that stand out to me are the Core50MG, Zillion Type R, and Z2020.

 

I have to say, I previously owned a Metanium MG7 with upgraded bearings and I've yet to use a smoother better caster. I think I might start looking to buy another.

I haven't used too many high end reels $165 is the limit my wife set me at. So the best reel I have ever used was the Tatula Type-R. I have used Revo S and SX, Shimano Curado and Citicas. I also have a Quantum Smoke 150 and Exo 100 that I got used on here that I like a lot but nothing compares to the type-R I have. The close second would be The Gen 2 Revo STX.

So far the diawa tatula is my favorite reel....

Its the best reel I've used for 100$

Core/Stella .... have had for number of years and really don't need to experiment.  But then if money wasn't an option I would probably experiment.

I have also owned a good amount of high end stuff and so far Top 3 would be.

Chronarch D7 (I have two). One has an avail spool/upgraded bearings with 30lb and it can literally throw ANYTHING with a single brake on. I think the combination of the aluminum frame/sideplate and bearings is what puts it above the core for me.

Alphas Type R - all purpose finesse baitcaster

Zillion Type R - all purpose heavy application reel....soooooo smooth

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Top marks also go to my pixzilla, zillion 50th anniversary and core 50.

Antares HG

Smoothest would be the new conquest 101.

 

Lightest and all around great reel would be the aldebaran bfs xg

 

Reel that can do everything, Core 51

 

 

Give me a core 51 and bfs xg and im good to go... 

Shimano Excense DC. I've never spent over 300 dollars though. I can tell you this. If Daiwa made an aluminum T3 with no pop up hood it would take the cake as far as I'm concerned.

Low profile is the Antares HG

 

 

 

 

 

Round reel is the Conquest 2014

 

Revo Elite IB - This reel has no weakness

 

Revo MGX - Great caster, very smooth

 

Daiwa Zillion -  It's a Zillion, put a 100M spool in these and they are casting machines.

 

 

Others that I like a lot, Core 100, Daiwa Sol, Daiwa Tatula

My two Chronarch ci4's. 

I have also owned a good amount of high end stuff and so far Top 3 would be.

Chronarch D7 (I have two). One has an avail spool/upgraded bearings with 30lb and it can literally throw ANYTHING with a single brake on. I think the combination of the aluminum frame/sideplate and bearings is what puts it above the core for me.

Alphas Type R - all purpose finesse baitcaster

Zillion Type R - all purpose heavy application reel....soooooo smooth

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Top marks also go to my pixzilla, zillion 50th anniversary and core 50.

 

I've actually never tried the Alphas but I always hear good things.

The Chronarch 100D7 is amazing too. Very similar to the Metanium MG7.

I also put an Avail spool and Air bearings in mine that I recently bought. I forgot to get extra bearings for the upgraded handle I got for it though and will use the original knobs so I am patiently waiting for the knob bearings I ordered. Can't wait to fish it when I get it. Plan to use it for finesse applications.

Core/Stella .... have had for number of years and really don't need to experiment.  But then if money wasn't an option I would probably experiment.

 

I like those choices, too!

 

 

 

I've got a core 100mg super tuned its hard to beat that reel.

My three Curado 100B's still humming and my new Chronarch 150's.

Zebco 33. It served me very well before I knew any better, lol.

Core 50mg7/TD-Z.

Can't afford any of that high end gear.  Just one reel is too tough a choice.  I love my 50th Anniversary Zillion, Purple Alphas and tuned Curado 51E (or the factory one for that matter).  The Chronarch 100B is another great reel I just started using.  I am also very fond of the T3 1016 variants.

 

I don't know how you guys can pick just one.  I'm sure if money were no object I could add several more to my favorites list. 

Man there are way too many Shimano users on the forum.   Where are the Abu and Diawa guys at.

My Daiwa PXL-R is the best I've ever used. Smooth, lightweight, and puts a smile on my face everytime I hold it.

All my reels are the best I have ever used.

Low profile is the Antares HG

 

 

 

 

 

Round reel is the Conquest 2014

 

You know Dwight, I think your results on the water would improve if you invested a bit in some halfway decent equipment

the new curado i is my fav as of now

My Shimano Chronarch Ci4+, best thing is that my wife got it for me.  Otherwise I wouldn't have bought such a nice reel for myself.

Metanium XG, it excels at everything.