Guys, I'll tell ya':  I've been on a quest to find the "best for me" reel this year.

 

I keep coming back to the Abu Garcia 5000 and 5500 reels, both with bearings and bushings.  All are 4.7:1 ratios.  This translates into about 23 IPT for this type of reel.

 

When I need faster, I do have a 5600MagTrax that is 6.3:1, I believe.  In addition to the magnetic brake, I installed the centrifugal brakes of the standard 5600.  It's a really good reel but just a bit large for my uses.

 

I'm waiting on payment from a commercial contract to come in.  I'll be ordering a 5500c3.  After very careful study and consideration, I believe this will be the best reel for my uses (in addition to the old 5000 and 5500). 

 

The Shimano reels intrigue me.  I will probably end up getting one; I'm researching them right now in fact.  They are rare around here, though, and I've not been able to lay hands on one, let alone try one out.  I need to make a trip to a larger city and find a sale sample or something.

 

Regards,

 

Josh

Best ever used is my tricked out shimano metanium xg. I would like to own an Antares and try one as well. For spinning it would have to be my daiwa certate 2506. That reel is beyond smooth.

Quantum cabo 40

The best fresh water bait casting reel that I have ever owned was my first reel at age 12, 1955; Langley Lure Cast. Jason Lucas recommended this reel to me and still have it. This little reel casts 50 yards with Dacron braid with ease, incredible light weight bullet proof knuckle buster, love this reel.

Tom

 

You mean, like this?

 

 

Hootie

 

Quantum 100 EXO PT   the sheer distance I got in casting was ridiculous

 

But, I did pre-order the new Lew's Tournament Lite Speed Spool casting reel.  Lew's reputation at 5.8 oz, I have a lot of high hopes for that reel.

Probably the only reels I currently use that never seem to screw up and cast consistently well are my TD-X HSDL pitching reels. They are beat to hell, and still tick like new. I'll give a nod to my Chronarch Es and the Optimus hand tuned, though I haven't had them nearly as long as the TD-Xs.

Even though im a diehard shimano guy, and ive dabbled with plenty of daiwas, ill most likely give another alphas a shot as they are great reels. Had the ito, type f, and purple model. Would consider giving an alphas R a shot. One of the only legendary daiwas i havent tried yet is the td-z, also on my list.

Shimano calais was the smoothest reel I've owned - it was flawless - I gave it to my grandson after years of use and it's still butter smooth.

Curado 201e. Better than any daiwa I've ever used including tdz r+ and zillion R. Kick myself everyday for getting rid of it but I will have another soon.

Probably the only reels I currently use that never seem to screw up and cast consistently well are my TD-X HSDL pitching reels. They are beat to hell, and still tick like new. I'll give a nod to my Chronarch Es and the Optimus hand tuned, though I haven't had them nearly as long as the TD-Xs.

 

I have only fished the Pinnacle Optimus XiHS for a few months, but it has the potential

to be among the best reels I have ever fished. Time will tell.

 

 

 

 

Chronarch CI4 and Chronarch E.

Core. It's an AWSOME reel.

TD Fuego with a 100M spool. Zoom!

I would say Conquest 51 but I'm not yet brave enough to fish mine. (Don't tell Matt!)

TD Fuego with a 100M spool. Zoom!

I would say Conquest 51 but I'm not yet brave enough to fish mine. (Don't tell Matt!)

 

Haha, if your scared to fish it send it back my way 

Even though im a diehard shimano guy, and ive dabbled with plenty of daiwas, ill most likely give another alphas a shot as they are great reels. Had the ito, type f, and purple model. Would consider giving an alphas R a shot. One of the only legendary daiwas i havent tried yet is the td-z, also on my list.

How about try a Zonda?

Spinning, Daiwa ss1300. Get a few extra bail springs and your good to go for many years.

For casting reels I'd have to go with the Daiwa Zillion.

Conquest 100 is pretty much all I need for a reel.  Not too small not too big.  Can take the beating for both salt and fresh water.

Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA.  This reel comes very very close to the performance level of the Zillion but for half the cost.  The ultimate bargain was the Cabela's Prodigy A.  The only difference between the Prodigy A and the HSTA was the Prodigy had no bearings in the handle grips.  Big deal.  At $79 on sale it was the ultimate score!  

How about try a Zonda?

I almost pulled the trigger on a hedgehog not too long ago. I liked the fact of getting a regular & finesse spool, and a cool looking paint job. Talked myself out of it though. My alde bfs feels better in hand, and I have a ktf spool that will perform better... I might consider an alphas platform or td ito in the future for a project though.