Another sturdy reel that I haven't seen mentioned is the Abu Ambassadeur

He wants a lo-pro...but you are correct!

If you think the black max is sturdy wait till you use a real reel made with actual metal. Someone gave me a black max over the summer. I put it on a rod and used it a few times for kicks. It gave me the feeling while using it that it wouldn't be able to hold up to hevy fishing.

shimano

I don't think any one company is going to take the crown for most durable.  Most if not all of the major reel companies have produced reels that have proved themselves to stand the test of time and use.   You have already had suggestions for many reels that are very good.   Pick the one that has the set of features you are  interested in and best meets the needs of your fishing and you will have your winner. 

You want a reel that "Is" sturdy not just "Feels" sturdy I assume. As mentioned, physical weight is not necessarily an indicator of quality or reliability either positive or negative. If you've got $150 to spend you can't go too far wrong with the major brands. You've got all good suggestions so far. The Zillion is hard to argue with from a pure durability and solid feel standpoint.

I believe the Zillion is on sale at $238, where can you buy them new for $150?

Tom

I don't think any one company is going to take the crown for most durable.  Most if not all of the major reel companies have produced reels that have proved themselves to stand the test of time and use.   You have already had suggestions for many reels that are very good.   Pick the one that has the set of features you are  interested in and best meets the needs of your fishing and you will have your winner.

^^ This.

I was just saying that $150 is a good budget for a quality reel, plus you don't necessarily have to but new. I should have said $150>.  If I knew where Zillions could be had for $150 new I'd buy the lot and sell them for $199. lol 

That's not what he was saying. He's saying with a budget of $150 it's hard not to buy a good reel. The Op stated he'll spend up to $250.

Always typing at the same time haha

I wouldn't let that stop me. Heck, I can bench press 36 ounces.

Hootie

The zillion is how every baitcaster should feel in your hands. Some feel like toys compared to the zillion

Well I took all the advice and am leaning no where near it lol. I'm leaning towards two ***'s from ***. I've come to realize I need two middle class reel worse than I need a high class reel. (Classes depend on occupation and or pay rate) I fall under the working full time, and school full time category.  

Well I took all the advice and am leaning no where near it lol. I'm leaning towards two ***'s from ***. I've come to realize I need two middle class reel worse than I need a high class reel. (Classes depend on occupation and or pay rate) I fall under the working full time, and school full time category.  

Heard good things about them.

Heard good things about them.

Who, working class people or college students...lol. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

Hootie

I've heard raves about both the Shimano Curado and Cronarch for the upper price range of your limit. I highly disagree with your opinion about the Tournament mg, but I'll remain civil lol

Chronarch 50E from Shimano

Shimano Chronarch 200e is quite the "sturdy" reel

Lews all the way, their small, low profile, light wight an and just feel naturally good in your hand with a great handle that the most comfortably shaped handles of any other reel company.

Lews all the way, their small, low profile, light wight an and just feel naturally good in your hand with a great handle that the most comfortably shaped handles of any other reel company.

That last bit is pretty subjective, because I can't stand the flat paddles. I ended up putting Abu knobs on my Lews.

The problem I have with Concept 13 is who are they,? I don't like doing business with a phantom company.

Tom

It's ***. The people who offer the *** and *** rods. But yes I understand what you are saying.

The problem I have with Concept 13 is who are they,? I don't like doing business with a phantom company.

Tom

Me too, I'm skeptical all the way down to the marrow of my bones, I do accept that even the most reliable companies like Shimano or Daiwa or Abu sometimes screw it up, ( Shimano Corsair, Daiwa Computerized reel, Abu Torno and Eon ) let's say one thing in favor of those mistakes, not only they belong to the Hall of Shame, but man the memory and bad taste last decades !