My friend bought his first new baitcaster last year, a Bass Pro one that was crappy and didn't work immediately out of the box. I told him to send it back in but he wouldn't. He's sort of stubborn like that. He said this year that he wants to buy a good baitcaster under $250. I said he could probably find a good one for less than that.

 

 

 

So, what would the best baitcaster under $250 be?

Daiwa Zillion on Sale at TW for 200.  Other than that I'd say Curado or Revo STX.  People dog the STX due to some quality control issues, but I love it.  

Daiwa Zillion on Sale at TW for 200.  Other than that I'd say Curado or Revo STX.  People dog the STX due to some quality control issues, but I love it.  

Agreed or cough up another $50 and grab the PX Type-R!

Chronarch CI4 for $220 at Gander. A few times a year Gander has spend 250 get 50 off so thats how to get it for $220 plus for $13 you can put a 96mm handle on it from the METXG.

 

The special they have now you can get it for $229.49

At that price range they are all pretty good. A Lew's Tourney Pro is a good option, so is a Chronarch (The Silver One) or a Curado, I'm not a fan of Abu's, but I like the look of the Revo STX as well. A Daiwa Tatula is a little cheaper but a very solid reel for the $150 price tag as well. It's all about the features you are looking for. (Plamability, power and torque, or another feature) Would this reel be for all around use?

My vote goes to the Chronarch 50/51e.

 

Fantastic reels. But there are a number

of good reels in that price bracket.

What does he plan on using it for?

What does he plan on using it for?

Everything.

Lew's tournament pro. Lightweight and the most versatile reel I have used

Ok, Curado I with a Hawgtech handle.

Then... Add in a soon to come Jdm shallow spool

& Bam! Got you a great fishing reel..

Right now, the Zillion is the best reel under $250.

There are as many opinions as there are reels out there.  Have your friend try out a few reels and buy the one HE likes.

I'd grab a tatula, you could get a zillion if you want to get a new one before they're a thing of the past.

Definitely the zillion. Probably the best reel at tackle warehouse right now under $250. Very well built reel super dependable. Important if he's only getting one reel for everything.

X2 on the zillion the new lews that's 240 is a good reel to

A Daiwa Zillion for 200 bones is a no brainer.

Abu c3 in 4600 size

Wow.  $250.  Don't think you could find a bad reel at that price.  I'd seriously consider a new Zillion while you can still get one.  Any Shimano 50 size reel would be great.  I only had my Tatula Type R out once before sending it out for cleaning and upgrading and once after getting it back (2 cold 4 me, burr), but I not only love its looks, but it is a fantastic reel on both cast and retrieve.  I seriously want a Pinnacle after reading reviews.  I have a couple of the older Pflueger Patriarch XT reels, and think they don't get the notice they deserve.  Super nice reels.  A Tournament Pro is also a great little reel.

 

Everything covers a lot of territory.  If your friend is going to be casting 1/4 oz. lures then the Zillion would best be served with a new spool as the standard is not really designed for those light weights.  This would bring cost above your friend's $250 limit, but it is something that could be done down the road as funds become available.  Better yet your friend should leave the Zillion stock, and pick up a second reel.  Use the Zillion on a MH and the other on a Medium rod.  Any of the other reels would perform nicely on a Medium rod.

You have options galore. Especially with Xmas sales and outgoing models. Good luck choosing. Lews, Shimano, Daiwa, that's a great problem to have. Happy shopping.