I've been eyeing up the Tatula Type R and the Shimano Chronarch. I think I'll have to try them both.

I've figured out what I'm gonna get-

Reel: Lews Speed Spool LFS 7:1-1

Rod: Kistler KLX 7Ft. Medium hvy-Taper:fast.

I have a 7'3 MH F KLX. It's a fantastic stick. You won't be disappointed.

Higher end of your price range, Pflueger Patriarch I just got one for 170.

curado 200i by far

I'm a Daiwa guy, IMO they make the best reels. the Tatula can be had for $95.00 and you really can not beat that price for that reel. I liked the old Shimano curado E reels and LOVED the Curado D reels, the Chronarch E is a repainted Curado E and a very good reel too. I just did not like the Curado I reels, they finally started to catch up to some Daiwa tech but that reel just doesn't feel right to me, I like the older ones better. I have a bunch of Lew's reels too and really like them but I like the Daiwa reels the best and that is what I would recommend.

In that price range: Shimano Curado

Too bad you don't like the Tatula.  I love my Type R in 8.1:1.  The *** is another possible candidate.   Okuma makes a couple, the Komodo and Helios, that can be found well within that budget. I got my Tournament Pro (like new at a great price) from a guy who liked his Komodo well enough that he sold the TP so he could buy the Helios when they came out.  Of course the Tournament Pro is another excellent choice at 7.1:1.

 

I'd suggest the older Zillion, but I'm doubtful you would like it since the Tatula doesn't palm well for you.  Somehow this old man can still fish with one most of the day even as heavy as it is. 

 

Also take a look at the many models offered by Pinnacle.  Recently received my first one.  No line on it yet, but have done a little playing with it.  Very smooth, light, and just plain nice looking reel.

Too bad you don't like the Tatula.  I love my Type R in 8.1:1.  The *** is another possible candidate.   Okuma makes a couple, the Komodo and Helios, that can be found well within that budget. I got my Tournament Pro (like new at a great price) from a guy who liked his Komodo well enough that he sold the TP so he could buy the Helios when they came out.  Of course the Tournament Pro is another excellent choice at 7.1:1. I'd suggest the older Zillion, but I'm doubtful you would like it since the Tatula doesn't palm well for you.  Somehow this old man can still fish with one most of the day even as heavy as it is. 

Also take a look at the many models offered by Pinnacle.  Recently received my first one.  No line on it yet, but have done a little playing with it.  Very smooth, light, and just plain nice looking reel.

 

Yup, that's nailing it down                           

Yup, that's really nailing it down  

That is conidering how many different reels he has

Yup, that's really nailing it down     

 

Just offering more choices.  Isn't that what we do best on here?  Typically a poster will ask which one of two (insert rod or reel choices here) he should buy.  We immediately suggest 10 other possible brands/models he should be looking at.  Usually $100 or more over his budget too. 

 

EDIT:  Roger, I think I figured out what bothered you about my post after giving it some thought................................I didn't mention a Shimano. 

That is conidering how many different reels he has

 

Planning on adding a couple more before fishing weather gets here.  

Too bad you don't like the Tatula.  I love my Type R in 8.1:1.  The *** is another possible candidate.   Okuma makes a couple, the Komodo and Helios, that can be found well within that budget. I got my Tournament Pro (like new at a great price) from a guy who liked his Komodo well enough that he sold the TP so he could buy the Helios when they came out.  Of course the Tournament Pro is another excellent choice at 7.1:1.

 

I'd suggest the older Zillion, but I'm doubtful you would like it since the Tatula doesn't palm well for you.  Somehow this old man can still fish with one most of the day even as heavy as it is. 

 

Also take a look at the many models offered by Pinnacle.  Recently received my first one.  No line on it yet, but have done a little playing with it.  Very smooth, light, and just plain nice looking reel.

I'm not saying I don't like the tatula, it's a solid reel I would just like a lighter reel with that light of a rod.

I'm not saying I don't like the tatula, it's a solid reel I would just like a lighter reel with that light of a rod.

 

The Pinnacle Primmus I just received weighs 5.9 oz.  That light enough for you?  Hand tuned from factory.  Paid less than $160 with shipping.

The Pinnacle Primmus I just received weighs 5.9 oz.  That light enough for you?  Hand tuned from factory.  Paid less than $160 with shipping.

That sounds pretty good I'll check it out on TW.

The staff has been VERY impressed with the Pinnacle Primmus:

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/pinnacle-perfecta7-primmus.html

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/dhc7-primmus-review.html

 

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/review-dhc7-primmus.html

That sounds pretty good I'll check it out on TW.

 

Seems very smooth.  I like the bling factor, too.  Won't buy it at that price on TW, but you can find out more specs about it there than on the Pinnacle website which is sorely lacking in many details on ALL of their reels.  Read the reviews roadwarrior posted.  Just might be the reel for you.

The new BPS Carbonlite (white) 7.1:1 is super smooth and feels extremely durable.  It has the Dual Braking System and you don't even have to open the palm plate to adjust either brake.  It pulls in quick and it has the guts to pull them out of heavy cover.  It is regularly 129.99.  I got mine during the Classic sale and got it for 85.00.  5.8 oz and on sale right now for $99.99 on BPS website.

I've figured out what I'm gonna get-

Reel: Lews Speed Spool LFS 7:1-1

Rod: Kistler KLX 7Ft. Medium hvy-Taper:fast.

Edit- Reel: Lews Tournament MB speed spool 8.3-1.

I'll be getting it in a month or so,As soon as I can get the money saved up,can't wait!

I'll keep y'all updated on it

lews tournament mb all the way awsome reel msrp $140 ebay $109  great reel i have mine in 7.6.1 and its a beast just latley i got the biggest bass of my life or 12yrs old at least at 10.3 pounds and the reel hauled in the beast just great no problems at all i have it paired with 50 pound supperslick power pro and the rods a gloomis gl2 7'5 hvy worm and jig its the best foot ball jig setup ever under $500 at least