Looking for a new cranking reel for my son. Want something similar in quality to a Chronach or Curado but I guess Shimano doesn't have an offering. 5:1 ratio, light, not too bulky. Not finding much. Any ideas? Thanks!

I have the Daiwa Lexa, and Abu Orra WInch, both quality reels that are not $$. The Lexa is a steal right now at TW for $60 on sale, it was around $130-$140

He's just unloaded a Revo Winch that was disappointing. Not sure if the Diawa would cut it deep cranking during the summer. Seems short in bearings. What's your experience with it been? Btw, thanks for the feedback!

Bearing count is a poor measure of a reals quality. A reel with 6-8 bearings is more than enough. The lexa will serve fine as a deep cranking reel. If you want something different, look for the previous generation daiwa zillion (not the TWS). Bullet proof reel that that will perform flawlessly and last a lifetime.

Lews.

I have a previous model, white, chronarch in left hand wind and 5:1 ratio. Does a good job. Maybe you can find a new or near new one on ebay or somewhere?

X2 for Lew's. I have a bb1 lefty on my deep cranking rod and love it. It casts a mile and is very nice feeling. Lew's offers a lot of left handed reels (I fish lefty) and I have nothing but good experiences with their reels.

Thanks guys. Ordered a Lexa for him to try. Still looking at others.

I have 3 citica i's in leftys. Awesome reels

Daiwa Sol. Found cheap tons of options. The zonda spool makes it a cranking beast.

I'm in the same situation, but I would definitely pick up an Abu Garcia Orra Winch for the money. $100 retail but on Amazon it's about $90. Also, tackle wear house has a Daiwa Lexa left hand in a 4:1 ratio on sale for $60. If you don't have s budget, check out a revo winch by Abu Garcia, which retails for $200 but can be found for $50 off.

Just sold the gen 3 winch and was not pleased with it. Got the Lexa coming from TW and found that Melton still had a Chronarch 201E5 so ordered it as well. I think I've got Chad hooked up on a deep cranking reel at this point. Thanks for everyone's feedback!

i think you can upgrade the citicas with different gears to get a lower ratio for lefties.  I looked into it myself at one time and i want to say that depending on the model, curado gears will work.

 

I have a BPS pro qualifier in a slow retrieve and it is a nice reel for the money, assuming you get it on sale but for full price I think there are better options out there.