I am looking to replace my starter reel (AG Black Max) I got to start using baitcaster and now that I have got better and feel more comfortable with them im looking for a upgrade I have been looking at the lews reels and the *** *** reels...I would be using them for variety of techniques...I would par one of them with either my jonny morrison carbonlite rod or my AG Veritas 2.0 micro guide rod....both rods are 6"9 MH/F.....im just wonder what reels you guys think would be better looking below $200
 

Pick one out that has the features you're wanting and go with it. At $150-200 it's all really a matter of personal preference. They will all be good choices. 

Daiwa 

Shimano

Lews 

Abu

 

Why go that much when you can probably get this for $100 during the Spring sale.  It fishes very nice and is an upgrade from your Black Max.  The braking system is top notch on it.  

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-CarbonLite-Baitcast-Reel/product/1404051026293/

I own Diawa, Abu Garcia, Lews, and (14-1) fishing reels in your price range.  My Diawas and (14-1) are the easiest to set up and are very much 'set and forget', for the most part.  My Abu was good when stock, but came alive when Mike @ DVT tuned it up for me.  Beware, though, my Abu is finicky and needs adjustment every time I change baits.  The Lews I own are good, but don't cast as well as the other reels I own, so those are my 'backups'.  

I own two Shimano Cores and a CI4, which are the smoothest casting I own, but are $250+, before tuning.  

There's a subjective feel to reels too, so handle as many models you think you want, and bring a rod with you if possible.  All my reels perform great.  I use my (14-1)'s the most because to me, they 'feel' the best.

Best of luck with your choice.  Rippin-Lips is right, at your price points, it'd be pretty tough to go wrong.  

I'd start at TW and look at some of those reels in your price range.  Those Lew's reels are supposed to be very good.  I have one Lew's reel that I am trying to sell off. 

But, Rippin is right about what he is saying, all of those brands in the price range you mentioned should be good.  Shop around online for the best deal and let us know what you decide.  Enjoy!

2 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

Pick one out that has the features you're wanting and go with it. At $150-200 it's all really a matter of personal preference. They will all be good choices. 

Daiwa 

Shimano

Lews 

Abu

 

2x

I am about to pull the trigger on some lews reels I always loved them back in day. My tournament partner just bout 3 paired with Duckett ghost rods. He loves them. I am looking at getting the mach 1 series

 

Taylor, talk to WdyCrankbait first. His Tournament Lite for sale is leaps better than the Mach 1.

3 hours ago, rippin-lips said:

Pick one out that has the features you're wanting and go with it. At $150-200 it's all really a matter of personal preference. They will all be good choices. 

Daiwa 

Shimano

Lews 

Abu

 

I agree. If you're paying for a reel in that price range you're going to get a quality reel. Just go with whatever feels best to you