Metanium 13 & Metanium MGL

Favorite for distance - Exscence DC

Favorite for plastics - Core 50

Favorite all around - Met MGL

Favorite finesse caster - Alphas SV 105

Favorite Spinning reel - Stradic FJ 1000 or 2500

 

No doubt my Shimano Sahara 2500 spinning reels.  I've caught a lot of fish on those those reels, from small to large bass.  

Baitcasting - last year I picked up my second baitcaster, my first Lews, at Gander Mountaint for $130.00  That thing casts like a dream.  So I will say the Lews baitcaster is my favorite baitcaster.  

7 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

Oops... Didn't see that. 

Daiwa Certate. As much as I love the high end Shimanos, the really high end Daiwas are just magical.

Casting = Quantum Exo 100 HPT

 

Spinning = Shimano 2500 Symetry

I have newer Curados and Chronarchs, but every time I pick up one of my Curado 100B's they amaze me. I have kept them humming now for about 10 years, to include not a mark on them.  Incredible reels.

Spinning - the only high end reel I own is a Shimano Stradic CI4+ and I love it. Most of the spinning reels I've used have been ok, but this one is special.

 

Casting - the only casting reel I didn't like was a black BPS Carbonlite. It felt cheaply made, didn't cast very well and made a grinding noise. I have a Curado 200I that is very sweet, but my favorite is an Abu Garcia Revo LTX. Don't think I've ever seen anyone on BR mention this reel.

Tough call I fish the heck out of a couple of older Stradic and Symetre reels.

18 hours ago, nameiztaken said:

What is the best performing reel you guys have used? Cheap or Expensive, old or new.

Mine would have to be the Curado 200e7.

 

 

This is too much like the often asked question, "What is your favorite reel?".  I can't pick just one for that question either.  

 

I set the brakes and spool tension when I took my Primmus Xi HS out of the box.  Haven't had to touch a setting since.  Casting distance is very good with it.  When I visit Florida I have to make minor adjustments to all my reels because I have to change my casting stroke while there.  All reels except for the Primmus.  Even my Curado 201E needed tweaking.  Like mine, too.  

 

Other excellent performing reels are TD-Z 105H, Zillion 50th, Alphas, Helios Air, Patriarch XT, Carbonlite (gold ones), A reel from the banned company and a few more.  None of my reels see hard use so I expect them to still be performing when I die.

 

I will also add that the Black Max 1600C is another reel performing beyond its price point.

2 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

 

This is too much like the often asked question, "What is your favorite reel?".  I can't pick just one for that question either.  

 

 

This is true.  I did pick one, but I could add several others that have been stand-outs for me.

This.  THREE BEARINGS and they are still casting machines.

For casting it's been Shimano 50E and 200E7 but I have acquired a Core 50mg7 and Core 100mg since the fall so I am guessing my preference will change once I fish the new reels this spring.

 

For spinning my 2 Shimano Symetre FJ 2500's and 4000 have been rock solid.

Casting: Met MGL

 

Spinning: Pflueger Patriarch XT

CALCUTTA 100DC

 

MET MGL

 

ZILLION PE

 

Pretty much a tie although listed as best first. 

steez sv tw

tdz 103 type r+

13 Met and Stradic CI4+

 

My overall favorite spinning reel is the "Shimano Stradic" (they run abreast with my Stellas).

 

Roger

Better ask me which of my reels I don't like.

My two reels are: Prox Max from Garcia and A Concept. They simply perform consistently and are easy enough to use which is great because of the performance to cost. Mind you this is my opinion. For overall castability I'd say the Laguna from Daiwa because it hucks lures some distance and doesn't really backlash once set. I fish and catch more on the Pro Max for whatever reason. 

My current reel, Shimano Stradic FK 2500. I don't have as much experience and knowledge as many of the people on here, but it would take A LOT too beat out the Stradic FK in my eyes. Talk about a powerhouse of a reel! It's smooth, durable and looks awesome.

Spinning:   Zebco Cardinal 4

 

Casting:    Quantum QD1310L

The ones that get picked up the most last season :

Spinning- Stella FI

Round- Conquest 50DC

Low Profile- 16 Antares DC   

Bait Finesse- 15 Aldebaran BFS XG Limited

That said all the reels that are in the quiver are the best otherwise they would not be there.......

Curado E7 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike 

1 hour ago, Maico1 said:

The ones that get picked up the most last season :

Spinning- Stella FI

Round- Conquest 50DC

Low Profile- 16 Antares DC   

Bait Finesse- 15 Aldebaran BFS XG Limited

That said all the reels that are in the quiver are the best otherwise they would not be there.......

 

Exactly ! I've owned many other reels besides the ones I have and those that ain't there no more is because, oh well, I didn't like them.