Behold the Abu Garcia  xlt adjustable ambassadeur.  Been cranking for 24 years now.  Still the best flipping and jigging reel I've used. Still can tug a cruise ship.   For finesse baitcasting I'm sticking with the pfluegger Asaro such a smooth reel. Even Madonna couldn't say not to it. I like it better than my revo beast.   My favorite spinning gear must be the Daiwa Fuego. I did the anodizing too. 

22 minutes ago, Davidhorowitzski said:

Behold the Abu Garcia  xlt adjustable ambassadeur.  Been cranking for 24 years now.  Still the best flipping and jigging reel I've used. Still can tug a cruise ship.   For finesse baitcasting I'm sticking with the pfluegger Asaro such a smooth reel. Even Madonna couldn't say not to it. I like it better than my revo beast.   My favorite spinning gear must be the Daiwa Fuego. I did the anodizing too. 

 

I have several reels from that series: XLT Plus, 521 XLT Plus and Scynchro. They still rock.

Conquest. 

16 hours ago, Raul said:

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

 

Speaking of which, how little are you willing to take for your "Ardent Champions"?

I know some neophytes willing to take them off your hands 

 

(Kid'n of course, Raul is the King of esoteric reels) 

 

Roger

My Lew's TP1H, but there are a couple more reels that I've purchased over the hard-water season that are yet to be tested.

Spinning Reel - Pflueger Supreme XT

Casting - Either my Steez or my Met DC. My "forbidden to talk about" reel isn't too far behind either, great reel. 

1 hour ago, RoLo said:

 

Speaking of which, how little are you willing to take for your "Ardent Champions"?

I know some neophytes willing to take them off your hands 

 

(Kid'n of course, Raul is the King of esoteric reels) 

 

Roger

 

ARDENT -----> EEEEEEEWWWWW !!!! 

as we say in Spanish: Guacala !

For the Price paid: Shimano Curado I $149.99 +$25 gift card + 5% Veteran discount at Cabelas

 

Overall best: Lews Tournament Pro G $200

"Best " is subjective especially at the higher price points. It also depends on the application. The best BFS reel won't be the best swim bait reel etc. 

5 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

"Best " is subjective especially at the higher price points. It also depends on the application. The best BFS reel won't be the best swim bait reel etc. 

I'm looking at it from a "Which reel stands out the most compared to other reels". Technique or application isnt too much of a factor (for me at least).

I love my Curado 200DPV 5.0:1 ratio, I've been grinding in big crankbaits for ten years now with it and it is still as smooth as new. I service it once to twice a year.                                                    As far as spinning Shimano Saros 2500 and my Team Daiwa Lexa 2500 are neck and neck.. My old Team Daiwa Tierra 2500 is right behind though. It is a workhorse as well...

 

Calcutta Conquest 100 older model, a beast for throwing spinnerbaits. I have a certate and it's super nice but my 2500 fj has takin a beating and kept on ticking. 

35 minutes ago, BILLYsobx said:

I love my Curado 200DPV 5.0:1 ratio, I've been grinding in big crankbaits for ten years now with it and it is still as smooth as new. I service it once to twice a year.                                                    As far as spinning Shimano Saros 2500 and my Team Daiwa Lexa 2500 are neck and neck.. My old Team Daiwa Tierra 2500 is right behind though. It is a workhorse as well...

 

The d series were awesome reels! Mine are still smooth as well. Haven't really liked and shimano casting reels since.