Good morning folks,

   Newbie to the sport of bass fishing.  Long story short, I need to replace my baitcasting reel.  I originally purchased a combo, and I'm happy with the rod.  Now I'm in the market for a new reel, and I thought I would reach out for suggestions.  I would like to keep it at no more than $60-$70.  I found two on Amazon that seem like good choices given my budget:

 

I know Abu Garcia is a trusted name-

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011LV0Q96/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i1?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B011LV0Q96&pd_rd_r=c3bf1553-4963-11e8-a77e-4f4ee7533ebd&pd_rd_w=54AQQ&pd_rd_wg=PZ9fT&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=DQ8P3CDR506RCQ3FN9DY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=8f696f0a-3abd-4660-b9bd-1931764e0008&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

I don't know anything about KastKing, but this one has tons of excellent reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MAVO0M/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B010MAVO0M&pd_rd_r=c3bf1553-4963-11e8-a77e-4f4ee7533ebd&pd_rd_w=54AQQ&pd_rd_wg=PZ9fT&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=DQ8P3CDR506RCQ3FN9DY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=8f696f0a-3abd-4660-b9bd-1931764e0008&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

Respectfully,

Tim Cox

 

My first choice would be a Daiwa Fuego CT.  Can be found for about $57 on ebay.  TackleTour gave them the "Best Value" award.  Or keep an eye on the classifieds on different forums, and pick up a $120-$140 reel in excellent shape for that price ($60-$70).

 

EDIT: Used is often a good way to go.  There is currently a thread on another forum with 3 Tournament MBs for sale at $70...normally a $140 reel...but can sometimes be found around $110.  If you can increase your budget to $110, the same site has Patriarchs used 2-3 times at that price.  They are $200 reels and highly underrated by most.

KastKing has lots of fans on here, but I know nothing about the models.

 

How old is your combo?

 

I only ask as a way to have you consider bumping up your budget a bit.  There are folks who have had some luck with Abu Max reels lasting several seasons...but, I suspect that's the exception.  I think that if you can save a bit and push your budget for a reel closer to $100, you may find that you not only have a better performing reel, but one that is likely to last at least twice as long....lots of variables and differing experiences, but that is my opinion after having owned a variety of low and mid-ranged reels.

 

 

48 minutes ago, Tim Cox said:

 

I don't know anything about KastKing, but this one has tons of excellent reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010MAVO0M/ref=s9u_simh_gw_i2?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pd_rd_i=B010MAVO0M&pd_rd_r=c3bf1553-4963-11e8-a77e-4f4ee7533ebd&pd_rd_w=54AQQ&pd_rd_wg=PZ9fT&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=DQ8P3CDR506RCQ3FN9DY&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=8f696f0a-3abd-4660-b9bd-1931764e0008&pf_rd_i=desktop

 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

Respectfully,

Tim Cox

 

I would spend a little extra and upgrade to a Kastking Spartacus Plus, Stealth or better yet the Assassin. All of those reels are below $70 and are much better than the Royal Legend and the Abu reel.

 

My recommendation is to get the Kastking Assassin. It's a great reel for the money.

I'd second the Fuego Ct. 

I was in the same boat as you. After reading a lot of reviews on here and feedback across websites I went with the KastKing Assassin. I have not had a chance to use it just yet it arrived yesterday. *** has a reel that looks interesting the Origin A its 79.99 from there website. I have heard good things about there reels also. 

Third on the daiwa fuego

And a 4th on the Fuego!

Never used a KastKing, but i can speak on the Abu Garcia blackmax, great little reel for the price.